GrowthBusters
Humankind has outgrown the planet, so we explore ways to recover from growth addiction. We dig into the more fascinating and hard-hitting aspects of public policy and the joy of living sustainably. It’s all about ending our culture’s love affair with “more,” which is not making us happier and is killing our planet. No half-hearted greenwashing here; we share the brutal and joyful truth! Co-host Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Learn more about the film at www.growthbustersmovie.org. Co-host Stephanie Gardner earned a masters degree in environmental law and policy, and has expertise and experience in sustainable energy.
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85: Election 2024 – Stephanie Attempts to Talk Dave Off the Ledge
11/11/2024
85: Election 2024 – Stephanie Attempts to Talk Dave Off the Ledge
Dave and Stephanie dig into what caused voters to ignore Donald Trump’s felony convictions, indecency, incompetence, narcissism, and dishonesty – and elect him president. This includes a review of the 50-year war waged by the mega-rich and corporations to undermine civility, compassion, equity and rule of law, to elevate the free enterprise system, rob the working class and enrich themselves. The Lewis Powell Memo kicked this into high gear 50 years ago. They also propose theories about why Dave’s campaign for president failed in its mission to alert the public, media and policymakers to the ecological overshoot emergency. Clips: Desi Lydic on The Daily Show on Comedy Central and Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC. Mentioned in this episode: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, Chris Hedges, Thom Hartmann, William Kristol, Andrew Egger, Dan Lashoff of World Resources Institute, American Petroleum Institute, Guttmacher Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Hoover Institution, Cato Institute, Heritage Foundation, Mercatus Center, Warren Beatty, Jane Fonda, Terry Spahr, John McCain, Reagan, Bush, Grist. We invite your feedback, including thoughts about the recent election, and promise to share some of your comments on the next episode. Call and leave a voice message (which we may play on that episode) by dialing +1-719-402-1400. Or send an email to podcast at growthbusters dot org. LINKS: Desi Lydic Reacts to Trump's Election Win & the Media's Blame Game | The Daily Show Jimmy Kimmel Reacts to Donald Trump Winning the Presidential Election Strong Economy Begins With Shrinking Workforce - Episode 84 of the GrowthBusters podcast Dave the Planet – Dave’s campaign Substack column I’m Withdrawing from the Race for U.S. President - Episode 21 of the Dave the Planet podcast Welcome to Overshoot: Have a Nice Day – episode of the Conversation Earth podcast Trump Wins, Planet Loses – by Tik Root on Grist If Trump Wins, Is It Game Over? – by David Todd McCarty on Medium The Billionaires Won: The 50-Year War on Democracy That Built Trump's Oligarchy and Killed the American Dream – by Thom Hartmann The Lewis Powell Memo: A Corporate Blueprint to Dominate Democracy Tentacles of Rage: The Republican Propaganda Mill, a Brief History – by Lewis Lapham Dave the Planet Substack column Dave Gardner for President Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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84: Strong Economy Begins With Shrinking Workforce
02/12/2024
84: Strong Economy Begins With Shrinking Workforce
A new study debunks depopulation panic. For decades economists have perpetuated the false narrative, “If population growth reverses and begins to decline, the economy is doomed.” This belief has so frequently been repeated by economists, politicians, business people and the public, that it is generally taken as gospel. Psychologists have characterized the phenomenon as the illusory-truth effect, or believing something to be true if it’s repeated often enough, even if it is false. For the first time in modern history, a handful of countries are witnessing actual population declines. The data is now available to separate reality from what has heretofore been baseless theory. An October 2023 study conducted by Professors Theodore Lianos, Anastasia Pseiridis and Nicholas Tsounis, published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications and featured on examined volumes of economic data of twenty countries experiencing population declines. To their surprise, virtually every country with a contracting population enjoyed reduced unemployment, increased wages, and a larger real GDP per capita! Guest-host Terry Spahr, Executive Director of , speaks with the study’s authors to illuminate their findings that dispel the firmly entrenched false notion that endless growth is the only path to economic salvation. Guests: Theodore Lianos Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business Anastasia PseiridisAssistant Professor of Economics, Department of Economics and Regional DevelopmentPanteion University Regular co-hosts Dave Gardner and Stephanie Gardner are taking a break from the podcast while Dave runs for U.S. President this year. If you would like to guest-host a podcast, email us with details of the episode you would like to produce and host. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Declining Population and GDP Growth Summary published at The Overpopulation Project Earth Overshoot Dave Gardner's Campaign Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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83: We Roasted Elon Musk, Raising the Curiosity of Thousands
11/16/2023
83: We Roasted Elon Musk, Raising the Curiosity of Thousands
We made it VERY clear that Musk’s worries about population collapse are ill-founded, and that attracted thousands more listeners than usual to our podcast. How did that happen? What kind of comments did we get? Find out in this episode. And get important truths about overshoot and overpopulation. Plus, learn how we’ll give YOU the mic for an episode of the GrowthBusters podcast. We explain the long wait for this episode, and share our offer to listeners to “adopt” a future episode to discuss an aspect of limits to growth important to you. If you do want to guest-host an episode, . Include a paragraph or two about you, and a paragraph or two about your proposed topic, guest, approach, etc. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Eight Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation (Episode 73 of the GrowthBusters podcast) This episode on YouTube (so you can read the comments) Paul Ehrlich on The Limits to Growth (Episode 70 of the GrowthBusters podcast) GrowthBusters Podcast YouTube channel Dave the Planet 2024 (Dave Gardner’s campaign for U.S. President) GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – Dave’s 2011 documentary, now available free on YouTube Episode graphic includes a photo of Elon Musk by Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0 <>, via Wikimedia Commons. We turned him on his side and added the fire. Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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82: Governor Whitmer Unveils Ponzi Population Policy
07/14/2023
82: Governor Whitmer Unveils Ponzi Population Policy
The Michigan Governor is apparently unaware that the world, the U.S. and even Michigan are overpopulated. Michigan population has been growing a little too slowly for her taste, so Whitmer has appointed a Chief Growth Officer and formed the Growing Michigan Together Council. Not surprisingly, her bottom line is to “spur economic growth.” In an episode you should share with YOUR governor, you’ll get the details and find out why this news puts “a bee in Dave’s bonnet,” plus news about some outstanding new studies, a wonderful commentary in Newsweek, a crazy podcast you’ll like, and a possible candidate for U.S. President. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: A Just World on a Safe Planet: First Study Quantifying Earth System Boundaries Gov. Whitmer Appoints Michigan’s First-Ever Chief Growth Officer (news release) Gov. Whitmer Establishes the ‘Growing Michigan Together Council’ to Focus on Population Growth, Building a Brighter Future for Michigan (news release) Gretchen Whitmer Keynote Address at Mackinac Policy Conference Arizona Announces Limits on Construction in Phoenix Area as Groundwater Disappears Mass Immigration Experiment Gives Canada an Edge in Global Race For Labor Saying Out Loud What Others Won't Even Whisper About Climate Change – by Kirsten Stade Population Growth is the Main Driver of Increased Carbon Emissions, Study Finds Crazy Town podcast – Post Carbon Institute Learn more about possible presidential campaign Shop and Sell Your Clothes Sustainably With These 13 Buyback and Resale Programs Recycle or Purchase Used Levi’s Jeans Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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81 Overpopulation Think Tank – Part 2
