It is time to upgrade our economic system.
Humanity’s main problem is luxury carbon and biosphere consumption, not population. The places where population is rising fastest have extremely small environmental footprints per person compared with the places that reached peak population many decades ago.
30 world-leading economists and economic thinkers have signed an open letter to world leaders calling for bold steps to tax wealth, income and companies to avoid a dangerous threat to democracy.
The book explores two scenarios beginning in 1980 and ending in 2100. These scenarios entitled Too Little, Too Late and The Giant Leap explore how population, economies, resource use, pollution wellbeing and social tensions might change this century based on decisions made this decade.
This scenario reflects our current trajectory. What if societies continue at a similar pace, setting incremental goals but failing to take strong collective action? Will we cross irreversible tipping points, threatening the foundations of Earth’s stable climate? Will skyrocketing inequality lead to worsening social tensions?
This scenario assumes societies embark on a new path to a sustainable world by 2050. What if we fundamentally reconfigure our economies, energy and food systems so that they work for both people and the planet? Can we avoid the worst of climate change impacts and increase our societies’ resilience to shocks? Will we succeed in ending extreme poverty, guaranteeing everyone a healthy diet and access to quality education and healthcare?
Re-programming our economies so that they work for both people and the planet is the solution to today’s major challenges. To make this upgrade a reality, we need governments to implement bold policies aimed at increasing wellbeing for the majority. This is a call to action for governments.
But Earth4All is also a call to action for citizens. By building a chorus of voices in support of the five extraordinary turnarounds, we can make politicians listen and take action to drive the needed transformations.
This is why we need bold conversations in every home, every school, every university, every city and every parliament. What is the future we want? How can our operating system get us there?
All of us have a role to play to support the transformation towards a world where everyone and the planet can thrive.
If you believe it is time to upgrade our economic system, take action with us today.