Abstract: The impressive growth seen in the last two decades of ‘globalisation’ in countries like India has been predatory of nature and of already marginalised people. There are clear signs of ecological unsustainability and increasing inequities. A number of resistance movements are questioning the model of development and growth that they have been subjected to. Urgent steps are needed to forestall a rapid descent into socio-ecological chaos. There is a need for concrete alternatives to current policies and practices, and fundamental political reform towards a radical ecological democracy. Many solutions are already emerging from a range of grassroots movements and initiatives, as also from ongoing policy changes, but much more needs to be done. Such alternative paths would be based on fundamental principles of ecological sustainability, social equity, and universal food, water and livelihood security. Radical or direct political democracy, localised economic sufficiency, social justice, and a new culture of knowledge are indicated. A post-2015 sustainability framework can also be constructed based on such principles and ongoing initiatives.

This media entry was a contribution to the special session "Buen vivir and radical ecological democracy" at the 4th International Degrowth Conference in Leipzig in 2014.