Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy

The mission of CASSE is to advance the steady state economy, with stabilized population and consumption, as a policy goal with widespread public support. We pursue this mission by:

• educating citizens, organizations, and policy makers on the conflict between economic growth and (1) environmental protection, (2) ecological and economic sustainability, and (3) national security and international stability;
• promoting the steady state economy as a desirable alternative to economic growth;
• studying the means to establish a steady state economy.

Our Commitment

CASSE is an organization that explores economic growth in earnest, including its downsides. We refuse to ignore the costs of economic growth, and our position sets the record straight. We recognize the conflict between economic growth and various goals for society, and we stand up for rational macroeconomic policies. Continuous economic growth on a finite planet is wishful thinking. We confront the truth that there are limits to growth, and we examine other possibilities for managing our economic affairs.

Our Strategy

Conventional economists tend to overlook the principles of ecology when considering the effects of economic growth. These economists—along with politicians, business leaders, and the media—don’t see the big picture when it comes to growth. That’s where CASSE steps in. Our role is to help people understand that growth is causing more problems than it solves at this point in history. To promote the steady state economy as the sustainable alternative, CASSE engages volunteers around the world, from regional directors to collaborators on outreach. CASSE also works closely with economists and scientists to build a foundation of support for the transition to a steady state economy by helping professional societies adopt their own positions on economic growth. In addition, CASSE develops and distributes a variety of information resources on concepts related to the steady state economy.