Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘enough’ suggests distinguishing resources for dignified life from consumption driven by status and accumulation. This concept is presented as a missing element in India’s climate debate, which currently emphasizes technological solutions like solar power and electric vehicles.
The article argues that while clean energy transition is essential, technology alone is insufficient. A Gandhian approach would incorporate a question of sufficiency alongside efficiency, examining if services are needed at the current scale and if well-being can be achieved with less material pressure. This approach would also question the environmental footprint of renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, including land use, water, infrastructure, and mineral requirements.
Furthermore, the rebound effect, where increased efficiency leads to greater consumption, is highlighted. The text suggests that climate justice requires ensuring rising incomes improve essential services without equating development with material-intensive prosperity. A politics of ‘enough’ would complement technological investment with demand-side policies, promote repairability and reuse, and ensure fair distribution of restraint, with affluent households bearing a larger share of adjustment.
Source: Down To Earth