Redefining Prosperity: The Imperative of a World Beyond GDP
Humanity has been entranced by the siren song of GDP* (Gross Domestic Product) in our pursuit of progress since the mid-19th century. Since then, our global narrative of success has been inextricably tied to this singular metric, where the relentless exploitation of fossil fuels has powered our economies and created an unprecedented, yet myopic, era of growth. Now it’s time for “Prosperity Tuned to Earth’s Rhythm©.”
However, this pursuit has come at a grave cost to the Earth’s natural systems, including our atmosphere. It’s time to challenge this narrative and envision a future where prosperity is not merely a reflection of economic output but a holistic measure of societal well-being.
Can you envision a society where progress is defined not by profit margins but by the enrichment of human life and the preservation of our planet?
“Prosperity Tuned to Earth’s Rhythm©” — slogan is Copyright Greg Twemlow
This is the critical question posed by Greenpeace in their groundbreaking publication, “Growing the Alternatives: Societies for a Future Beyond GDP.” The report serves as a clarion call to dismantle the archaic paradigm of neoliberalism and its fixation on GDP, which has systematically undervalued the essence of human happiness and ecological balance.
The publication articulates a stark reality: our obsession with economic growth has led us to environmental degradation and social inequality while neglecting the core elements of well-being. Paula Tejón Carbajal, the visionary behind Greenpeace’s Alternative Futures Campaign, asserts that the current adherence to capitalism is not a testament to its certainty but a reflection of a collective failure in imagination and ambition.
Greenpeace’s report is a critique and a repository of hope, presenting a tapestry of alternatives that prioritize people and the planet over profit and perpetual growth. It speaks of a world where wealth distribution is equitable, economies are circular, and nature is restored — a world where democracy is genuinely participatory and the common good reigns supreme.
In a global landscape scarred by inequality, ecological collapse, and a diminishing sense of hope, this report is a testament to the possibility of a different future. It showcases existing communities that embody these principles, proving that alternative pathways are viable and thriving. As Greenpeace aptly puts it, to forge a sustainable and equitable future, we must transcend the narrow confines of GDP and embrace a broader spectrum of metrics that genuinely capture well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability.
The Burden on Generation Z: Addressing the Fallout from GDP-Focused Growth
Generation Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, inherits a world profoundly shaped by the relentless pursuit of GDP growth. This generation is poised to confront the consequences of decades-long emphasis on economic expansion, often at the expense of environmental sustainability and social equity. They stand at the forefront of tackling climate change, a dire legacy of prioritizing fossil fuel-driven growth, which has led to unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
Furthermore, Generation Z faces the challenge of rectifying social disparities and economic inequalities exacerbated by a GDP-centric view of progress, which often overlooks the distribution of wealth and the well-being of all societal segments. As they navigate this complex landscape, Generation Z represents a beacon of hope and change, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. They are not just cleaning up a mess; they are redefining the notion of progress, championing sustainable development, and advocating for a world where economic systems align with ecological balance and social justice. Their role is not merely corrective but transformative, as they lay the groundwork for a future where prosperity is measured not just in economic terms but in the richness of human life and the health of our planet.
At this pivotal juncture, the message is clear: to chart new territories of human prosperity, we must be willing to tread unexplored paths. Let us draw inspiration from those communities that have dared to redefine growth, viewing it through the lenses of life and justice rather than mere economic gain. These are the stories, the theories, and the lived experiences that hold the promise of a world where true prosperity is a measure of our collective health, happiness, and harmony with nature.
“Prosperity Tuned to Earth’s Rhythm©” — slogan is Copyright Greg Twemlow
*The Origins of GDP Measurement
The concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a metric for gauging a nation’s economic performance has its roots in the early 20th century. It was not until the Great Depression and the aftermath of World War II that it gained prominence. Pioneered by the economist Simon Kuznets in the 1930s, GDP was initially designed to provide a clear picture of economic activity during unprecedented economic turmoil. It was intended to measure the total value of goods and services produced over a specific period, offering governments a tool to guide policy decisions. However, Kuznets himself cautioned against using GDP as a sole measure of a country’s well-being or success, noting that it does not account for the distribution of income among residents of a country, nor does it consider the depletion of natural resources. Despite these caveats, GDP became the cornerstone metric for economic progress, adopted globally as the standard yardstick for measuring the economic prowess of nations.
About the author: Greg Twemlow, Co-Founder of Future Skills Studio.
Greg Twemlow: Sharing what I’ve learned from my career of 35 years as a citizen of the world, parent, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and, since 2018, CEO of Future Skills Studio, focused on experiential learning programs for young people.
