Is Economic Growth and Capitalism compatible with the Fight Against Climate Change? Dinner event with economist/author Alessio Terzi.

 

Dear Alumni and Friends of Harvard,

 

We have the great pleasure to invite you to an interactive and thought-provoking discussion with the internationally acclaimed author Alessio Terzi at the occasion of his recent book “Growth for Good”. The discussion will be moderated by Beatriz Ríos, reporter at the Washington Post.

 

Historically, industrialization, capitalism, and affluence have contributed to the emissions that are warming the planet’s atmosphere. As humanity starts to grapple with the Herculean challenge of climate change, should economic growth be abandoned to stand a chance of success? Would this lead to a better society, especially in already rich nations, freeing them from pointless consumerism? In his recent book “Growth for Good” (2022, Harvard University Press), Alessio Terzi argues that growth is underpinned by the human quest for happiness, well-being and self-determination, and contributes to the stability of liberal democracy, the peaceful conduct of politics and international relations, and the very way our society is organized: capitalism. Ditching it would not only prove impractical but would also sow chaos, exacerbating conflict within and between societies. “Growth for Good” draws an agenda to enrol capitalism in the fight to stave off climate catastrophe and details a plan involving an activist government, proactive business, and engaged citizens.

 

This event with seated dinner will take place on:

 

Wednesday February 15th, 2023 at 19h00

at the Universitaire Stichting/Fondation Universitaire

The Hoover room

Egmontstraat 11, 1000 Brussels

 

If you would like to attend, please confirm on Eventbrite before Friday February 3rd, 2023, via this link. The fee for this event will be €70 for members and €85 for non-members (guests and non-member alumni). As always, we do not reimburse in case of cancellation after the deadline above.

We hope that you will be able to join us and look forward to seeing you on February 15th, 2023.

Warm regards,

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Jens Van Nieuwenborgh, President, Harvard Club of Belgium