The Roots of Everything: Alternative Economies

It's clear that the current global economic system is based on exploitation and consumes more and more people and nature. After all, infinite growth is impossible in a finite world. Transformation, however, is possible. So are resistance and utopia.

In this lecture performance, we explore three different perspectives on the matter. 

We will learn about the concrete impact of the current "system" on a small cloud forest valley in Ecuador and the real responsibilities that lie with us here in Germany. We will examine how global power structures, investment agreements, and German car manufacturers directly affect life in this small, biodiverse valley, which is representative of many others around the world.

We will consider possible alternative economies, some of which have already been realized. What economic models exist, or have existed, that support life instead of exploiting it? On both a small and large scale? Specifically, we will learn about small community banks, a women's collective, and a cooperatively organized hydroelectric power plant in the cloud forest. On a more abstract and macro level, we will learn about degrowth and the donut economy. 

Together with journalist Elisabeth Weydt, we will explore facts, stories, music, images, and real alternatives. The heroes of our journey are:

Carlos Zorrilla (Cuba/USA/Ecuador): Farmer, grandfather, and co-founder of the first environmental organization involved in the Intag Valley’s decades-long successful resistance against transnational mining corporations.

Cenaida Guachagmira (Ecuador): A farmer, mother, and herbalist, she sued her own government over the constitutional "Rights of Nature," demanding that the value of nature be respected. She is also involved in a cooperative hydroelectric power plant.

Tonny Nowshin (Bangladesh/Germany): An economist and climate activist, she analyzes global financial structures and demonstrates how degrowth and other alternatives to capitalism could function on a macro level — and, in some ways, already do.

This evening will not be a dry economics lecture. We invite you to participate and become part of this reality. Reflect on what wealth, redistribution, and the economy mean to you and how you can multiply that for yourself and the greater good long after this event concludes.

The event will be held in English and Spanish with simultaneous translation.