Overview

How do we manage to transition to a more sustainable world without the collapse of the economy? Capitalism has brought about many positive things. At the same time, however, it is ruining the climate and the environment, so that humanity’s very existence is now at risk. ‘Green growth’ is supposed to be the saviour, but economics expert and bestselling author Ulrike Herrmann disagrees. In this book, she explains in a clear and razor-sharp manner why we need ‘green shrinkage’ instead. Greenhouse gases are increasing dramatically and unchecked. This failure is no coincidence, because the climate crisis goes to the heart of capitalism. Prosperity and growth are only possible if technology is used and energy is utilised. Unfortunately, however, green energy from the sun and wind will never be enough to fuel global growth. The industrialised countries must therefore bid farewell to capitalism and strive for a circular economy in which only what can be recycled is consumed. Herrmann makes a convincing argument that we won’t get anywhere without personal restrictions and government planning. Her example for a solution is the British war economy of the 1940s. This is not a utopian scenario, but a comprehensive example of the restrictions and government-led plans needed now and in the future.

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9781915590930

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'Ulrike Herrmann writes straightforwardly and with a great deal of expertise. This makes it clear once again how great a challenge climate change poses for us.’ -- Claas Christophersen * NDR Kultur * ‘Herrmann's book is worth reading and sets a counterpoint to all those who may overestimate the technological possibilities of climate protection.’ -- Katja Scherer * Deutschlandfunk * ‘The clever book … by Ulrike Herrmann says that we should slowly forget about eternal growth and prepare ourselves for gradual renunciation.’ * rbb Inforadio *

‘A provocative argument for ending capitalism before capitalism ends us.’ -- Jeff Sparrow, author of <em>Crimes Against Nature</em> ‘Ulrike Herrmann writes straightforwardly and with a great deal of expertise. This makes it clear once again how great a challenge climate change poses for us.’ -- Claas Christophersen * NDR Kultur * ‘Herrmann’s book is worth reading and sets a counterpoint to all those who may overestimate the technological possibilities of climate protection.’ -- Katja Scherer * Deutschlandfunk * ‘This clever book … by Ulrike Herrmann says that we should slowly forget about eternal growth and prepare ourselves for gradual renunciation.’ * rbb Inforadio *

Author Information

Ulrike Herrmann was born in Hamburg in 1964. She trained as a banker and later as a journalist, and majored in philosophy and history. Since 2000 she has been an economics editor at the left-alternative national daily Die Tageszeitung, in Berlin. A member of the Greens, she appears regularly on German TV and radio, and often gives talks on economic topics at companies, foundations, institutes, and universities. She has previously published four books, which all became bestsellers in Germany. David Shaw works as a journalist for Germany’s international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, as well as translating from several languages, including German, Dutch, Russian, and French. He lives in Berlin.

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