Debates on sustainability have led decision makers to acknowledge the limitations of nature as a fait accompli. However, this acknowledgement will not be reflected in practice as long as economic growth and an increase in consumption remain the number one priority. This obsession with economic growth is just as fatal as it is redundant. Limitations of nature are unavoidable and will dominate our economy and our lives in the long term. Additionally well-being, happiness and contentment of both individuals and societies depend little on economic growth, at least for the European and worldwide consumer class. SERI will increase its attention to these questions in the future. We intend to think through and calculate the “worst case” (from the perspective of an economist) or “necessary case” (for ecology) of reduced consumption levels. We are therefore open to suggestions, criticism, and partnerships.

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