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What is it about?
After the Second World War, the economy of industrialised countries went through an unprecedented period of development based on industrial capitalism. Thus was born the consumer society, based on the growth of purchases of goods that satisfy ‘secondary’ needs, so-called because they are not related to food and survival. In order for this growth to be continuous, it is necessary for the products to be cheap, to have an ever-shorter shelf life and to be supported by the action of advertising techniques, which make real needs appear fictitious. Access to this consumption creates a ‘democratisation of luxury’, i.e. an increasing number of individuals can afford to buy any good on the market, experience a certain lifestyle and be assured a certain degree of well-being.
This consumer society, however, is not sustainable in the long run.
From an environmental point of view, the constant production of goods leads to a disproportionate exploitation of natural resources. Production and consumption generate pollutants and waste, the management of which is a further problem.
From a social point of view, consumerism is a source of social inequality, since there are few who hold economic and political power and who exercise it to the detriment of a share of the population that remains marginalised. Profit maximisation and the need to charge low prices leads to extreme cost minimisation, which implies the choice of polluting raw materials and production processes and the reduction of wages.
From a human psychophysical health point of view, the pressure of maintaining a consumption-based lifestyle causes anxiety, stress and continuous dissatisfaction. In addition, the aforementioned environmental impacts undoubtedly have an impact on human health.
This consumer society, however, is not sustainable in the long run.
From an environmental point of view, the constant production of goods leads to a disproportionate exploitation of natural resources. Production and consumption generate pollutants and waste, the management of which is a further problem.
From a social point of view, consumerism is a source of social inequality, since there are few who hold economic and political power and who exercise it to the detriment of a share of the population that remains marginalised. Profit maximisation and the need to charge low prices leads to extreme cost minimisation, which implies the choice of polluting raw materials and production processes and the reduction of wages.
From a human psychophysical health point of view, the pressure of maintaining a consumption-based lifestyle causes anxiety, stress and continuous dissatisfaction. In addition, the aforementioned environmental impacts undoubtedly have an impact on human health.
Who are we? - “Nonèsolomaltempo”
We are an informal group of former students at the University of Bologna, Rimini campus. We attended the ‘Resource Economics and Sustainable Development’ course, which aims to train environmental economists. We were in the city of Rimini when it was hit by flooding during May 2023. It was an out-of-control and alarming event for everyone.
As students of that particular course of study, we could do nothing in the face of such an event. This is why we mobilised3 and organised a day dedicated precisely to affirming that what had hit Romagna and beyond should not be defined as an event caused by bad weather, but that it was a consequence of climate change, and that if we did not generate a counter-trend to the vicious circle in which we live, we would increasingly experience out-of-control and catastrophic events of this type.
Following this day, we felt a strong desire and willingness to stand united among students and to start a group that would organise activities and events to achieve these goals:
As students of that particular course of study, we could do nothing in the face of such an event. This is why we mobilised3 and organised a day dedicated precisely to affirming that what had hit Romagna and beyond should not be defined as an event caused by bad weather, but that it was a consequence of climate change, and that if we did not generate a counter-trend to the vicious circle in which we live, we would increasingly experience out-of-control and catastrophic events of this type.
Following this day, we felt a strong desire and willingness to stand united among students and to start a group that would organise activities and events to achieve these goals:
- To empower female students, students, citizens to have access to correct information with respect to the issues of climate change and environmental sustainability.
- Emphasise the importance and positive effect that the actions and choices that each and every one of us can make every day have in reducing our ecological footprint.
- Create a virtuous network for dialogue on problems and possible solutions related to the issue of climate change.
- Create a safe and welcoming place for everyone within the university environment and beyond.
Want to know more?
- HOW TO SLOW A FAST WORLD
- ESC WEBSITE
- YOUNET
- Check out the Instagram account of "How to Slow a Fast world" & "Nonèsolomaltempo"
Funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed belong to the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Italian Youth Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Italian Youth Agency can be held responsible for them.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed belong to the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Italian Youth Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Italian Youth Agency can be held responsible for them.