Sustainability at no Cost

The presentation is dealing with some basic concept around the whole economy, and what are really the costs and the benefits. A distinction is made between professional economy, driven by money (GDP), and the amateur economy, driven by love, affection, etc. within the families, among friends, in local communities, etc. After that are debated the myth of a decoupling between economic activities and environmental pressure. Also discussed is the taboo about the impact of population size on environment. Finally, the presentation shows how wealth measured as GDP per capita above a certain level seems to have no relation to what should be the goal of an economy, people's satisfaction or happiness. The conclusion is that a lower GDP can be of a substantial benefit to the environment, but need not carry any costs in terms satisfsction. Equity is a key factor for a development in this direction.