The End of Capitalism

Why Growth and Climate Protection Are Incompatible – and How We Will Live in the Future

  • The first book to describe a way out of capitalism without destroying our liberal democracy in the process
  • #1 SPIEGEL Bestseller
  • 140,000 copies sold
  • Complete English translation available

How do we manage to transition to a more sustainable world without the collapse of the economy?

Capitalism has brought about many positive things. At the same time, however, it is ruining the climate and the environment, so that humanity’s very existence is now at risk. ‘Green growth’ is supposed to be the saviour, but economics expert and bestselling author Ulrike Herrmann disagrees. In this book, she explains in a clear and razor-sharp manner why we need ‘green shrinkage’ instead.

Greenhouse gases are increasing dramatically and unchecked. This failure is no coincidence, because the climate crisis goes to the heart of capitalism. Prosperity and growth are only possible if technology is used and energy is utilised. Unfortunately, however, green energy from the sun and wind will never be enough to fuel global growth. The industrialised countries must therefore bid farewell to capitalism and strive for a circular economy in which only what can be recycled is consumed.

Herrmann makes a convincing argument that we won’t get anywhere without personal restrictions and government planning. Her example for a solution is the British war economy of the 1940s. This is not a utopian scenario, but a comprehensive example of the restrictions and government-led plans needed now and in the future.

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China: Zhejiang People's Publishing House / Croatia: VBZ / Denmark: Lindhardt & Ringhof / Finland: Tammi / Italy: Lit/Castelvecchi / Korea: Galapagos / Netherlands: Starfish Books / Romania: Cetatea de Scaun / Spain: Nola Editores / Sweden: Fri tanke / Taiwan: Walkers Cultural Enterprise / World English: Scribe

  • Publisher: Kiepenheuer&Witsch
  • Release: 08.09.2022
  • ISBN: 978-3-462-00255-3
  • 352 Pages
  • Author: Ulrike Herrmann
The End of Capitalism
Ulrike Herrmann The End of Capitalism
Andrew James Johnston
© Andrew James Johnston
Ulrike Herrmann

Ulrike Herrmann , born in Hamburg in 1964, trained as a bank clerk, studied philosophy and history, and graduated from the Henri Nannen school of journalism. Since 2000, she has been an economics correspondent for taz and a journalist writing about social and economic policy issues. She has previously published four books which were all SPIEGEL Bestsellers. The End of Capitalism is her first book published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch.