Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE) . . .

[OneBlueSky]

we're at a time in our history when we're going to have to learn to manage economic contraction rather than continue to hope for infinite growth in a finite world . . . we Americans will have to stop consuming our thoroughly inequitable share of the planet's resources and learn to live something less than the proverbial "American dream" lifestyle -- which is greedy, wasteful, and unsustainable . . .

Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE)

http://steadystate.org/

CASSE is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to advocating a sustainable economy with stabilized population and consumption. This economy is called a "steady state economy."

Why does CASSE exist?

Slowly but surely, economic growth has become a primary threat to our national security, the environment, and future generations. For some visitors, this might seem heretical, but visit our Resources page and expect a paradigm shift. Economic growth was a blessing for much of American history, but now it is causing more problems - dire problems - than it solves. Yet economic growth remains the highest priority in the domestic policy arena! Our students and citizens are continually told that there is no limit to economic growth, in defiance of ecological principles and basic physics.

Why is Economic Growth a Threat?

Economic growth is an increase in the production and consumption of goods and services. It entails increasing population, per capita consumption, or both. Economic growth leaves a larger ecological fooprint, causing civil strife and bringing nations into conflict.

Can technological progress alleviate the threat of economic growth? Technological progress requires research and development,a major expenditure that entails economic growth at current levels of technology. In theory, technological progress could reduce the ecological footprint, but not when it is simply used for more economic growth.

Laws of physics, principles of ecology, and our own common sense tell us that nothing grows forever. Economic sustainability, national security, and international stability require the establishment of a steady state economy with stabilized population and per capita consumption. In a steady state economy, society focuses on goals more noble than economic growth.

http://steadystate.org/

disclaimer: I have no affiliation with CASSE . . . I just find their approach refreshing -- and, quite possibly, inevitable . . .

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Extremely interesting. However, I'm doubtful that people will recognize the

threat.

[The2ndWheel]

2. Good luck with that

A steady state means no progress. Try to sell that.

Like it says in your quote, this thing is a runaway train. If we were to stop now, billions would die. We can't do that voluntarily. We will grow until the limits of existence stop us. We already hate nature because we die, and when we hit the wall and can't push it into the future, we can hate it all the more.