Academia Gustaviana 393┃Public Discussion: "(Mis)measuring Human Prosperity? Reconciling Economic Growth with Environmental Well-being"

On October 24, as part of Academia Gustaviana 393, a public discussion took place on the topic “(Mis)measuring Human Prosperity: Reconciling Economic Growth with Environmental Well-being.”

Can we sustain traditional economic growth without destroying our planet? The conventional wisdom, rooted in measuring growth based on GDP metrics, often presents this as a zero-sum game —a mutually exclusive choice between a healthy environment and an economically prosperous society. The panel will explore the perceived paradox between economic growth and environmental well-being, and its impact on human prosperity. Does a framework centered on ecological resilience and societal flourishing challenge or advance economic growth and prosperity? Is chasing GDP expansion and thus perceived economic success on a finite planet a recipe for ruin? Should we reconsider what economic growth is and how to achieve some of the proposed solutions? Can discussions on sustainability and green transition be decoupled from the notion of democracy? Join us as we explore new paradigms of prosperity that harmonize ecological balance with genuine, shared economic flourishing. The future we measure is the future we will create.

Date & Time: 24 October, 14:15–16:15
Location: University of Tartu, Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, Lossi 36, Room 305

Speakers:

• Maiko Mathiesen – Political Ecologist and Activist, Degrowth Estonia
• Helen Sooväli-Sepping – Advisor for Green Transition and Sustainability, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)
• Moderator: Shpend Kursani – Lecturer in International Relations at Skytte Institute

Opening remarks by H.E. Charlotte Wrangberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Tallinn.