Kate Soper’s book is an excellent introduction to the philosophical concepts underpinning the economic vision of degrowth. Soper rejects the consumer capitalist conclusion that human wellbeing is directly linked to increased material goods. Rather she presents a compelling vision for living while respecting planetary boundaries, increases human well being and embraces degrowth as a necessary economic outlook. Soper rejects naturalist and tech utopian visions for tackling the climate crisis.

“Little or nothing is heard about the purpose of all our wealth production, and whether it really enhances well-being; little or nothing is said about what might be gained by pursuing a less work-driven and acquisitive way of life. On the contrary, governments and mainstream opposition parties have been happy to allow consumer culture to retain its hegemony over the imagery and representation of our well-being, and they continue to encourage us to spend more on it.”