Dear friends,

A voice is rising among those who are deeply concerned with global environmental degradation and escalating
poverty and inequality. A root of the problem lies in an unrelenting priority given to economic growth. Degrowth is
a new social and economic paradigm that challenges the growth–driven economic model on which existing
policies are based. To build on the emerging international discussion on degrowth and alternative models, the
Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the Montreal International Conference on Degrowth in the
Americas from May 14-20, 2012.

Twenty years after the Earth Summit in Rio, the linkage of sustainable development to economic growth requires
profound rethinking. It has not offered a convincing solution to one of the most dramatic crises in history: how to
avert ecological collapse while enhancing social justice and improving life’s prospects. In advance of Rio plus 20,
our Conference seeks to challenge and move beyond the sustainable development agenda. A degrowth
perspective will help us visualize and build towards a truly prosperous world.

Drawing from previous degrowth conferences the Montreal conference will focus on the particular situations and
dynamics of the Americas. What does degrowth mean for our Hemisphere with its rich geographical, cultural,
social and economic diversity? How can degrowth models apply to different contexts from the Arctic to Tierra del
Fuego? What does degrowth mean for the indigenous peoples of the Americas and their aspirations for their
lands and peoples? How can degrowth concepts be made audible, understandable and attractive to rich North
Americans?

In the spirit of seeking alternative societies, the conference will bring together a diversity of social actors to share
a deeper understanding of degrowth and build networks and relationships. The format will encourage
participants to “live degrowth” during the conference. It will include a convivial degrowth fair, with exhibits,
art/video/cultural events, and opportunities for international participants to exchange beyond what is possible in
most formal academic conferences. Interaction with social movements and alternative food, housing, and
cooperative experiences in the Montreal region are planned. Every effort is being made to reduce the ecological
footprint of the event and to maximize its benefits in relation to the ecological and carbon impacts of traditional
travel and research activities. Trilingual translation will be available for larger sessions and a cadre of volunteer
personal translators for French, Spanish and English speakers will be recruited.

If you are interested in participating in the conference or the preparations for it, or if you simply want further
information, please visit the conference’s website at http://montreal.degrowth.org or write us at
montreal@degrowth.net. The call for proposals and papers will be made via website and email.

Let us come together to articulate the needs and aspirations of the Americas for postgrowth equitable societies
on a flourishing Earth.

We look forward to your participation.
Yves-Marie Abraham, HEC, Université de Montréal
Peter G Brown, McGill University
Nicolas Kosoy, McGill University
Olga Navarro-Flores, UQAM
Hervé Phillipe, Université de Montréal
François Schneider, Research & Degrowth, Autonomous University of Barcelona
Paul Shrivastava, Concordia University.