06/07/2023
81 Overpopulation Think Tank – Part 2
Are many vegans self-righteous, overbearing and insufferable in their efforts to recruit us? Would you believe “overpopulation” is still a taboo word? Or that human population numbers are still an “off-limits” topic at some conferences? This episode continues the conversation we began in episode 79 with five smart people: Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance Sarah Bexell, director of humane education at the Institute for Human Animal Connection at University of Denver Paul Sutton, professor of geography & the environment at DU Stephanie Gardner, co-host of the GrowthBusters podcast Dave Gardner, co-host of the GrowthBusters podcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Population Balance Population Denialism is Reminiscent of Climate Denialism - by Kirsten Stade Pro-Birth Policies Are Killing Us – by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade Pronatalism & Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child (Course at Antioch University taught by Nandita Bajaj) Backpedalling on Overpopulation – by Rory Cockshaw Trains, Plants and Condoms: How to Save the Planet in 3 Simple Steps – by Rory Cockshaw Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World – by Anand Giridharadas The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market – by Dr. Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway How Free-Market Fundamentalism Fuels Overpopulation Denialism & Undermines Democracy – Episode of The Overpopulation Podcast with Naomi Oreskes President Condemns ‘Obsession’ With Economic Growth Irish President Michael D Higgins speaks out against growth Welcome To MAGA World: Trump Wants 'Freedom Cities' Where Cars Can Fly, Parents Get 'BONUSES' for Having Babies and Huge Monuments are Built to 'True American Heroes' in 'Quantum Leap' Vision for the Future Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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80 How Do We Get Out of This Mess? University Students Brainstorm
05/22/2023
80 How Do We Get Out of This Mess? University Students Brainstorm
Students in a DU ecological economics class discuss their biggest concerns and how our society might overcome them. Overshoot, polarization, the American Dream, politics, selfish individualism, and the capitalism growth imperative are among the topics explored – as GrowthBuster Dave Gardner sits down with leaders of tomorrow. Dave is joined by Professor Paul Sutton at the University of Denver and students Lilia Davis, Julia Gainey, Cassienne Levan, Nathan Cox, Mikey Ford, Geordie Shonk, Elsa Krantz, and Alexandra Van de Water. Surprisingly, all the students seem to have a clear picture of how deadly serious our overshoot predicament is, but - just as surprisingly - optimism wasn’t found wanting. MENTIONED: GrowthBusters Campus Tour https://www.growthbusters.org/campus-tour/ What Do College Students Think Their Future Holds? – Episode 65 of the GrowthBusters podcast https://www.growthbusters.org/college-students-think/ Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction – Episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast https://www.growthbusters.org/overshoot-worlds-best-introduction/ G7 Clean Energy Economy Action Plan - May 20, 2023 Statement https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/20/g7-clean-energy-economy-action-plan/
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79 Overpopulation Think Tank – Part 1
04/25/2023
79 Overpopulation Think Tank – Part 1
Five thought leaders break the silence on the role of human overpopulation in ecological overshoot –with an informed, engaging conversation about the subject. This is what intelligent discourse sounds like. For thirty years, many people – some well-intentioned – have been trying to silence discourse about human overpopulation. One of our goals on the GrowthBusters podcast is to break that silence, and this episode does that well by bringing together three great thinkers – actually five, educators and crusaders on the subject. The occasion was a visit to Colorado by Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance and co-host of The Overpopulation Podcast. Nandita designed & teaches the first graduate course on Pronatalism & Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child at the Institute for Humane Education at Antioch University. As a bonus, we were joined by her hosts from the University of Denver, Paul Sutton and Sarah Bexell. Sarah leads DU’s Center for Sustainability and teaches at the Institute for Humane Education. Paul is Professor in the Department. of Geography & the Environment, and teaches geographic statistics, population geography, and ecological economics. The conversation covers a lot of ground – pronatalism, animal rights, human rights, and collaboration. LINKS: Pronatalism & Overpopulation: The Personal, Cultural, and Global Implications of Having a Child -Nandita’s course at Antioch University https://www.populationbalance.org/pronatalism-and-overpopulation-course Abortion Bans Are a Natural Outgrowth of Coercive Pronatalism – by Nandita Bajaj, in Ms. magazine Dismissal of “Population Alarmism” is Rooted in Pronatalist Ideology – by Nandita Bajaj Challenging Pronatalism Is Key to Advancing Reproductive Rights and a Sustainable Population – by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade Coercive Pro-Birth Policies Have Devastating Impacts on People and the Planet – in Newsweek, by Nandita Bajaj and Kirsten Stade Population Balance The Overpopulation Podcast Countdown - by Alan Weisman Mechai Viraveidya Overpopulation Facts - The Problem No One Will Discuss - Alexandra Paul’s TedX talk Population Media Center The Green Growth Delusion – 1st installment of new series, Green Tinted Glasses – by Christopher Ketcham MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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78 Discussing Overpopulation: Let's Clear the Minefield
03/30/2023
78 Discussing Overpopulation: Let's Clear the Minefield
Why do discussions of overpopulation often elicit emotional responses of fear, anger, or indignation? Are anger and indignation what prevents productive discussion of population? These responses in a graduate college class provide an opportunity to explore how we might pave the way for productive conversations. Our guest in this episode, Professor Christopher Bystroff of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute wonders whether a “global therapy session” could end what he describes as a “global, sullen silence.” We need intelligent discourse on the subject, but too often it is being shut down. Open, honest, and factual discussion of the human overpopulation crisis can put an end to the myths, misassumptions and misinformation that cloud the subject. Spoiler alert: we don’t find a fast-acting, magic solution, but Dave does come up with one good idea – “a pill that makes men more mature.” MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Chris Bystroff Footprints to Singularity: A Global Population Model Explains Late 20th Century Slow-Down and Predicts Peak Within Ten Years – by Chris Bystroff Don’t Reduce Your Footprint! – by Mathis Wackernagel You Deserve the Truth About Overpopulation – by Dave Gardner (in our Ending Overshoot Medium publication) I’m Thankful Smart People are Telling the Truth Ending Overshoot – publication on Medium Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction – episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast Jimmy Kimmel for Vice President Recommended by Tom in Listener Feedback: Fossil Fuel Fascism The Fossil Fuel Industry is a Factory of Fairy Tales, Says Activist and School Strike for Climate Organizer Luisa Neubauer The Last Tourist Al Bartlett Growth and Sustainability Lecture October 27, 2013 Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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77 Fact-Checking News of China’s “Demographic Crisis”
