Economics

building true prosperity

Our current global economic system has to grow in order to remain healthy — that's simply the way it is designed. But unending growth is not compatible with a finite planet, and even growth in the "knowledge" and "service" economies involves the use of non-renewable resources. Institutionalized perpetual growth together with an exponentially-growing global population is a recipe for disaster.

Fortunately, there are ways to reform our economic system peacefully if there is enough political will. Political goals can be changed to prioritize social well-being instead of the sheer growth of economic activity. Governments can stop allowing the negative consequences ("externalities") of economic activities to be separated from prices and borne by the public at large. With such "economics as if people mattered," basic economic activities become more localized, bringing better local jobs and more socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

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Occupy Educated: Richard Heinberg Q&A

length: 1:14:04   credit: occupyeducated.org

A live Q&A with Richard Heinberg, author of The End of Growth recorded on January 30th for Occupy Educated.

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