LTP 2026.2 - John Mulrow
"Degrowth: A Just Transition to a Smaller Global Economy"
Degrowth is an intentional downscaling of the global economy, meant to support both ecological sustainability and social justice goals. In previous reports by the Degrowth Institute (DGI) we have detailed why and how the economy has outgrown the planet. It is not just carbon emissions, or wasteful consumption, or some specific sector of the economy that threatens planetary health, it's the pursuit of endless economic growth writ large. This presentation will introduce the work of DGI and present key insights from our work promoting economic downscaling as a path toward true sustainability.
Speaker Bio:
John Mulrow is the founder and Executive Director of the Degrowth Institute (DGI) and an Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. His academic research focuses on improving environmental assessment by accounting for social outcomes and biophysical limits to economic growth. This work ties directly into the degrowth movement - the call for a just transition to a smaller economy - which DGI supports by developing thought leadership and helping facilitate conversation and build movement around these ideas. Based in Chicago, John has spent his career at the intersection of systems thinking and on-the-ground climate action, from urban farming and disaster response to carbon footprinting and corporate consulting.
Lost The Plot:
Lost The Plot is a monthly seminar series - virtual and free - that talks about the systemic issues of climate change. Open to all but targeted at professionals working in climate and sustainability who want to more deeply connect with climate - which often is quite absent from our careers - and examine what it is We are all doing (and NOT doing) to address this generation-defining challenge. We seek to dispel the technooptimist standpoint inherent to the broader effort today, and instead look critically at the sociopolitical systems that have prohibited stronger and more meaningful action to date. Each month a different speaker will lead a unique discussion, come for one or all, and view whichever you miss on YouTube after. Learn more at www.lost-the-plot.com .