‘Happiness is not just about GDP’: ambitious plan or utopia? The Global Justice Report proposes a utopian vision of a prosperous and equitable world within planetary boundaries, where people work less and earn more by the end of the century while reducing environmental impact. This eco-socialist plan incorporates “sufficiency” and “planetary habitability,” addressing the material impact of economic activity, a concept often overlooked by the traditional left. It contrasts with the techno-extractivist vision of figures like Donald Trump and Silicon Valley proponents of AI over renewables, which is seen as exacerbating global heating and inequality.

• The Global Justice Report outlines a plan for a prosperous, equitable world within planetary boundaries by the end of the century.
• The plan suggests people could work less and earn more while maintaining environmental stability.
• It incorporates “sufficiency” and “planetary habitability” to reduce the material impact of economic activity.
• The report critiques the “techno-extractivist” vision championed by Donald Trump and Silicon Valley, which prioritizes AI and fossil fuels.
• Thomas Piketty notes that billionaires’ economic projects, like covering the planet with datacenters, increase the material footprint and worsen global warming.
• The report aims to correct a flaw in climate science by incorporating social scientists to address social dynamics, economics, politics, and psychology.
• It argues that “green growth” and focusing solely on production without distribution or sufficiency has made green policy unpopular.
• The report widens the definition of prosperity to include quality of life over material goods, echoing ancient philosophies and Bhutan’s “gross national happiness.”
• Sufficiency means less working hours, different consumption patterns, and more health and education, not necessarily degrowth.
• The authors welcome debate and plan to revise the report based on suggestions.
• A cultural shift in perceiving the “good life” is necessary for change.
• Past social mobilizations demonstrate the potential for rapid improvement, and future crises will necessitate significant change.