Ecology

The 21st century presents a fascinating paradox: never before in its history has humanity reached such an advanced and refined level of technological development, but never has it come so close to the ecological precipice and global collapse. If this contradiction is to be overcome, political ecology must focus on two priorities: the relocalisation of the economy and the democracy of self-limitation.

Can Croatia’s entry to the European Union create an opportunity to change the country’s economic and ecological paradigms? That potential exists, but will only succeed if new political alliances are created that bring together a broad range of social movements.

A problem cannot be solved using the same thought that created it.

A relationship with, not against, nature should be one of the core principles of ‘green growth’.

The reasons for staying in the EU are clear: the Union is good for the environment and good for business, despite what the Tories may claim.

There is potential for organic agriculture in the Western Balkans.

The German Greens won the premiership of the German land (region) of Baden-Württemberg in 2011, giving them a unique opportunity to implement green policies across a range of areas. For food and agriculture, this meant an ambitious strategy based on high ecological quality standards, versus the industrialisation of our natural resources.

A focus on food production and protecting biodiversity should not be at the expense of a third key function of the countryside, access to it by the people.

The vital connection between economics and a healthy ecosystem is still not understood by mainstream economists and financial theorists – what will it take?

Responding to the third edition of the GEJ, ‘Beyond Growth/Degrowth’, this piece looks at the ecological movement’s relationship with modernity and science, and considers what implications this debate has for the Swedish Greens.