Beyond the Fix Podcast
Beyond the Fix - the Podcast by Critical Scientists Switzerland
The belief that science and technology can fix all our problems is widespread - but is it justified? The Beyond the Fix podcast offers a deep dive into commonly proposed fixes to the challenges we face today in areas such as climate, energy, economics, agriculture, food and human health. Our host Thomas Kobel talks to scientists, policy-makers, and practitioners about thought-provoking perspectives that will not leave your view of promised solutions untouched. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or here.
01/JULIA STEINBERGER on Fixing the Economy with ‘Green Growth’?
In this episode, we look at ‘green growth’, the idea that the problems of our current economy can be solved with green technologies while continuing to grow the economy. Our guest, Prof. Dr. Julia Steinberger, Professor of Ecological Economics at the University of Lausanne, talks about the differences between ecological and environmental economics, and more generally about the problems with dominant economics.
We explore the problems with the idea that growth can be sustained if only technologies change, discuss issues of decoupling or the rebound effect, and ultimately the need to address the neoliberal strategies behind many current policies. Julia explains alternative economic perspectives such as degrowth and postgrowth, which are based on actual human needs and planetary boundaries. She talks about one of her key research projects, 'Living Well Within Limits', which demonstrates the viability of such a needs-based and well-being-centred perspective, and the implications for transformative pathways beyond green growth.
Listen to the episode on your favourite player.