With regard to the recent exchanges on economic growth and ecological
economics, the following two chapters of the current State of the
World report out of the World Watch Institute may prove informative.
The first argues for innovation in how we think about economics, and
the second elaborates on the idea of "genuine progress indicators" as
an alternative to conventional economic metrics such as GDP.
Ecological economics has a solid foundation in ecology, and so this
is an entirely appropriate policy arena for engagement by the ESA, in
my opinion.
Cheers,
-
Ashwani
Vasishth [EMAIL PROTECTED] (818) 677-6137
http://www.csun.edu/~vasishth/
* * *
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5561#toc
Chapter 1. Seeding the Sustainable Economy
Gary Gardner and Thomas Prugh, Worldwatch Institute
Environmental decline and persistent mass poverty suggest that the
dominant model for economies worldwide is in crisis. But alternatives
to business-as-usual can steer most economies onto sustainable paths.
Underpinned by a handful of key Big Ideas, economic innovations might
just remake our world.
Download Chapter 1 <http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/SOW08_chapter_1.pdf>
Chapter 2. A New Bottom Line for Progress
John Talberth, Redefining Progress
GDP tells an important, if one-dimensional, economic story. But it's
not the only story or even the most vital one. Metrics that better
measure the things people most value, and don't count pollution and
other "bads" as assets, are explored in this chapter.
Download Chapter 2 <http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/SOW08_chapter_2.pdf>
