EPISODE SUMMARY
This episode features a thought-provoking conversation with Dennis Meadows, co-author of the seminal 1972 report Limits to Growth.
Meadows explores the consequences of humanity’s pursuit of infinite growth in a finite world and the urgent need to shift our focus from sustainability to resilience.
The discussion dives into the challenges of systemic change, including the societal and political resistance to acknowledging physical and planetary boundaries. Drawing from decades of research and observation, Meadows shares insights on adapting to a post-growth economy, fostering resilience at individual and community levels, and rethinking long-term goals in the face of ecological and societal constraints.
What do we talk about?
00:00 Introduction: the changing context for businesses
01:27 The origins and science of 1972’s Limits to Growth
10:39 Global reception over the decades
14:43 The ongoing resistance to the idea of limits to growth
19:23 Shifting focus from sustainability to resilience as the way forward
28:30 The implications of systemic decline and civilizational change
36:53 Changing perspectives and values
41:33 Guiding the next generation
Impact
The Limits to Growth (1972) is a pioneering report that used computer modeling to demonstrate the unsustainability of exponential economic and population growth in a world with finite resources, sparking global debates and influencing environmental reforms for decades.the report highlighted the urgent need for systemic change in resource utilization and remains a cornerstone of discussions on sustainability, resilience, and the future of human and planetary well-being.
“Sustainability, as we’ve defined it, is no longer an option. Now, it’s about resilience—about building systems that can adapt and survive in the face of inevitable shocks.”
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