02/11/2023
77 Fact-Checking News of China’s “Demographic Crisis”
The news that China’s massive population dropped by nearly a million people last year was almost universally reported as a “crisis.” In this episode we unpack the news coverage and take journalists to task for completely overlooking the fact that, in an overpopulated world, population contraction should be greeted with a collective sigh of relief. The population news was accompanied by an announcement that China’s economy grew by only three percent, less than half the previous year’s 8.1 percent. This, too, was reported as bad news for China. Of course, obsession with GDP growth is what’s driving China’s recently-found determination to convince its citizens to start birthing more laborers. And globally the GDP growth fetish is killing the planet. Dave explains how China’s efforts to keep its population growing are an effort to perpetuate a Ponzi scheme, and this is not the behavior of a good global citizen. “We need to make one-child families the norm, for the next hundred years, if we want those children to have any shot at a decent life.” We give special attention to the reporting of Steve Inskeep on NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as Geoff Bennett of PBS NewsHour. These journalists should have a much more comprehensive understanding of limits to growth and the unsustainability of perpetual economic and population growth. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: China’s Population Can Still Prosper - by Catherine Bowen and Vegard Skirbekk Mainstream Media Blindness to China’s Depopulation Dividend - by Jon Austen, in our Ending Overshoot publication on Medium 0 Now Here’s What We Call an Eco-Superhero - Episode 76 of the GrowthBusters podcast Join the GrowthBusters online community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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76 Now Here's What We Call an Eco-Superhero
01/15/2023
76 Now Here's What We Call an Eco-Superhero
Getting take-out in your own reusable container, recycling bubble-wrap properly, and getting arrested – it’s all in a day’s work for an eco-superhero. Stephanie and Dave learn about climate activism with Extinction Rebellion, sharing quirky sustainability life hacks on social media, and the joy of a 58-hour train trip – from Stephanie’s former co-worker and friend, James Comiskey. Find out... why James is angry and thinks he has a right to be if #AmtrakLife should be your new favorite hashtag why Steve Bannon wears three shirts at one time why Dave proposes we organize a conference for journalists (spoiler, we can’t resist: to “deprogram” the pro-growth bias that’s been instilled in them) LINKS: Before the Flood – documentary James Comiskey on Instagram Avoiding Air Travel and Going by Train Reusable Take-Out The One About Bubblewrap List of Multiple Discoveries (from John’s email about invetntions) Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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75 A Vasectomy Could Save Herschel Walker a Lot of Money
12/28/2022
75 A Vasectomy Could Save Herschel Walker a Lot of Money
More men are stepping up and taking responsibility for avoiding unplanned parenthood. Dave celebrates this trend as he shares GrowthBusters plans for the new year in this special year-end mini-episode. A typical vasectomy takes about ten minutes. It’s much less invasive, and less expensive, than the equivalent procedure for women. GrowthBusting highlights for next year: continues into its second year, developing resources and providing support for sustainability activists. now has 8 impressive speakers to virtually enter your classroom, campus event, conference, workshop, seminar, symposium, forum, colloquium, service club, church or community group meeting. The continues. We depend on your financial support to keep these important initiatives humming. Please make a one-time or recurring donation at Mentioned in this Episode: Fewer Abortions, More Vasectomies: Why the Procedure May Be Getting More Popular Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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74 Bleak Friday, 8 Billion Post-Mortem and Damage Done by Guilt
12/01/2022
74 Bleak Friday, 8 Billion Post-Mortem and Damage Done by Guilt
Examining news coverage and commentaries about human population passing 8 billion on November 15, we unpack the reasons far too many of us avoid discourse about human overpopulation. Why are we tap-dancing around the very dialogue needed so people around the world can make informed, responsible family-size decisions? We conclude the guilt many feel about their privilege is actually hurting those who don’t share our fortune. Also, find out why Black Friday was really bleak, and how TV networks refused to run Buy Nothing Day commercials. Plus, should Dave get over his obsession with phantom power and wall warts? And, how do you approach the occupant of an idling vehicle and educate them about wasting gas and needlessly polluting – without getting shot? LINKS: GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – the documentary (see it free) World Population Hits 8 Billion: What Do People on the Street Think? – our YouTube video 8 Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation – Episode 73 of GrowthBusters podcast Child-Free by Choice: The Birth Rate Crisis Gripping the West - by Rosa Silverman in the UK Telegraph World Population At 8 Billion Humans -- And Still Growing – AFP story by Amélie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS 8 Billion People: A Milestone by the Numbers – by Jennifer Sciubba at Population Reference Bureau Earth at 8 Billion: Consumption Not Crowd is Key to Climate – AP story by Seth Borenstein The Human Eco-Predicament: Overshoot and the Population Conundrum – by William Rees in the Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2023 Bending the Curve - by Chris Tucker Global Population About to Hit 8 Billion - by William Ryerson (Population Media Center) and Kathleen Mogelgaard (Population Institute) 8 Billion Day Facts and Myths: A Guide to the 8 Billion Global Population Milestone on 15 November – by Sustainable Population Australia Crisis Point: The World at 8 Billion People - Fact Sheet from Population Matters Has the Population Bomb Exploded? - by Julian Cribb Buy Nothing Day TV commercial produced by Adbusters in 1999 Internet Spreads Word as Networks Shun Adverts for Buy Nothing Day Herman Daly commemorative sampler from CASSE Economic Heresy – Herman Daly on the Conversation Earth radio series/podcast I’m Thankful Smart People Are Telling the Truth: Economic and Population Growth Need to End ASAP – by Dave Gardner at Medium NYC Anti-Idling Law Turns Into Huge Payday ($125K for One Man) for Citizens Who Report Idle Threat – 2012 documentary 19-minute free version MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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73 Eight Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation
11/09/2022
73 Eight Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation
