French researcher Aurelien Barrau on the climate crisis

 

A few words from French researcher Aurelien Barrau, who I rarely see translated in English.

Here is my summary of one of his recent talks.

-

The decoupling of economic growth and ecological disaster is happening. 

The real problem is not primarily fossil fuel usage, as suggested by Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, but the exceeding of planetary limits, which is unsustainable. 

The destruction of the biosphere, beyond climate change, is a dire threat. 

Growth is incompatible with our survival, and denying this is complicit in mass destruction.

Barrau criticises the mainstream environmental narrative as insufficient, claiming it remains too timid and conventional. 

While agreeing that the environmental crisis is systemic—marked by climate change, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss—he suggests that the term "growth" has been misused, as it refers to a decline in our human potential. 

Instead, he advocates for post-growth, not as deprivation, but as healing and liberation from destructive addictions.

He also warns against the idea that clean, infinite energy would be beneficial, claiming it would only lead to more destruction if it continues to fuel our destructive tendencies. 

Barrau argues that the real issue is not energy production, but the goals we pursue with it. 

He also rejects the notion that biodiversity loss is just a threat, calling it a catastrophe in itself.

Lastly, he embraces planetary boundaries, arguing that creativity and life are shaped by constraints. 

He asserts that human existence is inherently finite and that beauty arises from limitations, not endless expansion. 

He calls for humility, especially in our relationships with the Global South, and suggests that we must abandon our arrogant rationality to learn from our mistakes and embrace a new, sustainable path for the future.