This is the second year that the hosts of PGAP have been invited by the unit lecturer, Dr Paul M. Pulé, to present on Degrowth as part of the course. In 2025, Michael was joined by Mark Allen, who facilitated a Holistic Activism workshop and guided meditation.

The full summary of this unit can be read at the bottom of the show notes, after the timestamp.

On both occasions, the presentations have generated very positive feedback and high levels of engagement from the class. It has been particularly encouraging to see students from all corners of the globe actively participating in discussions about why Degrowth is so critical for sustainability and what post-growth futures might be possible.

Paul and Michael with some of the students of the 'Global Futures and Just Transformations' class of 2026

This episode is divided into two parts. First, we hear Michael Bayliss’s presentation, with additional contributions from Paul Pulé. Second, we hear the Q&A and discussion with the class. This section has been edited to protect the privacy of class participants and therefore focuses mainly on the responses from Paul and Michael. There is also some additional commentary from Mark and Michael between these recordings. More information on the timestamp below.

This commentary includes a summary of some of the very positive feedback that PGAP has received from our listeners. To all our listeners, thank you so much for your continued support. We encourage you to contact us via the PGAP contact form to share your experiences with Solastalgia, or to provide feedback and recommendations for future topics and guests.

Doughnut Economics and the Circular Economy

During the presentation, Michael discussed both Doughnut Economics and the Circular Economy. Questions have subsequently been raised about how best to distinguish between these two approaches, since both use circular models.

Our distinction is that the Circular Economy does not necessarily consider the size of the circle. In theory, it is possible to have a growing economy with zero waste, while the circle itself continues to become larger. Doughnut Economics, by contrast, recognises that ‘size matters’: if the economic circle is too small, our needs are not adequately met; if it is too large, we exceed the ecological ceiling and enter overshoot.

This image produced with the assistance of AI

Population

There was also some thoughtful discussion in the second part of the episode around the issue of population. If you are interested in exploring PGAP’s perspective on this issue in greater depth, we recommend our blog article, “To populate or not to populate? How we can come together around the eternal debate of everyone’s favourite vexed issue”.

Accompanying blog

We have also written a blog to accompany this episode, which you can READ HERE. The blog provides access to all of the slides Michael used during his presentation, giving you the option of following along with the presentation visually as you listen to the episode.

Timestamp:

Start - 00:02:45 Introduction with Mark Allen

0:03:00 - 0:48:12 Guest Presentation 'Degrowth, Marginality & Decoloniality' from Michael Bayliss

0:48:27 - 0:54:23 Intermission with Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss

0:54:38 - End Q&A with Michael Bayliss, Paul Pule and class of Global Futures and Just Transformation

Course Summary

Unit: Global Futures and Just Transformations at Curtin University
Lecturer: Dr. Paul M. Pule

This unit adopts a broad social sciences approach to understanding different visions of just futures through the lens of different worldviews. It allows students to reflect on the often-implicit assumptions that come with their own value systems when evaluating inequalities, resilience, development pathways, and intersecting crises as well as clashing visions for and trajectories to equitable, responsible, and sustainable futures. The unit provides students with the tools to navigate the unprecedented emergencies, comprehend the scale, speed, and extent of the societal transformations needed, and bring into being more equitable futures as part of a postcolonial world, locally and globally, across a variety of contexts. Students will learn how to address difficult ethical questions such as what is fair and for whom, and how to nourish responsibility, care, and hope, across difference.

PGAP is produced with the kind support of Sustainable Population Australia

Special Guest: Dr. Paul M. Pulé.

According to the Degrowth blog: "As degrowth becomes a more familiar term worldwide, a loose informal network of Australian degrowth activists, scholars and advocates has emerged into the formal Degrowth Network Australia (DNA)."

Although a new collective, DNA has already made their mark through workshops, Degrowth themed festivals, and at the New Economy Network Australia 2023 conference, through theatrical degrowth scenario skits. It was through this interactive workshop at the 'Life After Capitalism' conference that PGAP co-host Michael Bayliss was inspired to invite DNA as esteemed PGAP guests.

During this episode, we explore the emerging popularity of the Degrowth movement and how presenting Degrowth concepts within fun and interactive ways such as theatrical skits is a means of broadening the movement beyond the academic sphere and include younger generations, local communities and mainstream society. Our guests each share their stories of how they arrived at the Degrowth movement and their perspectives on why we can't have infinite growth on a finite planet.

To contribute, join the DNA network or get more details, contact Anisa Rogers at degrowthnetwork@proton.me or Natalie Lowrey at natalie.lowrey@gmail.com or campaign@aidwatch.org.au

Remember to RATE and REVIEW PGAP on APPLE PODCAST or on your favourite platform. You can also SUBSCRIBE to PGAP or CONTACT US with your thoughts, feedback or suggestions for future topics and guests. As we take a short break, we would really love to hear from you, our valued listeners and PGAP community.

In the meantime, you may also be interest in PGAP's coverage of the NENA conference HERE (Michael is still kicking himself for not recording the DNA workshop at the conference). You can find out more about your co-hosts Michael Bayliss HERE and Mark Allen[ HERE].(https://holisticactivism.net/)

Special Guests: Sandy Gonzalez de la Vega Gonzalez and Tonié Field.