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CLUB OF ROME SALON a Collaboration between Arts & Nature Social Club & Club of Rome Deutschland 50 Years of “Limits to Growth“ Lessons learned, implications, and opportunities for transformation This salon is being organized in cooperation with BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt and carried out together with DZ BANK AG. Guests: We would like to invite you to an inspiring salon evening with the following guests: Prof. Dr. Dennis Meadows, Co-Author, The Limits to Growth (1972); Emeritus Professor of Systems Management; President, Laboratory for Interactive Learning Saori Dubourg, Member, Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE; Chair, BASF Corporate Sustainability Board; Member, German Council for Sustainable Development Dr. Patrick Graichen, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs & Climate Action Welcome Remarks: Souâd Benkredda, Member, Board of Managing Directors, DZ BANK AG Dr. Frank Niederländer, Member of the Board, BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt & Bundesinitiative Impact Investing Jörg Geier, Member, Club of Rome and Program Chair/VP, ANSC (Program Curation & Moderation) Introduction: Jörg Geier, Member, Club of Rome and Program Chair, ANSC (Moderation/Curation) Music: The evening will be musically accompanied by Susanne Gmelch’s wide repertoire. About this Salon The Club of Rome, a global think tank, has been committed to the sustainable future of humanity since 1968, focusing on major trends against the background of long-term and interdisciplinary thinking. The purpose of this salon series carrying its name is to highlight areas where systemic changes can make a significant difference for a better future. What conclusions can be drawn from The Limits to Growth? Which one of the scenarios represented in the book is the development path we are on? And what actions can be taken based on the insights gained? The Limits to Growth is causing as much controversy today as it did when it was first published in 1972: questioning the paradigm of never-ending economic growth seems to be indisputable to some while others – including the Club of Rome – look at it as a necessity to remain within the confines set by planetary boundaries. The core message of The Limits to Growth indicates that population growth in conjunction with excessive resource consumption and capital growth undoubtedly results in a collapse scenario. The application of technology to apparent environmental problems may delay such a scenario but not put an end to it. Even within the “green movement,” there are diverging opinions on whether there can be green growth or whether degrowth is a viable option. The dialog will focus on the consequences of The Limits to Growth in relation to today’s political and economic challenges. The speakers will explore which economic limitations may already exist with regards to the consumption of natural resources or the emission of greenhouse gases. We will discuss the necessity for political decisions and regulatory adaptations (such as a carbon taxes) as well as future-oriented measures in the German and global economy driven by responsible corporations. Prof. Dr. Dennis Meadows led the research team at MIT whose efforts culminated in The Limits to Growth (1972). He has been a tenured professor in faculties of management, engineering, and social sciences. Prof. Meadows has developed innovative and complex strategic games. He has received numerous international awards for his work, including the Japan Prize in April 2009. Ms. Saori Dubourg is Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. She is responsible for BASF’s global businesses in Monomers, Performance Materials, Petrochemicals, and Intermediates. Furthermore, she oversees the region Europe, the startup trinamiX, and the BASF Corporate Sustainability Board. Dr. Patrick Graichen serves as State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs & Climate Action. From 2014 to 2021, he was Executive Director and Managing Director of Agora Energiewende, a non- profit think tank that develops strategies to advance the goal of climate neutrality in Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world. The speakers’ impulse statements will be followed by a conversation moderated by Jörg Geier to further explore the topic. About the Arts & Nature Social Club The Arts & Nature Social Club, is an international members club launched in Berlin in November 2019. As such, ANSC is shaping a global community of opinion leaders from the arts, sciences, and entrepreneurship. Contrary to most other private clubs, ANSC is not only about providing a safe space for and services to like-minded members, but its mission is also all about purpose and change. Activities include both fundamental and thought-provoking salons on topics such as “Circularity,” “Purpose” or “Growth.”
