
Intergenerational Fairness
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A fair intergenerational future: Age collaboration, degrowth economy and sustainability for all generations
I imagine a future where generations are mutually supportive, not competing for resources. Old people would no longer be seen as an economic burden, and young people would no longer be seen as irresponsible. The environment would benefit from standard green technologies, cities with integrated green spaces and renewable energy. Pollution would become history and climate change would stabilise with concrete action. Education would actively involve all generations: young people would learn traditional trades from the elderly, the latter being initiated in the digital world. Knowledge would be transmitted bidirectionally. Current capitalism, based on infinite growth on a planet with finite resources, requires transformation through degrowth. Success would be measured by happiness, ecosystem health and social cohesion, not just GDP. Working weeks would be shortened, consumption would become conscious, products would last and be repaired, the economy would relocate through short circuits. Social systems would operate on reciprocity: Young people invest in the elderly, knowing that they will be supported in their turn. Old people would contribute by volunteering and passing on experience. The change would be gradual and equitable, reconverting workers in polluting industries and ensuring that it does not become the privilege of rich countries alone.
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