The End of Capitalism

why growth and climate protection are incompatible — and how we will live in the future
Ulrike Herrmann (trans. David Shaw)

‘Herrmann’s book is worth reading and sets a counterpoint to all those who may overestimate the technological possibilities of climate protection.’

Katja Scherer, Deutschlandfunk

‘The clever book … by Ulrike Herrmann says that we should slowly forget about eternal growth and prepare ourselves for gradual renunciation.’

rbb Inforadio

‘Ulrike Herrmann writes straightforwardly and with a great deal of expertise. This makes it clear once again how great a challenge climate change poses for us.’

Claas Christophersen, NDR Kultur

How do we manage to transition to a more sustainable world without the collapse of the economy?

Capitalism has brought about many positive things. At the same time, however, it is ruining the climate and the environment, so that humanity’s very existence is now at risk. ‘Green growth’ is supposed to be the saviour, but economics expert and bestselling author Ulrike Herrmann disagrees. In this book, she explains in a clear and razor-sharp manner why we need ‘green shrinkage’ instead.

Greenhouse gases are increasing dramatically and unchecked. This failure is no coincidence, because the climate crisis goes to the heart of capitalism. Prosperity and growth are only possible if technology is used and energy is utilised. Unfortunately, however, green energy from the sun and wind will never be enough to fuel global growth. The industrialised countries must therefore bid farewell to capitalism and strive for a circular economy in which only what can be recycled is consumed.

Herrmann makes a convincing argument that we won’t get anywhere without personal restrictions and government planning. Her example for a solution is the British war economy of the 1940s. This is not a utopian scenario, but a comprehensive example of the restrictions and government-led plans needed now and in the future.

‘Herrmann’s book is worth reading and sets a counterpoint to all those who may overestimate the technological possibilities of climate protection.’

Katja Scherer, Deutschlandfunk

‘The clever book … by Ulrike Herrmann says that we should slowly forget about eternal growth and prepare ourselves for gradual renunciation.’

rbb Inforadio

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Details

Format:Paperback

Size: 234mm × 153mm

Extent:336pp

ISBN (13):9781761381096

RRP:$37.99

Pub date:4 Mar 2025

Rights Held: World English

High-res cover:Download Image

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AUTHOR

Ulrike Herrmann

Ulrike Herrmann was born in Hamburg in 1964, trained as a bank clerk, studied philosophy and history, and graduated from the Henri Nannen School. Since 2000 she has been an economics correspondent for taz, writing about social and economic policy issues. She appears regularly on German TV and radio, is a board member for cultural and climate institutions, and often gives talks on economic topics at foundations, institutes, and universities. She has previously published four books, which all became bestsellers in Germany.

TRANSLATOR

David Shaw

David Shaw works as a journalist for Germany’s international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, as well as translating from several languages, including German, Dutch, Russian, and French. He lives in Berlin.

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We publish books that matter — narrative and literary nonfiction on important topics, and the best of local, international, and translated fiction.

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