Publishers:
Degrowth Conference Leipzig 2014
Language:
English
Abstract: A growing body of literature is exploring the intertwined histories and current dynamics of global capitalism and global conservation. One of the major arguments in this literature is that the development of global conservation is directly related to the development of global capitalism, and thus to capitalism’s sine-qua-non, economic growth. This paper reviews these intertwined histories and dynamics in relation to contemporary debates on degrowth. If conservation is indeed tied to capitalism, and degrowth by definition means the end of capitalism, the argument is that this should have consequences for conservation. The paper asks what these consequences might be, and outlines a proposal for ‘convivial conservation’ or the potential role for conservation in a post-capitalist world.