Climate change, inequality and the mental health crisis point to a single root cause – an economy that puts growth ahead of well-being. In this workshop, we will explore what a post-growth economy could look like and ask which is more utopian: change or the current path? The workshop will be led by Tadeáš Žďárský, a leader of post-growth thinking in Central Europe and an educator.
In an era of overlapping crises – climate crisis, inequality and mental health issues – scholars are increasingly pointing to a common root of the crises: an economic system where profit and endless growth are more important than well-being. What if the mental health crisis is not just personal, but systemic – driven by housing costs, precarious work, disconnection and the constant pressure for "more”? Can “green growth” really solve these problems, or is it time to imagine something beyond economic growth?
In this workshop, we will explore what a disadvantageous economy could look like – meeting needs within the limits of the planet, rather than pushing people and ecosystems beyond them.
Together, we ask: what is more utopian – changing our system or continuing on the current path?
NB! In English!
About the speaker: Tadeáš Žďárský is one of the leading leaders of the degrowth movement in Central Europe. As a co-founder of the degrowth organization NaZem in the Czech Republic, he has initiated educational programs such as the Degrowth Academy and the Degrowth Summer School. He lectures, writes, and conducts workshops on degrowth topics, helping to educate and empower change agents, drawing attention to the problems of the status quo, and shaping the transition to a post-capitalist future.
He is educated in inclusive education and nonviolent communication, as he sees these tools as essential for developing dialogue – especially in an increasingly polarized world. He lectures and facilitates discussions across Europe and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Masaryk University.
He is one of the keynote speakers at the conference “Beyond Growth Estonia”.
The lecture-workshop is part of the “Month of Mindfulness” and “Sustainability Months” programmes.