In a recent episode of the nationally televised PBS series Energy Switch, the University of Vermont’s Josh Farley joined Ted Nordhaus, founder and president of the Breakthrough Institute, for a discussion on the competing ideas of degrowth and ecomodernism.

Degrowth advocates argue that humanity is exceeding Earth’s ecological limits, while ecomodernists assert that advances in technology, agriculture, and energy can continue to expand prosperity while reducing environmental strain. The conversation highlights an underlying divide over whether economic growth remains compatible with long-term sustainability.

Farley, an ecological economist, Gund Institute Faculty Fellow, and professor in the UVM’s Community Development & Applied Economics and Public Administration program, emphasized that “the ecological and social costs of growth currently overwhelm the economic benefits,” advocating instead for an economy focused more on human well-being and environmental stability than on profit and expansion.

“Obsession with growth detracts us from the things that really do lead to flourishing,” Farley said, arguing that increased economic output often benefits the wealthy while simultaneously burdening lower-income communities with costs.

The episode underscores both the sharp disagreements and shared goals between the two perspectives. While Nordhaus argues that innovation can expand Earth’s carrying capacity and improve living standards, Farley stresses the need to reduce consumption and prioritize ecological limits. Both agree, however, on the importance of advancing human flourishing on a global scale.

Energy Switch, hosted by Dr. Scott Tinker, is a PBS series focused on global energy and sustainability issues, brings together experts with differing viewpoints to explore some of the most pressing challenges of our time. 

Watch the full episode online or on Vermont Public’s World Channel (Ch. 33.2) on Wednesday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m.