While Elon Musk erroneously claims population collapse is our biggest worry, world population is hitting 8 billion, adding the latest billion faster than any time in history. The UN has declared world population will surpass 8 billion on November 15, 2022. We persist in adding about 80 million people to the planet every year, despite overwhelming evidence we’ve outgrown our planet. Christopher Tucker, author of A Planet of 3 Billion: Mapping Humanity’s Long History of Ecological Destruction and Finding Our Way to a Resilient Future, joins Dave in a conversation intended to help cure the rampant overshoot illiteracy resulting from misguided silence on the subject. This illiteracy is demonstrated as Dave shares his new YouTube video (link below) about the 8 billion milestone. Tucker shares his disappointment in United Nations messaging around World Population Day (July 11) and the 8 billion milestone, and Dave turns his criticism up to eleven. He makes this important point about the silence on overshoot and overpopulation: If responsible people don’t talk about these issues, irresponsible people will – and they’ll spread disinformation and perpetuate the negative attitudes we want to avoid. The conversation also turns to coercive pronatalism, a topic that may be new to some listeners. It’s surprisingly pervasive. LINKS: 8 Billion is Too Many: Don’t be a Twit About Overpopulation - by Dave Gardner on Medium(we’ll post this link here later today) World Population Hits 8 Billion: What Do People on the Street Think? - new YouTube video by Dave Gardner New Rule: Let the Population Collapse - Bill Maher A Planet of 3 Billion: Mapping Humanity’s Long History of Ecological Destruction and Finding Our Way to a Resilient Future - by Christopher Tucker Bending the Curve by 2030: On the Path to a Population Safe Harbour - by Christopher Tucker We Know How Many People the Earth Can Support – by Christopher TuckerJournal of Population and Sustainability December 2020 How Many People Can the Earth Sustain? - The Stream on Al Jazeerah English 10/27/22 Sustain What: How Many Billions Can a Heating, Pandemic-Wrapped Planet Support? - A Sustain What chat hosted by Earth Institute’s Andrew Revkin (new book debunking aging and other depopulation fears) Dismissal of “Population Alarmism” is Rooted in Pronatalist Ideology - by Nandita Bajaj GrowthBusters Online Community GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - 2011 documentary by Dave Gardner Global Footprint Network - data on biocapacity, ecological footprint and overshoot Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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72 Upping Our Game Alerting the World to Limits to Growth: New Online Community
10/05/2022
72 Upping Our Game Alerting the World to Limits to Growth: New Online Community
World population may peak this decade and start dropping, over 60% of Coloradans are fed up with the negative consequences of growth of their communities, a new online community and resource for sustainability advocates, Elon Musk keeps populating our conversations, and should Dave run for president of the U.S.? Stephanie and Dave sit down with professors Paul Sutton and Chris Bystroff for a conversation that includes an update on Chris’ contraceptive vaccine and Paul’s COP26 experience. We announce the launch of a new GrowthBusters online community for sustainability advocates. If you want to bring a speaker like Paul Sutton, Chris Bystroff or Dave Gardner to your campus, you can find out how to contact Nicole, our staffer who’s coordinating the GrowthBusters Campus Tour and the new online community. Stephanie shares a bit about greening her recent wedding, and Dave has shocking news about the carbon footprint of feeding dogs and cats (at least their typical diet). LINKS: Running Out of Gas - Episode 26 of the GrowthBusters podcast World Leaders COP Out - Episode 62 of the GrowthBusters podcast Footprints to Singularity: A Global Population Model Explains Late 20th Century Slow-Down and Predicts Peak Within Ten Years - by Chris Bystroff GrowthBusters Campus Tour New GrowthBusters Online Community Colorado Voters Worry State Becoming Too Crowded Planet in Crisis podcast Ecological Economics with Prof Tim Jackson: Scientists Warning into Action COP26 Press Conference - Episode 25 of Planet in Crisis podcast Video of the above How to Have a Green Wedding - episode 25 of the GowthBusters podcast Sarah’s Wildlife Friendly Wedding - episode 47 of the GowthBusters podcast The Truth About Cats' and Dogs' Environmental Impact GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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71 World Population Day 2022: We’re Overpopulated. Pass It On.
07/09/2022
71 World Population Day 2022: We’re Overpopulated. Pass It On.
As we approach the 8 billion population milestone, activist/author Valorie Allen thinks it’s high time we stop avoiding the overpopulation subject. Yet here we are, on World Population Day 2022, and the UN is still beating around the bush, journalists rarely report on the subject (and when they do, it's usually with a pro-growth bias), and most environmental groups run and hide from it. Allen believes that we can bend the long-rising population curve soon and begin the needed contraction. But we must stop avoiding the subject, and we need to make a project of it. As we observe World Population Day 2022, we share this insightful conversation with Valorie Allen, author of the new book, 8 Billion Reasons Population Matters: The Defining Issue of the 21st Century. This is a rich and comprehensive encyclopedia of history, information, opinion and inspiration. After this conversation, Stephanie and Dave review recent “GrowthBusting News,” including new insanity from Elon Musk, outrageous ideas for overconsumption on hyperdrive, a new paper by Paul and Anne Ehrlich, and sad words of wisdom from actor Jeff Goldblum. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: UNFPA World Population Day 2022 Statement UN Secretary-General's World Population Day Statement 8 Billion Reasons Population Matters - new book by Valorie Allen Surviving the 21st Century - by Julian Cribb Population in Sync - Valorie Allen’s websitehttps://populationinsync.net/ Paul Ehrlich on Limits to Growth - Episode 70 of the GrowthBusters podcast Leaked Amazon Memo Warns the Company is Running Out of People to Hire Elon Musk Breaks Silence on Birth of Secret Twins with 'Overpopulation' Joke Elon Musk is Wrong: We Need Smaller Families Climate Damage Caused by Growing Space Tourism Needs Urgent Mitigation Nuclear-Powered Sky Hotel Let Them Eat Fermented Protein - Review of Monbiot book, Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet Returning to “Normal”? Evolutionary Roots of the Human Prospect - by Paul and Anne Ehrlich Your Kids Are Not Doomed - uninformed column by Ezra Klein Current Policies Will Bring ‘Catastrophic’ Climate Breakdown, Warn Former UN Leaders For 50 Years, Governments Have Failed to Act on Climate Change. No More Excuses - by Christiana Figueres, Yvo de Boer and Michael Zammit Cutajar Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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70 Paul Ehrlich on The Limits to Growth
06/01/2022
70 Paul Ehrlich on The Limits to Growth
