Watch GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - Final Cut

GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - Final Cut is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film directed by Dave Gardner that explores the concept of growth and its impact on the environment, society, and economy. The movie begins with an introduction to the idea of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth and how it has been the central focus of modern economic policies for decades. However, it brings to light the negative consequences that come with an obsession for growth, including environmental degradation, resource depletion, social inequality, and economic instability.

Through interviews with experts in various fields, including scientists, economists, and environmentalists, the film delves into the root causes of our addiction to growth and the implications it has not only for our present but for the future of our planet.

The filmmaker shows that our current economic system is based on a flawed ideology that perpetuates the cycle of growth without considering the environmental and social costs. With thought-provoking statistics and real-life examples, the movie illustrates how our way of life is unsustainable and how our addiction to growth has led us to the brink of an unprecedented environmental crisis.

One of the film's central messages is that we need to shift our focus from economic growth to sustainable development. The documentary makes a passionate case for a steady-state economy, where we prioritize the well-being of our planet and our society over our economic bottom line.

The film's stars include Saleem Ali, an environmental scientist, Kelly Baker, a former oil industry employee turned environmental activist, and Albert Bartlett, a physicist and well-known advocate for population control. Their perspectives give a well-rounded understanding of the growth issue and emphasize that this is not just an environmental problem, but a social and economic one as well.

The movie also highlights various initiatives and grassroots movements around the world that are working towards making the shift to a sustainable society. From eco-villages in Scotland to green energy projects in Germany, it shows that change is possible and provides real-world examples of how we can make a difference.

What sets this movie apart is its emphasis on community engagement and individual action. Gardner encourages viewers to take action, whether it's through reducing one's carbon footprint, joining a community-supported agriculture program, or supporting local initiatives. The film succeeds in inspiring its audience to take responsibility for our actions and to make conscious choices that can reduce our impact on the environment.

Overall, GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - Final Cut is a powerful, insightful, and inspiring documentary that challenges our preconceptions about growth and urges us to re-evaluate our relationship with the environment. The film is a call to action, reminding us that we have the power to create a better, more sustainable world if we all work together towards this goal. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in environmental issues, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth - Final Cut is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.