About Evaluating our Growth-based Economic System Pathway

We are all aware that the world is facing several interconnected crises, or as the World Economic Forum termed it, "The Polycrisis". But how exactly did we get here? What does the future look like? Will we face global collapse? Join Gaya Herrington in this pathway, as she provides a holistic examination of our current economic system, rooted in perpetual growth. Gaya expands on the negative impact of this relentless growth pursuit. She first provides background to the research conducted by the Club of Rome in 1972 and the implications of their system dynamics model that predicted a ""collapse"" in the 21st century. She also explains how recent empirical findings align with the projections made by the Club of Rome. In doing so, she highlights the urgent need for systemic change to set us on a trajectory aligned with a stabilised world. Gaya also discusses the fears surrounding systemic change and the potential for societal progress and sustainable prosperity. Finally, she introduces alternative economic frameworks such as "well-being economics" and covers policies such as "degrowth" and "green growth".

In this pathway

Pathway experts

Gaya Herrington

15 years: Sustainable Economics

Gaya Herrington is a renowned environmental, social, behavioral, and economic researcher who focuses on the interplay between these trends and the necessary changes for global sustainability. She is a published author on the importance of recognising limits to growth and the potential for increasing global human and ecological well-being by shifting from perpetual growth to meeting human needs within planetary boundaries. She is currently Vice President Sustainability Research at Schneider Electric, the world's most sustainable corporation, and has held various positions, including sustainability consulting at KPMG and policy advisor to the Dutch government. She has given keynote speeches and guest lectures at various international conferences and is an advisor to the Club of Rome.