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.

videos

Share Spray: A New Way To Do Everything

length: 5:34   credit:

The Sharing Solution and the Center for a New American Dream have launched a new 5-minute animation: Share Spray — A New Way To Do EverythingWith creativity, charm, and a bit of fun, Share Spray explores how sharing could transform our lives and neighborhoods.

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How anti-coal campaigners are protecting Australia’s economy

Paul Gilding    May 09, 2013   

Irony doesn’t get any better than this. Environmentalists and farmers fighting the expansion of coal mining and coal seam gas across Australia are protecting the economy. If they are … >>

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Faster Drilling, Diminishing Returns in Shale Plays Nationwide?

Sharon Kelly    Apr 30, 2013   

Faster Drilling, Diminishing Returns in Shale Plays Nationwide? (via Desmogblog) Today's shale gas boom has brought a surge of drilling across the US, driving natural gas prices to historic … >>

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ECONOMY: Money and Energy

Richard Douthwaite

EXCERPT: The debt-based money system just described cannot work if there is less and less energy available.  We only borrow if we think we're going to have more money in future with … >>

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Local Dollars, Local Sense

Michael Shuman

Americans’ long-term savings in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, pension funds, and life insurance funds total about $30 trillion. But not even 1 percent of these savings touch local small … >>

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