The Growth Trap | Mohua Mukherjee, former World Bank Economist

Does more economic growth really make our lives better? Former World Bank economist Mohua Mukherjee challenges the GDP growth paradigm in this essential conversation about wellbeing, climate justice, and what progress really means.Mohua served as Energy Team Leader at the World Bank, leading its $1 billion solar energy programme for India and advancing renewable energy policy across South Asia. With over 30 years of global experience, she now serves as an Independent Director on the board of a microfinance company, contributing expertise in structured finance and sustainability.In this episode, Kaberi and Obhi Chatterjee explore:Why GDP fails to capture inequality and environmental destructionThe accuracy of the 1972 "Limits to Growth" predictionsThe Club of Rome's "Earth for All" report and its average wellbeing indexKate Raworth's Doughnut Economics and its prediction of conflicts over resources as growth plateausThe just transition and coal-dependent communitiesClimate resilience in developed vs. developing nationsWho owns climate technology and why it mattersIndia's public digital infrastructure as a model for sharing innovationTimestamps:00:18 Introduction01:21 Does economic growth really improve people's lives?03:34 The Limits to Growth11:20 The Just Transition12:39 The Business of R&DResources mentioned:- Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist by Kate Raworth- Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity (Club of Rome report)Share your reflections about this episode and others in The Waterfall Community on Discord: https://discord.gg/NyKbEjPDRRIf you enjoyed this episode, follow The Waterfall for more conversations with experts on wellbeing, sustainability, the arts and technology as well as tips on 'slow travel', all inspired by the timeless vision of Rabindranath Tagore.