Maybe We Did Want to Save the World (Part 2)

This is the second of a three-part podcast created by Katy Shields and Vegard Beyer. The series tells the true story of why the 1970s book "The Limits to Growth" was, after positive initial reception, fought and since ignored. Part 2 dives into the serendipitous and somewhat chaotic circumstances that thrust the book, initially not intended as a book or for a large audience, into the global spotlight, and recounts the PR struggle that would ensue.

Listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible or or import the RSS feed into your favorite podcast app.

If you missed the first episode: It takes listeners back to the early 70s and highlights how a team of brilliant young scientists, led by Doctors Dennis and Donella (Dana) Meadows, combined the most advanced computing power of the era with cutting-edge scientific research about humanity's impact on our environment. Using a new form of modeling called Systems Dynamics, they developed a world model and used it to simulate scenarios about humanity's future. Their work led to the creation of "The Limits to Growth" – a book widely acknowledged to have sparked the environmental movement. Despite being attacked by scientists and economists, its significance cannot be denied.

This three-part podcast series not only delves into the history of "The Limits to Growth" but also offers insights into our present predicaments and possibilities for the future. Listen to part two now, and stay tuned for the finale of this revealing journey.

For the full credits and acknowledgements, see About the Podcast.