Biologist Paul Ehrlich reflects on the 1972 MIT study, The Limits to Growth, on its 50th anniversary – including the fact that it has been refuted (poorly), ignored, and confirmed. The study was done by a team of scientists commissioned by the Club of Rome to develop a computer model to simulate the interaction of earth and human systems. It revealed that continuation of the then-current trends in population, industrialization, resource use and pollution would result in overshooting the carrying capacity of the Earth and result in a general collapse at some point in the first half of the 21st century. The study results were published in the 1972 book, The Limits to Growth, which holds the record as the top-selling environmental book. The book was authored by four system dynamics scientists (Donella Meadows, Dennis Meadows, Jørgen Randers, and William Behrens III). Gaya Herrington, whose 2020 analysis of The Limits to Growth was published in Yale’s Journal of Industrial Ecology, described the study and book aptly: “the authors identified society’s relentless pursuit of growth not as the solution to, but the cause of, so many of the environmental and social crises that plague humanity still today.” “....what is it about Homo sapiens that leads us to the limits as a moth to a flame. Why don’t we stop? Why should we? Can we?” – Brian Czech, Executive Director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy Read The Limits to Growth: Online Read, but includes scans of pages and downloadable charts High Quality Scan Mentioned in Our Discussion of The Limits to Growth: Limits to Growth 50th Anniversary Events - on Club of Rome website UN Event June 2-3: Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity View live on the web: The Stockholm+50 Conference: What You Need to Know and Why It Matters Take this survey before June 2: June 10 seminar: Limits to Growth +50: Can Economies Keep Growing Indefinitely on a Finite Planet? Organized by: Norwegian University of Life Sciences The Limits to Growth at 50: From Scenarios to Unfolding Reality - by Richard Heinberg Limits and Beyond (New book April 2022 from the Club of Rome, a collection of essays) Nate Hagens interviews Dennis Meadows in his podcast, The Great Simplification. Dennis Meadows on the 50th Anniversary of the Publication of The Limits to Growth - interview by Richard Heinberg Is Global Collapse Imminent? – by Graham Turner (2014) The Limits to Growth “standard run” (or business-as-usual, BAU) scenario produced in 1972 aligns well with historical data that has been updated in this paper Update to Limits to Growth: Comparing the World3 Model with Empirical Data - by Gaya Herrington Come On! Capitalism, Short-termism, Population and the Destruction of the Planet - by Anders Wijkman and Ersnt Von Weizscker and with contributions from more than 30 members of the Club of Rome What a 50-year-old World Model Tells Us About a Way Forward Today - by Gaya Herrington, now vice president of ESG Research at Schneider Electric and member of The Club of Rome’s Transformational Economics Commission In this episode, we also discuss these “growthbusting news” items: Walk Or Cycle Instead of Driving, Urges Ford Boss New flight of fancy for billionaires – the Air Yacht Back From a Touring Hiatus, Coldplay Pledges to Make Performances More Sustainable The European Environmental Bureau has launched a campaign calling on the EU to refocus from GDP Growth to Wellbeing Campaign Page: The 25% Revolution - film GrowthBusters Called Me Extreme, So I Responded - episode of This Sustainable Life podcast by Joshua Spodek Mobilising Humanity Film Premier at COP26 - Ed Gemmel described his nightmare in this episode of the Planet in Crisis podcast from Scientists Warning Europe Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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69 Chickens are Coming Home to Roost
05/11/2022
69 Chickens are Coming Home to Roost
While nary a week goes by that we don’t get a new report of the destruction we’re wreaking on our home planet, the news has been particularly bad over the last few weeks. Plus: Bill Maher, usually praised by us for speaking the truth, needs to get there on the benefits of a shrinking economy. We devote half of this episode to the news, and half to our swelling file of listener feedback. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Population Decline is Part of the Solution - YouTube video (by GrowthBusters) Paul Ehrlich, Unfiltered – Episode 68 of the GrowthBusters podcast GrowthBusters Campus Tour 8 Billion Angels – documentary produced by Terry Spahr Can Living a 1.5 Degree Lifestyle Make a Difference? - Episode 66 of the GrowthBusters podcast, with Lloyd Alter Obsessive-Compulsive’s Guide to Cutting Your Carbon Footprint - Episode 67 of the GrowthBusters podcast, with Lloyd Alter This Sustainable Life podcast with Josh Spodek (Mike Nickerson) Life, Money & Illusion: Living on Earth as If We Want to Stay – by Mike Nickerson More Fun, Less Stuff- Episode 55 of the GrowthBusters podcast, with Mike Nickerson Al Bartlett’s Laws Relating to Sustainability Where Lawns Are Outlawed (and Dug Up, and Carted Away) As Climate Fears Mount, Some in U.S. Are Deciding to Relocate Chronic Land Degradation: UN Offers Stark Warnings and Practical Remedies in Global Land Outlook 2 Humanity Entering ‘Spiral of Self-Destruction’, UN Warns Latest IPCC Report Skips Population Growth in Summary for Policymakers, but Highlights it in Full Report and Technical Summary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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68 Paul Ehrlich, Unfiltered (Special Earth Day Episode)
04/19/2022
68 Paul Ehrlich, Unfiltered (Special Earth Day Episode)
A reprise of Paul Ehrlich’s candid conversation with us on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, in April of 2020. We discuss the COVID pandemic, overpopulation, The Population Bomb (including an amusing mistake on the cover), dinner with Johnny Carson, the deficits of our university system, the climate crisis, and human civilization’s prospects (“I'm very pessimistic about the future but very optimistic about what we could do”). Dr. Paul Ehrlich is most famous for co-writing The Population Bomb (1968). He is Bing Professor of Population Studies, Emeritus at Stanford University, and founded the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: GrowthBusters Campus Tour EarthX EarthxTV The Population Bomb by Anne and Paul Ehrlich Nov/Dec 2019 Sierra Magazine BOOKS MENTIONED (by Paul Ehrlich): Rattlesnake Under His Hat by Sam Hurst The Wisest One in the Room – by Thomas Gilovich and Lee Ross by Paul Ehrlich by Paul R. Ehrlich, John P. Holdren and Anne H. Ehrlich Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: +1-719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at See the film, GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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67 Obsessive-Compulsive’s Guide to Cutting Your Carbon Footprint
03/30/2022
67 Obsessive-Compulsive’s Guide to Cutting Your Carbon Footprint
Chickens, Tomatoes and Cars: The Wonky Numbers Behind Your Carbon Footprint We NEED to be obsessed with shrinking our footprint, and Lloyd Alter did the research, the spreadsheet, and the book to help us all do our part. Did you know you can cut your carbon footprint from food in half? In a continuation of last episode’s conversation, Lloyd Alter, author of Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle: Why Individual Climate Action Matters More than Ever, shares what matters most from what he learned while shrinking his annual carbon footprint to meet the carbon budget allowed to meet 1.5°C goals. Don’t Miss: Stephanie makes a shocking confession about her 2019 lifestyle and carbon footprint. And Lloyd raised quite a stir with this tweet: “I was shocked when I e-biked past the gas station, the price is twice as high as when I last filled the car two years ago.” Some of the Revelations: Tomatoes have an unusually large carbon footprint. Eating food in season tastes better! He introduces us to the term “climatarian” - a person who chooses what to eat according to what is least harmful to the environment. We engage in “portion distortion” – we put too much on the plate and either eat too much or toss the excess The delivery of a take-out order emits twice the carbon of producing that food. Embodied energy or carbon, or upfront carbon emissions, are a big part of our consumption footprint We’d be well-served to focus on “sufficiency.” What is enough? What do you need? MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle – by Lloyd Alter TreeHugger – one of the world’s leading sustainability information websites Take the Jump - Less consuming but more creativity, care, comedy, camaraderie, contentment, craft, connection, celebration, culture and community. Lettuce is Stupid Pilot project and spreadsheet Hot or Cool Institute Global Footprint Network ecological footprint calculator Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: +1-719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at See the film, GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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66 Can Living a 1.5 Degree Lifestyle Make a Difference?
