Economic Quote by Michael Pollan
“There are fundamental tensions between the biological reality of the planet and the economic reality. To some extent you can adapt the economy, create a new set of rules and incentives to send it down a better track, but finally people in the first world are going to have to consume a whole lot less.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Future of Food, 2021
Economic growth clashes with planetary limits; wealthy societies must drastically reduce consumption to align with ecological reality.
In simple terms: Rich nations need to consume far less for the planet.
Key Takeaway
Adopt sustainable consumption habits.
Themes
environment
economics
consumption
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
policy
environmental
When to use this quote
- government policy
- consumer choices
- corporate practices
Key Concepts
resource limits
policy change
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we incentivize reduced consumption?
- What alternatives exist for economic growth?
A Different Perspective
Changing habits is politically and culturally challenging.
![“Journalism has always existed in two different realities . . . the economic marketplace and [the] special institution to serve the public interest. The traditional balance between those two has become destabilized. Economic reality has taken over.” quote by Joan Konner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bcd/joan-konner-47859_balance_journalism-has-always-existed-in-two-dif_1156582.jpg)
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
