Lídia Pereira of the European People’s Party (EPP) opened with just such a compelling argument. She underscored the importance of addressing the climate crisis without falling into the theory of degrowth. Her comments were a direct rejoinder to economist Timothée Parrique’s influential proposals. To counter the environmental crisis, he promotes degrowth as the way forward.
To help build clean technologies, Pereira pointed to the billions of dollars in subsidies from both China and the United States. She pointedly focused on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that former Pres. Joe Biden championed. This act has led to historic investments in electric vehicle technology and other green technology. According to Pereira, Europe must enhance its efforts to achieve “strategic autonomy in clean technologies” to remain competitive on a global scale.
Degrowth is an academic theory that has gained popularity since the 1970s. This Moving Forward debate calls into question America’s blind commitment to growth at any costs. Parrique was surprised that so many viewed this idea as radical. He argues that it is a “scientific reality” we need to face in order to address climate change in an impactful way. Running counter to the House climate skeptics, he stressed the need to act. Action on the climate crisis is far cheaper than inaction. He really pushed the policymakers in the room to reconsider their approaches.
During the forum, Parrique expressed forthright opposition to growth-oriented policies. He cautioned that these policies would bring about “enormous disadvantages” in the long run. He stated, “I can tell you with confidence wealth is not trickling down and pollution is not trickling out.” His comments highlighted the need for a major paradigm shift in the way we think about our economies and their relationship to the environment.
Parrique doesn’t just study degrowth; he’s a strong proponent of the concept. Pereira contends that Europe must show leadership by example, fulfilling its own climate commitments while increasing competitiveness in the process. She stated, “If we want to find solutions, we have to find solutions with the moderates,” suggesting a collaborative approach to environmental policy.
Pereira’s call for action is a timely reminder that the international momentum behind climate change action is stalling. The recent withdrawal of the United States from the Paris climate agreement by former President Donald Trump further complicates global cooperation on climate initiatives.
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