03/09/2022
66 Can Living a 1.5 Degree Lifestyle Make a Difference?
Should we be sitting around eating burgers and driving pickup trucks, and just wait for the system change needed to live sustainably on this planet? We attempt here to put to rest the tired and misdirected debate about whether individual footprint-shrinking action is a distraction that slows needed systemic change, and whether it's worth doing. Joining us in this conversation is Lloyd Alter, former managing editor of Treehugger, and author of a fairly new book, Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle – by Lloyd Alter TreeHugger – one of the world’s leading sustainability information websites Lifestyle Carbon Footprints and Changes in Lifestyles to Limit Global Warming To 1.5 °C Simplicity Institute Elizabeth Warren on Major Industry Emissions - September 2019 Presidential Debate Just 100 Companies Responsible for 71% of Global Emissions, Study Says – UK Guardian Jevons Paradox The JUMP Is a Movement Challenging Consumers to Live for Joy, Not Stuff – by Lloyd Alter Take the Jump - Less consuming but more creativity, care, comedy, camaraderie, contentment, craft, connection, celebration, culture and community. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Still Matters – Slate IPCC Issues ‘Bleakest Warning Yet’ on Impacts of Climate Breakdown – UK Guardian Managing Without Growth – by Peter Victor Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: +1-719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at See the film, GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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65 What Do College Students Think Their Future Holds?
02/16/2022
65 What Do College Students Think Their Future Holds?
OK, boomers, we blew it. Our best hope is that younger generations are aware and smart enough to save the planet. What do they know, and what are their planet-saving intentions? We went straight to the source, and sat down with a University of Denver Ecological Economics class to get their perspective. This conversation explores awareness and solutions – for inequity, poverty, hunger, and overconsumption, but mainly for the climate crisis and overshoot. A very big thanks to Professor Paul Sutton and the members of his Ecological Economics class: Angie Cody Tim Uma Baysal Taynah Fernandes Matt Gartland Christian Giles Katie Johnson KJ Jumper Melissa Kreppein Juanlin Lin Zein Massoud Ava Moin Katherine Sweeney Gui Zeng MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Engagement/Outreach Part-Time Position Open at GrowthBusters Climate Anxiety in Children and Young People and Their Beliefs About Government Responses to Climate Change: A Global Survey World Leaders COP Out - Episode 62 of the GrowthBusters podcast Keeping Human Rights in Family Planning Policy as Depopulation Fears Mount – by Sam Sellers Is Parenthood an Entitlement? - Episode 64 of the GrowthBusters podcast The Causes and Consequences of Depopulation - Conference YouTube Playlist of conference When Baby Well Runs Dry Will Rotterdam Make Way for Jeff Bezos, Lord of the Seas? Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: +1-719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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64 Is Parenthood an Entitlement?
01/26/2022
64 Is Parenthood an Entitlement?
Get married, buy a house, raise a family. For many of us, that’s the expected life trajectory. Are we entitled to meet that expectation? If many follow the typical trajectory, including having two or more children, then we drive human civilization right off a cliff. On an overpopulated planet, does society have an obligation to make parenthood possible, practical, convenient, and/or affordable to all? Public policy on the table in the U.S. today is designed to make it easier for couples to have children. Ethicist Philip Cafaro joins us to discuss the motivations behind these policies and the moral questions about whether people are “entitled” to have children on an overpopulated planet. In this episode, we hear some unenlightened statements about U.S. population from U.S. Senator Mitt Romney, including inviting listeners to conclude U.S. population is declining (it is not), and a healthy dose of depopulation panic. Cafaro is professor of philosophy at Colorado State University and an affiliated faculty member of CSU’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability. He’s also written a couple of books about human overpopulation, and he is co-founder of The Overpopulation Project. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Overpopulation Project Just Population Policies for an Overpopulated World - by Philip Cafaro Climate Ethics and Population Policy - by Philip Cafaro Climate Ethics and Population Policy: A Review of Recent Philosophical Work - by Philip Cafaro Toward a Small Family Ethic: How Overpopulation and Climate Change Are Affecting the Morality of Procreation – by Travis Rieder Moral Basis for Small Families: Travis Rieder - Episode #206 of Conversation Earth Public Policy Brakes on Procreation? Travis Rieder - Episode #207 of Conversation Earth One Child: Do We Have a Right to More – by Sarah Conly Stuck in Traffic? Head to Mars - Episode 63 of GrowthBusters podcast 8 Billion Angels – documentary film Earth Overshoot Sustainable Population Australia Time’s 2021 Person of the Year Elon Musk Is So Wrong – by Simon Cole Power: Limits and Prospects for Human Survival – by Richard Heinberg Ice Shelf Holding Back Antarctica’s ‘Doomsday Glacier’, Is Fracturing And ‘Won’t Last Long’, Scientists Warn Human Consciousness – by Robert Bolman This Sustainable Life podcast – by Joshua Spodek Don't Call Doof Food: Systemic Change Begins with Personal Change – Joshua Spodek TEDx Talk GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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63 Stuck in Traffic? Head to Mars
12/28/2021
63 Stuck in Traffic? Head to Mars
“If people don’t have more children, civilization is going to crumble,” according to Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” – Elon Musk. He is, of course, dead wrong. We briefly explore that in this episode, and offer our take on Musk’s stone-age solutions to traffic congestion. We also share thoughts about several growthbusting news items: Recent Arctic and Antarctic Research News Smart Perspective on Falling Birth Rates News (in India) Buzzkill Condoms Google Displays Emissions Info Systemic vs. Individual Climate Solutions A Black Box to Record Demise of Human Civilization Give Us Feedback: Record a voice message for us to play on the podcast: 719-402-1400 Send an email to podcast at growthbusters.org The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: World Leaders COP Out – Episode 62 of GrowthBusters See How the Antarctic Is Signaling Major Climate Disruption Arctic Report Card: What More Rain and Less Snow in the Region Means for the Rest of the World Population Slowdown is Triumph of India’s People Time Magazine Person of the Year – Elon Musk Tesla CEO Elon Musk in an Interview with WSJ’s Joanna Stern at the CEO Council Summit Elon Musk is Wrong: We Need Smaller Families – By Olivia Nater 1 in 4 Childless Adults Say Climate Change Has Factored into Their Reproductive Decisions – Morning Consult Poll in September of 2021 Colbert: Don't Want to Bring a Child into This World? Try Trojan Buzzkill Condoms Make a Year-End Gift to the GrowthBusters Project Google Flights to Display Emissions Next to Every Single Flight Colbert: Is Systemic Climate Action Possible Earth is Getting a Black Box to Record Our Climate Change Actions, and it's Already Started Listening GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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62 World Leaders COP Out
12/06/2021
62 World Leaders COP Out
