| Grantee | With a team of 3 | Grant sum | Grant period | More info on the project |
| Anna Hakola | from Aalto University School of Business, School of Chemical Engineering and School of Science and volunteers from | € 3850 | 24.2.2025-14.4.2025 | Green Growth or Degrowth — What Saves Our Planet? | Aalto University |
This action was organised to explore a central question in sustainability discourse: Is green economic growth possible, or should degrowth be pursued to address the planetary crisis? The event brought together four experts from diverse backgrounds and was held at Marsio Stage, Aalto University, attracting approximately 150 live participants in addition to the live stream and recording. The discussion was independently moderated by students.
The topic was selected by students due to its fundamental importance for the future of humanity and life on Earth. They expressed concern that discussions on this issue are often siloed, with proponents of green growth and degrowth rarely engaging directly with one another. The aim was to bridge this divide and promote a culture of respectful dialogue and mutual understanding between contrasting perspectives. According to the organisers, the event succeeded in fostering a constructive atmosphere focused on shared insights.
The students also noted a lack of critical discourse on economic systems within Aalto University, especially in economics education. With this event, they sought to foster an inclusive, academically grounded conversation involving both student voices and external expertise.
“We are on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster. This is a global emergency beyond any doubt.” ()
The recent predicts GDP destruction of 50% somewhere between 2070 and 2090 if global warming is not limited well below 3°C. At the same time, our remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 2°C requires a 5.5% reduction of CO2 emissions per year (, ).
Under our current circumstances, what is the right way forward? Is it possible to achieve truly green economic growth within the planetary constraints? Or is a shift toward a degrowth-oriented world required? Central questions that linger behind all climate talk, are hard to answer, and continue to divide experts.
Often the two angles are considered to be opposing concepts. While degrowth is being referred to as economic suicide, green growth is considered an unreachable utopia.
We want to go deeper. What is degrowth? What is truly green growth and what can it do? We invite you on an exciting journey to find an answer.
In the panel, we will discuss with:
We encourage a balanced and respectful conversation to find solutions together.
Can we keep on flying, or should we start to prepare for landing?.
Green growth or Degrowth — What saves our planet? is a panel discussion by Aalto Sustainability Club, bringing together four experts from diverse backgrounds on the Marsio Stage at Aalto Campus to discuss this critical question that will define our future.
The event will also be live-streamed.
Sustainability Action Booster grant is on a mission to empower students to unleash their creative ideas and implement their own sustainability actions. Whether you have a small project idea or a wild vision for sustainability - apply funding from us!
