Degrowth - an idea without global balance

Germany is rediscovering the criticism of growth. Under the buzzword “degrowth”, the conscious renunciation of constant economic growth has been increasingly discussed since 2023. The focus is on sustainability, climate protection and resource conservation. What is considered ecological progress in theory threatens to become an economic dead end in practice - especially for a country whose prosperity has been based on industrial value creation for decades.

Steel, chemicals, mechanical and plant engineering, the automotive industry - they all form the backbone of the German economy. These industries secure hundreds of thousands of jobs, export earnings and technological innovation. Anyone who talks about a “fair reduction in production and consumption” in this country must face up to the global reality: Degrowth only works if everyone joins in. And that is exactly what is not happening.

While Europe is discussing doing without and shrinking, countries such as China, India and the USA are investing massively in industry, energy and raw materials. Under these conditions, unilateral dismantling in the name of sustainability means nothing other than weakening one's own location. Energy-intensive industries are already under pressure today - due to high costs, regulation and political uncertainty. A deliberate reduction in economic activity would accelerate this trend - with incalculable consequences for employment, research and security of supply.

The degrowth idea overlooks the fact that ecological transformation cannot succeed without an economic basis. Climate protection requires investment, technology and competitiveness. Anyone who questions growth across the board is jeopardizing the very resources that make sustainable change possible in the first place.

Germany should therefore not talk about shrinking, but about efficiency, the circular economy and technological leadership. After all, a country that focuses on doing without while others expand is not a role model - it is disempowering itself.

Photo: marketSTEEL