*[Enwl-eng] Hopes of green growth wilting fast

[ENWL]

 

 

Can growth ever be green? A week ago today, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen fired the starting gun of the race to determine "who is going to be dominant" in the future clean-tech market. With an eye on Washington and Beijing, von der Leyen called on the EU to cut red tape for the continent's green industry and ease the processing and production of critical minerals that will be crucial for the continent's energy transition. Her speech bore all the hallmarks of a politician abiding by the notion of green growth. In fact, von der Leyen spoke of growth several times when evoking the bloc's climate strategy. However, the concept is increasingly being seen as an oxymoron in academia. Interviewing nearly 800 climate researchers, spanning disciplines from engineering and economics to natural sciences and environmental studies, Ivan Savin and Lewis King found that 73% were sceptical of the idea that we can grow our way out of the climate crisis. Instead, approaches such as "agrowth" (a focus on sustainability irrespective of GDP fluctuations) or "degrowth" (the theory that our climate goals can be reached only by shrinking our economies) are fast gaining traction. In addition, von der Leyen announced that Brussels will be launching an anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles (EV) imports from China, amid fears that their prices could be kept artificially low by generous state support. But is this really a good idea? Louise Curran, who has long studied EU-China trade relations, is not so sure. Many in the UK and in the country's Conservative party itself are also not so confident in Rishi Sunak's latest plans to backtrack on national climate goals. Looking at the history of carbon pricing policy, Marc Hudson explains how the British prime minister may be taking a leaf from the playbook of other right-wing politicians in the Anglosphere. Meanwhile, climate change continues to produce real victims. In Libya, the unusually fierce storm Daniel has caused fatal flooding, with the current death toll estimated at 11,300 and almost as many people reported missing. At this stage, you may be moved to contribute food items or blankets, but physical donations may end up burdening the local humanitarian network. Under such circumstances, cash remains the best way to help. In Sweden, welfare professionals are rebelling against plans to make them "snitch" on undocumented migrants. Doctors, social workers, dentists, and teachers have said that a planned law would force them to report on their patients, students or clients, and so violate fundamental professional ethics – some have even compared it to surveillance in the Soviet Union. With the bill affecting 1 million workers, Rebecca Selberg writes that protests could potentially bring down the country's far-righ government. We hope this newsletter hasn't caused you too much stress. If you did find yourself grinding your teeth while reading it, the good news is that the jaw movement against which your dentist might warn you can actually carry health benefits. Looking further to the bright side, the everyday tasks we are inclined to shirk – cleaning included – actually convey meaning to a surprising number of us. - Natalie Sauer, head of the English section for The Conversation France   Idea of green growth losing traction among climate policy researchers, survey of nearly 800 academics reveals According to a survey of almost 800 climate researchers, 73% are sceptical of the idea of green growth. Instead, approaches such as agrowth and degrowth are gaining ground. Was this email forwarded to you? Join the hundreds of thousands of people who subscribe to email newsletters from The Conversation. Subscribe now. Recap Professionals in Sweden are pushing back hard against a rightwing plan to make them snitch on undocumented migrants The EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles is a risky strategy that may backfire Libya floods: why cash is the best way to help get humanitarian aid to people affected by disasters   For the curious Why grinding might your teeth may not always be a bad thing Not everyone wants to delegate their chores to technology   Podcast Researchers are constantly pushing at the edges of human knowledge. In a global podcast from The Conversation, Dan Merino and Nehal El-Hadi get leading scientists and scholars to connect new discoveries with the biggest trends, ideas and issues of today. New episodes every Thursday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts. Recommended newsletters for you Global, best of the network, twice a week. Curated by the executive editors. Give it a go Imagine, deep dives in possible climate actions. Give it a go       The Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public. You are receiving this email because you have signed up to a weekly newsletter about Europe from The Conversation.    From: Natalie at The Conversation Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 2:02 PM Subject: Hopes of green growth wilting fast

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