Climate:change A green beacon conference meeting thoughts
How Is Green Growth Possible, and Is Growth Necessarily the Answer?
At the recent Climate:Change event, A Green Beacon, experts from diverse industries highlighted that Brighton and Hove’s current development model is unsustainable and unlikely to improve both residents’ quality of life and the city’s environment.
Despite ambitious targets to build 250,000 new homes and double the local economy within 15 years, speakers like Dirk Willem Te Velde (ODI) and Sambit Bhattacharyya (University of Sussex) emphasized the need for a transition rather than unchecked growth. Dirk shared insights from international case studies where economies successfully transitioned by focusing on key sectors and fostering resilient, collaborative networks. Sambit stressed that growth alone is insufficient without diversity and sustainable productivity within the economy.
Councillor Jacob Taylor candidly acknowledged that past economic growth efforts have been “okay” at best, and rarely aligned with environmental or sustainability goals. He advocated for a shift away from consumer-driven, low-value economic models towards one that enables people to thrive in meaningful, value-adding roles. While issues like gender pay gaps and low wages were raised, data sources were lacking, though the systemic disadvantage women face remains undeniable.
Audience feedback revealed widespread frustration over inadequate sustainable planning, slow progress in transitioning the economy, limited funding for essential services, insufficient public transport improvements, and poor engagement between authorities and residents. Concerns also included low retention of educated professionals, lack of well-paid, sector-specific jobs, underinvestment in community spaces, limited support for small businesses driving sustainability (such as Toji), and escalating housing costs that threaten to displace young professionals.
The idea of devolution emerged as a hopeful solution amid ongoing capitalist pressures. With declining birth rates, rising education levels, and unaffordable housing, expecting continuous growth under a fixed market is unrealistic. Dirk emphasized that intentional market intervention by councils and business leaders is crucial. Redirecting funds from new developments to upgrading existing infrastructure can foster a healthier, less stressed population more capable of supporting sustainable transition efforts. Though funding from the SR25 settlement is limited, capital could be raised through taxation on existing national wealth—a strategy proven in Nordic and European countries to improve living standards, public services, and reduce inequality.
Investment shortfalls in Brighton’s predominantly small and micro-business sector (91% of local businesses) are unsurprising. These businesses often lack funds to invest in environmental initiatives, despite the strong return on investment such measures typically offer through improved efficiency and emissions reduction. Increasing demand for renewable energy among residents and businesses will, however, pressure energy providers to modernize a grid currently lagging behind European peers.
