The proposal for Degrowth calls for an intentional downscaling of the global economy to achieve both ecological sustainability and social justice. A degrowth transition would help ensure that ecological practices actually displace destructive ones, and that the savings from efficiency measures are truly saved.

The global economy has been set up around a growth imperative, a long-held commitment to continual economic expansion. This dynamic means that if the savings from a sustainability initiative are not strictly conserved or protected, then they are available to be re-spent to serve growth elsewhere. Despite the dedicated efforts of sustainability advocates, environmental stewardship is at perpetual risk of being undermined by the broader economy.