The climate pact achieved at COP26 was woefully inadequate. We could be in for over four degrees Fahrenheit of warming this century over pre-industrial temperatures, and some scenarios would put us closer to eight degrees. In this episode, Paul Sutton shares his observations from Glasgow, and we get assessments from a few other noted experts. Policymakers are not willing to embrace any climate actions that give up economic growth, but economic growth virtually guarantees climate disaster. The bottom line: only drastic policy and behavior changes will avoid a very bleak future. Sutton is a Professor in the Department of Geography & the Environment at the University of Denver. He served as an official delegate for the American Association of Geographers (AAG) at the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow in early November of 2021. He is not speaking for the AAG in this episode. One interesting class Paul teaches is Envisioning Utopia Through the Lens of a Wellbeing Economy. Also: recommended reading, and the new movie, Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The Titanic cartoon in this episode’s graphic was created for the GrowthBusters project by artist/writer Stephanie McMillan. The GrowthBusters theme song was written and produced by Jake Fader and sung by Carlos Jones. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Running Out of Gas – Episode 26 of the GrowthBusters podcast, with Paul Sutton and James Ward GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube The Limits to Growth Planet of the Humans documentary More Fun, Less Stuff – Episode 55 of the GrowthBusters podcast, with Mike Nickerson COP26: If We Don't Know Where We’re Going, We Will End Up Someplace Else – by Paul Sutton Bankers Took Over the Climate Change Summit. That’s Bad for Democracy Soylent Green – trailer; see the movie on YouTube, AppleTV, Vudu and elsewhere The Powell Memorandum The Powell Memo and links to many essays about it The Powell Memo – a critical book excerpt about the memo https://billmoyers.com/content/the-powell-memo-a-call-to-arms-for-corporations/ A Finer Future – by L. Hunter Lovins, Stewart Wallis, Anders Wijkman, and John Fullerton Quick Take from Katharine Hayhoe of The Nature Conservancy Planet in Crisis podcast from Scientists Warning Europe World Scientists’ Warnings into Action, Local to Global – New paper from Scientists Warning Europe Shared Socioeconomic Pathways Prosperity Without Growth – by Tim Jackson COP26 demonstrations – photos by Paul Sutton Rebelling Against Black Friday Consumerism – Episode 61 of the GrowthBusters podcast So Kind Gift Registry Make a Year-End Gift to the GrowthBusters project RECOMMENDED READING: Insist that Public Policy Respects the Rights of Children and Women – by Dave Gardner Ending Overshoot – a publication on Medium edited by Dave Gardner and Jem Randles Welcome to Gilead: How Population Fears Drive Women's Rights Abuses – new report from Population Matters To Breed or Not to Breed – by Alex Williams in the New York Times The End of Growth: Ten Years After – by Richard Heinberg Climate Change with 8 Billion Humans - by Joseph Chamie Why Renewable Energy isn’t the Only Answer in our Climate Emergency - by Julie Peconi, also from Scientists Warning Europe On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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61 Rebelling Against Black Friday Consumerism
11/17/2021
61 Rebelling Against Black Friday Consumerism
We generate 23% more waste during December than other months of the year, but more than three in four Americans wish the holidays were less materialistic. Our retail and consumer culture have gotten out of hand over holiday gift-giving. 9 in 10 believe holidays should be more about family and caring for others than about giving and receiving gifts. It’s too easy to hit Amazon or just grab something off the shelf at a store. Non-material gifts require more thought, so they are valued more by the recipients. The Center for Biological Diversity’s Kelley Dennings joins us to share what she’s learned about dematerializing and greening up the holidays. Just like “paper or plastic,” does the question of natural or artificial Christmas tree haunt you? She also points us to resources her team has created to help you do a holiday reset (see links below). They include helpful ways to introduce new non-material holiday traditions in your family. We hope this episode inspires you. We also discuss the successful crowdfunding campaign to make our documentary, GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth free from now on (see links below). MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Simplify the Holidays Gift guides and other green holiday info SoKind alternative gift registry Simplify the Holidays Through Waste Reduction – Webinar What Would Jesus Buy? (2007 documentary) GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth – free on YouTube Overshoot: World’s Best Introduction - Episode 57 of the GrowthBusters podcast GrowthBusters Black Friday Trailer (2018) GrowthBusters Crowdfunding Campaign (It’s still active!) Ending Overshoot – a publication on Medium On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host, and self-described "energy nerd," Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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60 Populating and Plundering the Universe
10/27/2021
60 Populating and Plundering the Universe
We’re running out of booty on planet Earth, so billionaires are racing to mine and populate the rest of the universe. In this follow-up to our Billionaires in Space episode, we examine and applaud points made by economist Tim Jackson in his recent essay, Billionaire Space Race: The Ultimate Symbol of Capitalism’s Flawed Obsession with Growth. We also share an update on the crowdfunding campaign to make the documentary, GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth free, as of its 10th anniversary on November 3, 2021. We are very close to making our goal. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Billionaires in Space - Episode 58 of the GrowthBusters podcast Make the GrowthBusters Movie Free - Crowdfunding Campaign Dark Optimism – Episode 13 of the Planet in Crisis podcast Billionaire Space Race: The Ultimate Symbol of Capitalism’s Flawed Obsession with Growth – by Tim Jackson Soylent Green – 1967 Feature Motion Picture starring Charlton Heston On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Co-host Stephanie Gardner has degrees in Environmental Studies and Environmental Law & Policy. Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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59 Too Much of a Good Thing: Richard Heinberg
10/12/2021
59 Too Much of a Good Thing: Richard Heinberg
“Once a species becomes powerful enough to take over a planet, then is it also intelligent enough to understand the limits to its own power?” This is a question posed in the new book, Power: Limits and Prospects for Human Survival. Author Richard Heinberg is a Senior Fellow at Post Carbon Institute and author of 13 books, including Power Down, The Party’s Over, and The End of Growth. Richard shares what his research has revealed about humankind’s cultivation of power, including how we abuse it and how that now threatens our very existence. “The sheer power of the Superorganism is staggering. Each year, it cuts and uses up to seven billion trees; it excavates 24 million metric tons of copper and nine billion short tons of coal; and it produces (and brews and drinks) one billion tons of coffee. In order to mine resources and construct buildings and highways, it moves up to 80 billion tons of soil and rock — over twice the amount moved by all natural forces such as rivers, glaciers, ocean, and wind. The Superorganism is taking control of Earth, and the Anthropocene is its era of dominance.” We discuss the importance of trust in the possible scenario that doesn’t drive us right off a cliff. The book is an effort to shift the conversation, to shift our culture – from one seeking and worshipping materialism, consumerism and more and more economic and population growth, to one that values beauty and self-limitation. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Power: Limits and Prospects for Human Survival - by Richard Heinberg Make the GrowthBusters Movie Free Museletter – monthly newsletter by Richard Heinberg Richard Heinberg’s website On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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58 Billionaires in Space
08/22/2021
58 Billionaires in Space
