"The countries of the Global North must not continue to use enormous amounts of energy to foster even more economic growth. As we have seen, increasing economic growth past the current level is hardly guaranteed to improve the level of happiness and well-being of the people living in those countries.

But if the same resources and energy were used in the Global South instead, the happiness and well-being of the people there would increase exponentially. And if this is true, doesn't it follow that we should set aside a part of the worldwide “carbon budget” (the amount of carbon dioxide emissions the world can still safely allow) for them?"

@nigini This questioning is especially strong because it goes hand in hand with the larger perception that we already have and produce more than we need. It's just a question of distributing it better. And, of course, not having “progress” as the ultimate goal.