Eco-eco seminar series. "Politics, democracy and degrowth: from theory to practice. The case of Barcelona's urban planning".

Dr. Claudio Cattaneo (PhD in environmental science from ICTA-UAB). May 2nd from 14h to 15h30 (Aula Q4/1003 Escola d'Enginyeria building). Claudio Cattaneo holds a PhD in environmental science from UAB, on the ecological economics of Barcelona squatters. He teaches ecological economics at Carlo Cattaneo University (Italy) and is an Associated Researcher at ICTA. His research interests focus on alternative life-styles, urban and squatting movements. He holds an Msc in Ecological Economics from the University of Edinburgh and an undergradaute degree in Business and Economics from Carlo Cattaneo University. In his life he combines research work with practical and social work: He is a squatter, a bicycle mechanic and an olive farmer. He practices de-growth by living with less than 250 euros per month. Abstract: The seminar presents the summary of the special issue on Politics, Democracy and Degrowth published by the academic journal FUTURES, with contributions on possible topics and institutional arrangements for the future degrowth transition, at a theoretical level. However, the degrowth debate is already extending beyond the research community towards the policy-making arena. When ecological economists, degrowth academics and activists debate with pro-(green) growth policy-makers, some contrasts and incoherencies become evident, as well as some opportunities as the latest concept of urban planning in Barcelona can show. Which arguments can we offer to fully and properly enhance an social and ecological planning model?