Are Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and Elon Musk doing civilization a favor and advancing science? Are they preparing to colonize space like the Borg in Star Trek: The Next Generation? Or are they seeking status and boosting their egos – AND their carbon footprints – with expensive toys? July was a big month for space travel, with two billionaires blasting into space. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic sold seats and launched space tourists into near space and promised many repeat performances. Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans manned Earth orbits before the year ends. Most of us tend to believe in science and support government funding of scientific advancement. But if we’re in a climate emergency, should we put non-essential, carbon-intensive research projects on hold in order to implement every possible CO2 emissions cut? In this episode, environmentalist Stephanie Gardner joins host Dave Gardner to explore the questions these flights raise. They also examine the carbon footprints of lifestyles of the rich and famous. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: How to Have a Green Wedding – Episode 25 of the GrowthBusters podcast Sarah’s Wildlife-Friendly Wedding – Episode 47 of the GrowthBusters podcast Population Decline is Part of the Solution (2008 YouTube video featuring Stephanie Gardner) RELEVANT LINKS: Billionaire Space Race – by Tim Jackson As Bezos Completes Blue Origin Mission, Many Ask What’s the Climate-Change Impact? Space Flight for Fun: Billionaire Egotism Trumps Sustainability – by Steve Banker The Surprising Carbon Footprint of Space Travel – by John Armstrong Where is Starman? Track Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster in Space! The Environmental Impact of Emissions from Space Launches: A Comprehensive Review (May, 2020 in Journal of Cleaner Production, by Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research) An Increase in Rocket Launches Could Have a Significant Environmental Impact How Much CO2 Did Bezos’ Rocket Ride Release? Close to Zero (Politifacts factcheck by The Poynter Institute) Where the Space Industry is Grounded – by Andrew Beattie (published by the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and the Biosphere) Private Planes, Mansions and Superyachts: What Gives Billionaires Like Musk and Abramovich Such a Massive Carbon Footprint Environmental Concerns Grow Among Scientists as Space Tourism Lifts Off Why Space Flights’ Green Credentials Don’t Fly (opinion column in Financial Times) How Bad is Space Tourism for The Environment? And Other Space Travel Questions, Answered Forbes Billionaires List Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List Jeff Bezos' $400 Million Flying Fox Yacht Carbon Emissions of Richest 1 Percent More Than Double the Emissions of the Poorest Half of Humanity On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program from our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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57 Overshoot: World's Best Introduction
07/28/2021
57 Overshoot: World's Best Introduction
Everything your friends, family, colleagues, journalists and elected representatives need to know about Earth Overshoot Day. Every other week, another scientific report is added to the stack of evidence human civilization has outgrown the planet. What are we doing about it? Earth Overshoot Day is the point in time during the year at which we’ve already burned through the renewable resources it takes the Earth a year to regenerate. Earth Overshoot Day in 2021 is July 29. Global Footprint Network continuously analyzes UN data and satellite imagery to estimate the planet’s capacity to meet our needs (biocapacity), and humankind’s footprint - or demand (ecological footprint) - on that capacity. According to their analysis, we’re demanding almost twice what the planet can sustainably provide. In the U.S. and a few other nations, we’re engaged in 5-planet living (U.S. Overshoot Day was March 14). Every year as Earth Overshoot Day approaches, we dedicate an episode of the GrowthBusters podcast to playing an audio documentary we produced in 2019. Welcome to Overshoot: Have a Nice Day explores overshoot’s causes, effects, and possible solutions, as well as some of the barriers to solving the problem. LINKS: Earth Overshoot Day The Limits to Growth Conversation Earth - Radio Series/Podcast Reported by: Dave Gardner Interviews: William Catton, author of Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change Brian Czech, author of Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution, and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy Herman Daly, author of Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development Paul Ehrlich, Stanford Biologist, author of The Population Bomb Kerryn Higgs, author of Collision Course: Endless Growth on a Finite Planet Ian Johnson, former World Bank vice president, former secretary general of Club of Rome Bill McKibben, environmental journalist, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?, co-founder of 350.org. Dennis Meadows, lead scientist, The Limits to Growth Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics: 7 Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist William Rees, co-originator of ecological footprint analysis Bill Ryerson, President of Population Media Center and Chair of Population Institute Juliet Schor, Professor of Sociology at Boston University and author of Plenitude: The New Economics of True Wealth John Seager, CEO of Population Connection Gus Speth, former chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality Mathis Wackernagel, founder of Global Footprint Network and co-author of Ecological Footprint: Managing Our Biocapacity Budget Rex Weyler, environmental journalist On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program for our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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56 Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Green New Deal
07/09/2021
56 Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Green New Deal
What do the Green New Deal, Santa Claus and the tooth fairy have in common? Find out as we talk with the founder of The REAL New Green Deal Project. Megan Seibert thinks we’re being sold a fantasy – that we can run our current, materialistic, growth-obsessed economy forever on solar and wind (what she calls “faux renewables”). “It’s not about what we want..., it’s about what is possible. And what is possible is defined by ecological limits.” She advises we need to “engineer a planned, intelligent descent.” It may be painful, but you don’t want to miss this conversation. LINKS: The REAL Green New Deal Project U.S. House resolution calling for a New Green Deal https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109/text A 100 Trillion Dollar Storytelling Campaign – introduction and links to The Manufacturing of Greta Thunberg – for Consent https://www.wrongkindofgreen.org/2019/10/06/a-100-trillion-dollar-storytelling-campaign/ World Population Day July 11 Webinar : What is a sustainable population? Why, when and what should we do about it? RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-is-a-sustainable-population-how-when-and-why-to-get-there-tickets-161244718293 On the GrowthBusters podcast, we come to terms with the limits to growth, explore the joy of sustainable living, and provide a recovery program for our society’s growth addiction (economic/consumption and population). This podcast is part of the GrowthBusters project to raise awareness of overshoot and end our culture’s obsession with, and pursuit of, growth. Dave Gardner directed the documentary GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth, which Stanford Biologist Paul Ehrlich declared “could be the most important film ever made.” Join the conversation on Facebook Make a donation to support this non-profit project. Archive of GrowthBusters podcast episodes Subscribe to GrowthBusters email updates See the film – GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth Explore the issues at Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode:
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