A revolt against a system that confuses “growth” with “progress”

5 Min. lesen

05 März 2025

Written by: Shashi Bhushan
EU Climate Pact Ambassador

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

This timeless satire from George Orwell’s epic novel ‘Animal Farm’ echoes through time, perfectly capturing today’s crisis. A crisis of a global economic system that enriches privileged and ‘chosen’ ones, while communities and ecosystems suffer. As an EU Climate Pact Ambassador, I see this as not just a system failure; but both a social and climate emergency! Let’s be honest we are now facing a critical choice:

Do we continue down a path where profit Trumps livelihoods and environmental well-being, leading to our eventual demise and destruction?
Can we learn to embrace a future of inclusive, sustainable, and holistic growth leading to a reconnect with the planet and each other?

Putting my own perspective here, there are enough global examples to demonstrate that our current economic system has concentrated wealth and power at the top, while sadly, local economies continue to shrink. Luxembourg is no exception to this relentless race, where traditional businesses are disappearing. The closure of over 1,100 local businesses in 2024 painfully illustrates how global giants are steadily erasing community identity. Some may

dismiss these closures as just another statistic, but to me, they are part of a troubling pattern. These aren’t just businesses shutting down; they are fractures in our social fabric. How can small and medium-sized businesses compete against corporate giants that enjoy government favoritism and hefty subsidies? And beyond that, why are we repeatedly conditioned to celebrate these takeovers? Time and again, we are led to believe that when a corporate giant acquires a local business or an innovative startup, it’s a moment of triumph. For example, when Facebook acquired Instagram and WhatsApp, it was widely publicized as a groundbreaking move for innovation, despite the fact that this takeover also meant the absorption of a once-independent startup. Similarly, Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods was celebrated as a strategic expansion.

Consider how these acquisitions are portrayed! Whenever a promising idea or enterprise is absorbed by a larger corporation, the narrative is carefully crafted. But why do we unquestioningly accept these messages as reality?

Looking deeper, the issue extends far beyond shuttered local businesses. Our food systems also represent vast examples of inefficiencies and corporate takeovers. The same economic system that flies avocados from Peru to Luxembourg is driving deforestation, depleting soil health, and fueling carbon-intensive supply chains. In Italy, olive groves are succumbing to diseases spread by international trade. In Portugal, citrus farms are withering. These are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a larger problem that is making our food systems increasingly fragile. As someone who grew up in a remote town in the Global South, I have seen firsthand how this economic model not only accelerates climate change but also weakens local businesses, leaving them vulnerable. Is it possible to create a ‘sustainable future’ if we continue to pursue global ambitions while ignoring the needs of local communities and vulnerable populations? This question motivates me to connect with like-minded individuals who are using their local knowledge to build alternatives. I am looking for the Solutions out there. Solutions that are rooted in solidarity, empathy, and hope. A hope that redirects our focus toward rebuilding and strengthening local economies. In a world of such doom and gloom, I find inspiration in such examples. And they are in fact all around us if you know where to look.

Let’s look at some concrete examples of alternative to a depleting system of extraction: Indigenous Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico, demonstrate that forests thrive when they are nurtured rather than exploited for profit. Costa Rica, instead of funding a military, invests in education and environmental conservation, now generating 99% of its energy from renewable sources. In India, a state named Kerala, prioritizes healthcare and literacy over GDP which has resulted in life expectancy rates rivaling those of wealthier nations. Our neighbour, Amsterdam is redefining economic success through “Doughnut Economics,” banning fossil fuel advertisements and retrofitting social housing for energy efficiency.

Here in Luxembourg, initiatives like Boost Lokal Lëtzebuerg prove that reconnecting with local producers and entrepreneurs does more than reduce carbon footprints, it preserves cultural identity and strengthens community ties. These platforms link citizens with farmers, artisans, and social enterprises, demonstrating that true prosperity is not measured by corporate profits but by the well-being of the people. At the heart of these initiatives lies a reimagined approach to growth, one that values sustainability, ethical production, and inclusive economic policies. By investing in these enterprises, we create resilient local ecosystems capable of weathering global economic fluctuations while fostering innovation and social equity. This approach challenges the outdated belief that relentless economic expansion equates to progress and requires constant resource extraction. Instead, it emphasizes a future where technological advancements, eco-system regeneration and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
To make this vision a reality and expand such solutions worldwide, we must actively support such initiatives, through policies that strengthen local businesses, investments in green infrastructure, and empowering communities to make informed, sustainable choices. Every local shop that remains open, every thriving farmers’ market, and every successful community project brings us closer to a world where progress benefits everyone. We must choose a path where local pride and global responsibility coexist, paving the way for a future that is both just
and sustainable.
If you would like to witness this vision in action, I invite you to join us on March 7-8 for a festival of hope, where we will showcase inspiring local projects and global initiatives. Come and see for yourself the power of citizen engagement and local action!

For more details and to register for the event, visit Le weekend des solutions – Boost Lokal

In solidarity and hope,
Shashi Bhushan