The pursuit of economic growth has long been a cornerstone of policy-making, yet mounting evidence suggests that in high-income countries, continuous GDP expansion may not be environmentally sustainable, socially beneficial, or even economically feasible. In their review published in The Lancet Planetary Health, Giorgos Kallis, Jason Hickel, Daniel W. O’Neill, and colleagues explore the emerging field of post-growth research, which advocates shifting the focus from GDP growth to human wellbeing within planetary boundaries.
The review examines key advances, including ecological macroeconomic models that envision stable economies without growth, policies that reduce economic dependency on growth, and provisioning systems that enhance wellbeing while curbing resource use. Despite significant progress, challenges remain—particularly in addressing the political dimensions of transitioning to post-growth societies and rethinking Global North-South relations. As ecological crises intensify, this research provides critical insights into creating sustainable, equitable economic systems that prioritize human and planetary health over endless expansion.