Hi! I am an environmental engineer, currently active in the context of energy and energy communities for REScoop Flanders, the umbrella organisation for citizen energy cooperatives in Flanders. In my free time, I like to run and get engaged in different activities, such as contributing to the housing cooperative I am a member of and supporting the local and international degrowth movement.
What lead you to first discover the topic of degrowth? I first heard about degrowth when I was active in the climate movement. Back then, me and my fellow organisers had a very narrow interpretation of degrowth: emissions and economic growth are correlated, so to lower emissions, we need to stop growing the economy.
What do you like most about the degrowth movement? Once I moved abroad and became active in a local degrowth group in Malmö (Sweden), I realised that degrowth is about a lot more than just emissions and GDP. Digging deeper, I was particularly enthusiastic about the way in which degrowth analyses and critiques capitalism, and about the broad range of alternatives and policy proposals it includes.
How did you discover the IDN? Thanks to my engagement in Degrowth Sweden, I had the chance to attend the Degrowth Movement Assembly in Zagreb in 2023, where the IDN was founded. I decided to engage myself and have been active ever since, almost continuously. Even though my IDN engagement often takes a slow pace, I do make a point of supporting some things, such as the European Circle Newsletter, on a continuous basis, hoping to provide some stability.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the IDN? The IDN being a network, I particularly enjoy having the international connections, which helps to stay updated on events, discussions and learning opportunities within the movement.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with the IDN? If you are looking for ways to expand your or your local degrowth groups network, I would say the IDN definitely is the place to be. Of course, it becomes even better if you get to collaborate, organise together and help build the movement!
