Questioning “Growthism” goes mainstream
7 05 2008Economics writer Ross Gittins discusses the arguments against a narrow focus on GDP growth as a marker of progress in today’s Sydney Morning Herald.
Drawing mainly upon comments from unorthodox economist Clive Hamilton, the article goes on to quote the current leaders of Australia’s and the UK’s conservative parties, who appear to have some sympathy for such a position (although Brendan Nelson’s sentiments have likely changed with time).
We’ve come a long way. Can the mania for growth be reigned in?
When growth turns into a monster
Ross Gittins
The one thing people like me aren’t allowed to do is question economic growth. To almost all economists, business people and politicians, the need to maximise the growth of the economy is a self-evident truth.
Read the rest here.
Yes, I felt a flicker of hope when I read that article too … and then, for the first time I also heard of someone other than me (in Australia) calling for the speed limit to be reduced … a 20% speed reduction on highways means a 20% reduction in emissions …. perhaps as oil gets closer to $200 a barrel it won’t seem like such a mad idea any more.
G’day Lis,
I guess I’m a little surprised. Surely the relationship between speed and fuel usage can’t be linear. i.e. does a halving of speed = halving of C02 emissions.? If this is true, I need to seriously take my foot off the accelerator!
I’m soon to decide on my family’s vehicles as we are moving interstate - thinking about smart fortwo for me and a Prius for the missus (and as family car), but still thinking.