CAPITALISM AND CLIMATE: CAN WE HAVE PROGRESS WITHOUT POLLUTION?

<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_80, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_webp, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36c6323a-bb05-4555-b0fb-6a4508f6ac5d_428x428.jpeg"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_80,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36c6323a-bb05-4555-b0fb-6a4508f6ac5d_428x428.jpeg" alt="" width="40" height="40"></picture>In his article "Kohei Saito, philosopher: ‘Spending so much money, effort and time on going to Mars is stupid’", the Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito raises some interesting ideas about the environmental crisis and the capitalist system.He begins by arguing that capitalism is the main cause of the environmental crisis, and that the capitalist system is based on constant growth that depletes natural resources and contributes to climate change.&nbsp;Thanks for reading Ohoud’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.<div><button type="submit" tabindex="0">Subscribe</button></div>He calls for the need to overcome capitalism and build a new society that is in line with the limits of nature.Saito proposes the idea of "degrowth communism" as an alternative to the capitalist system.&nbsp;Which will be a society based on egalitarian, respects the limits of nature, and guarantees access to education, health, transportation, and the internet for all. He believes that this society is the only way to preserve our planet.Saito also discusses the consumerist lifestyle that is promoted by the capitalist system, and calls for a reevaluation of what we truly need versus what the system imposes on us.He believes that we should strive for happiness in other values that are connected to nature and deep human relationships.Finally he concludes by emphasizing the need to confront excessive technological optimism, and to focus on solving the real problems on Earth rather than escaping into science fiction.<figure><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_webp, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_webp, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_webp, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_webp, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg" width="728" height="677" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_auto, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_auto, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_auto, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/c_limit, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/f_auto, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/q_auto:good, https://ohoudsadoun.substack.com/p/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7295450-e24d-4d2e-ad6a-4a4250891d27_2000x1860.jpeg 1456w"></picture><figcaption class="image-caption" dir="ltr">Photo of Kohei Saito <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vz1MwJ7h0o" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" dir="ltr">source</a> uploaded&nbsp; by Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung</figcaption></figure><h2>Food of thought&nbsp;</h2>Saito's article is thought-provoking and interesting, and it raises some important ideas that deserve discussion.In my opinion, I actually agree with him in some points like:&nbsp;<UL><LI>Even if I don't agree capitalism is the sole cause of the environmental crisis, but I believe it plays a significant role in it alongside other factors.</LI></UL><UL><LI>The destructive nature of consumerism. The relentless pursuit of material possessions and experiences can lead to overconsumption, waste, and pollution. We need to find ways to live more fulfilling lives that are less dependent on material things.</LI></UL><UL><LI>The dangers of excessive technological optimism. It is important to be cautious about technological solutions to environmental problems. While technology can play a role in addressing some environmental challenges, it is not a silver bullet. We should focus on systemic changes that address the root causes of environmental problems.</LI></UL><h3>I agree with him on most points, but I have a few quibbles</h3>Degrowth communism is not a promising alternative. Economic slowdown and potential hardship under degrowth might outweigh environmental benefits. But Investing in resource efficiency and circular economy can achieve sustainability without sacrificing economic growth.Also I am not sure whether banning private jets and spaceships would be a practical or effective solution to the environmental crisis.However, it could be part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Ultimately, the effectiveness of such a ban would depend on the specific details of how it is implemented.Bottom line, I think it is important to have a nuanced discussion about the complex relationship between capitalism, consumerism, and the environment.&nbsp;There are no easy answers, but by engaging in thoughtful dialogue, we can hopefully find ways to create a more sustainable future.You can read the article from <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-01-03/kohei-saito-philosopher-spending-so-much-money-effort-and-time-on-going-to-mars-is-stupid.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" dir="ltr">here</a>Thanks for reading Ohoud’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.<div><button type="submit" tabindex="0">Subscribe</button></div>

Saito's Sustainability Smackdown: Capitalism, Consumerism, and the Fight for a Green Future

In his article "Kohei Saito, philosopher: ‘Spending so much money, effort and time on going to Mars is stupid’", the Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito raises some interesting ideas about the environmental crisis and the capitalist system. He begins by arguing that capitalism is the main cause of the environmental crisis, and that the capitalist system is based on constant growth that depletes natural resources and contributes to climate change.

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In his article "Kohei Saito, philosopher: ‘Spending so much money, effort and time on going to Mars is stupid’", the Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito raises some interesting ideas about the environmental crisis and the capitalist system.

He begins by arguing that capitalism is the main cause of the environmental crisis, and that the capitalist system is based on constant growth that depletes natural resources and contributes to climate change.

Thanks for reading Ohoud’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

He calls for the need to overcome capitalism and build a new society that is in line with the limits of nature.

Saito proposes the idea of "degrowth communism" as an alternative to the capitalist system.

Which will be a society based on egalitarian, respects the limits of nature, and guarantees access to education, health, transportation, and the internet for all. He believes that this society is the only way to preserve our planet.

Saito also discusses the consumerist lifestyle that is promoted by the capitalist system, and calls for a reevaluation of what we truly need versus what the system imposes on us.

He believes that we should strive for happiness in other values that are connected to nature and deep human relationships.

Finally he concludes by emphasizing the need to confront excessive technological optimism, and to focus on solving the real problems on Earth rather than escaping into science fiction.

Saito's article is thought-provoking and interesting, and it raises some important ideas that deserve discussion.

In my opinion, I actually agree with him in some points like:

<ul><li>Even if I don't agree capitalism is the sole cause of the environmental crisis, but I believe it plays a significant role in it alongside other factors. </li> </ul>

<ul><li>The destructive nature of consumerism. The relentless pursuit of material possessions and experiences can lead to overconsumption, waste, and pollution. We need to find ways to live more fulfilling lives that are less dependent on material things. </li> </ul>

<ul><li>The dangers of excessive technological optimism. It is important to be cautious about technological solutions to environmental problems. While technology can play a role in addressing some environmental challenges, it is not a silver bullet. We should focus on systemic changes that address the root causes of environmental problems. </li> </ul>

I agree with him on most points, but I have a few quibbles

Degrowth communism is not a promising alternative. Economic slowdown and potential hardship under degrowth might outweigh environmental benefits. But Investing in resource efficiency and circular economy can achieve sustainability without sacrificing economic growth.

Also I am not sure whether banning private jets and spaceships would be a practical or effective solution to the environmental crisis.

However, it could be part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Ultimately, the effectiveness of such a ban would depend on the specific details of how it is implemented.

Bottom line, I think it is important to have a nuanced discussion about the complex relationship between capitalism, consumerism, and the environment.

There are no easy answers, but by engaging in thoughtful dialogue, we can hopefully find ways to create a more sustainable future.

You can read the article from <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-01-03/kohei-saito-philosopher-spending-so-much-money-effort-and-time-on-going-to-mars-is-stupid.html">here </a>

Capitalism vs. Nature: Can Degrowth and Deep Relationships Save Our Planet?

CAPITALISM AND CLIMATE: CAN WE HAVE PROGRESS WITHOUT POLLUTION?

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