Perspectives Dialogue Series | “Degrowth vs. green growth: can capitalism solve climate change?”
The Perspectives Dialogue Series is a flagship public forum of the Columbia Climate School, created to elevate rigorous, solutions-oriented conversations on climate questions that do not have easy answers. Each Dialogue brings together leading voices with distinct perspectives for a respectful, substantive exchange that advances understanding, sharpens the questions, and invites the community into open discourse.
This installment examines a defining discussion in climate economics and policy. Some argue that meeting climate goals requires reducing overall consumption and shrinking parts of the economy. Others contend that technological innovation, new business models, and market-based approaches can drive rapid decarbonization while improving prosperity and equity. The conversation will test underlying assumptions about capitalism, growth, feasibility, and justice and explore what credible pathways forward could look like.
Moderated by Alexis Abramson, Dean of the Columbia Climate School
Opening remarks by Marguerite Holloway, Professor, Columbia Journalism School, Director of Science and Enviormental Journalism
Program
5:00 p.m. Welcome and refreshments
6:00 p.m. Program begins with opening remarks, followed by a moderated dialogue
7:00 p.m. Program concludes
Panelist:
Kate Aronoff, Staff Writer, The New Republic
Aniket Shah, Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability and Transition Strategy, Jefferies
Archana Shah, Portfolio Manager, Redwheel Sustainable Emerging Markets Equity Strategy, and Head of Sustainability, Redwheel Emerging and Frontier Markets team
Chris Van de Voorde, Founder, JUUNOO, and Founder, Circular Value Institute