On September 16, 2023, the inaugural debate "Degrowth or Super Abundance? In search of a sustainable future". The event was open to the public and was held as part of the Science Festival. The debate was opened by Professor Mariola Ciszewska Mlinarič - Dean of the College of Management. Then, Professor Dominika Wojtowicz introduced the assembled audience to the difference between degrowth and super-abundance and their potential impact on our future.
The first concept discussed at the conference was the economy of limited growth, or degrowth economy. This theory points to the need to reduce consumption and limit economic growth as key means of achieving a sustainable future. On the other hand, super-abundance theory suggests that resources are becoming more available and goods are becoming cheaper relative to wages. This theory points to the potential of technological innovation to solve environmental and social problems.
The debate became an arena for lively discussions between Professor Dominika Wojtowicz, Professor Jacek Tomkiewicz, UW Prof. Dr. Grzegorz Tchorek (UW), and Katarzyna Wojtkiewicz, PhD (SWPS).
Professor Jacek Tomkiewicz, Member of the Council of the Center "Energy for a new world", pointed out that "The private sector must have a positive rate of return on investment, so the economy must grow. It is an illusion to say that it can finance green investments without future economic growth. Growth is a prerequisite. (...) We are able to live without a third car, while social, demographic problems are impossible to solve without rapid economic growth."
Participants in the debate had the opportunity to ask questions and express their opinions on the future, the economy and the environment. In the end, the debate "Degrowth or Superabundance? In Search of a Sustainable Future" provided participants with insights into two differently conceived paths to a sustainable future.
