Ideas I find interesting:

  • The pursuit of growth is an extremely new preoccupation, which became dominant starting from the mid-20th century due to factors like World War II and the Cold War

Ideas agree with:  

  • Growth has improved living standards in many parts of the world by driving increased productivity and wealth creation.
  • The obsession with growth has come with significant externalities, such as environmental degradation and rising inequality

Ideas I disagree with:  

  • The statement “infinite growth is not possible on a finite planet” is flawed because it assumes that growth is purely about increasing the consumption of physical resources. Instead, growth can also come from technological innovation, knowledge, and services, which do not necessarily rely on finite natural resources.
  • Reducing growth is not a practical solution for global challenges like poverty and inequality as economic contraction would likely reduce resources available for social programs, innovation, and improving living standards

Ideas I agree with, but I consider very hard to implement:

  • We should reform growth by making it more sustainable and equitable. How? Technological innovation and policy reforms can drive green and inclusive growth, helping tackle environmental and social issues without sacrificing prosperity.

A summary of the book can be found here https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2024/09/we-must-change-the-nature-of-growth-daniel-susskind?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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Published by Dr. Wael Mohamed Aaminou

Witnessing the 2008 financial crisis unfold in the United States was a defining moment in my career. This experience led me to transition towards ethical finance, which prioritizes the real economy, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. This journey has since taken me across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where I have contributed to shaping financial ecosystems across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, healthcare, and water. These diverse experiences have taught me that development challenges are complex and require a holistic approach, especially when resources are constrained. I have also learned that prioritizing key issues, particularly climate change, is essential. Climate change impacts nearly every sustainability perspective, making it a focal point of my work. In my current work, I leverage my expertise to confront climate challenges and drive the growth of green and inclusive economies, particularly within emerging markets.

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