Earth for All

This new book has been released on the 50^th anniversary of The Limits to Growth, which I myself read in the 1970s. Like the original study, this is based on a sophisticated computer model with multiple interactive variables involving different sectors. The authors are all internationally recognised experts in various different fields involving climate, sustainability, economics, well-being and politics. The book is endorsed by a galaxy of well-known figures, both orthodox and alternative, including Ban-Ki moon, Kate Raworth, Bill McKibben, Richard Heinberg, John Elkington, Thomas Piketty, David Korten and Teresa Ribera.

The title itself has a distinct resonance with the SDGs and such admirable-sounding phrases as ‘no one left behind’ and one needs to dig more deeply to find out what this actually means – see my review of Patrick Wood below. One commentator remarked that the book is ‘curiously silent on the deep cultural and spiritual revolutions required and the pluralities of cosmology available for this.’ In other words, the viewpoint is mainstream Western, while mindset and worldview are not explicitly addressed except insofar as they embrace complexity theory in addition to linearity. In addition, the language of mechanistic economics is only too evident with frequent use of terms such as levers, and the assumption that economic growth has to continue in order to overcome inequality.

The agenda of the book is nothing if not ambitious, envisaging five fundamental turnarounds in terms of poverty, inequality, gender equity, energy and food. Each chapter makes detailed, constructive, practical and systemic suggestions, but these are mainly stated in terms of centralised institutional and governmental action that is implicitly technocratic. The overall analysis is carried out within the context of two deeply intertwined systems: people and planet, ‘or more explicitly the global economy and Earth’s life support system’ – note the word order here. Interestingly, there is no mention of the pioneering work of Lester Brown, whose many books on eco-economy I have reviewed in these pages. The authors envisage scenarios involving breakdown or breakthrough, partly depending on whether we choose the path of too little too late or what they call a Giant Leap. The authors conclude that the measures they advocate are indeed feasible, and that the window is still open despite the prevalence of short-termism and national self-interest. Implementation requires ‘building the broadest coalition the world has ever seen’ - which is a big ask.

At one level, one could argue that the UN and World Economic Forum already have coordinated plans to achieve the Agenda 30 SDGs by 2030 through stakeholder capitalism and public-private partnerships, but the WEF does not appear in the index. Climate Change and net zero are the current focus of a propaganda fear campaign to try to galvanise action, and the proposals contained in this book are far more extensive and systemic. Moreover, the WEF is partnered with the largest and most powerful corporations whose main interest is maintaining and expanding market share using manipulative science and technology seeking to own, control and dominate rather than live in harmony with Earth systems. The book recognises this by asking about the balance between lab engineered meat and regenerative farming while failing to see that these represent incompatible mindsets. Companies and individuals are encouraged to invest in profitable innovation that will maximise returns. Hence, they refer to ‘new farming techniques’ rather than tried and tested traditional forms of agriculture.

The authors explore both the too little too late and giant leap scenarios within the context of Earth4All’s average well-being index based on dignity, nature, connection, fairness and participation. They also have the Social Tension Index as a threat to progress and stability. It is clear that the first scenario reflecting business as usual will be unsustainable, as we already know. The Giant Leap is the best-case scenario depending on multiple assumptions and the positive actions, especially in the next 10 years. These projections are, as the authors state, the consequences of assumptions built into the model, but they do seem to be consistent and credible.

It is not possible to engage with the impressive detail laid out in each chapter, so interested readers will have to consult the book themselves. Views will also differ about how realistic many proposals are, even if they are seen as necessary – and the authors do discuss potential barriers before concluding what needs to happen. To what extent will societies accept more progressive taxation in the interests of economic equality? Are governments prepared to redirect subsidies, given the power of lobby groups? What does valuing equality, diversity and inclusion really amount to? Can food companies realistically play a positive role in helping us change our diets? Would the proposed Food System Stability Board be paid for and taken over by Big Food, Big Ag and Big Pharma, as is the case with the UN One Health initiative and the WHO?

The authors believe that the levers for a new economic operating system are in plain sight and waiting to be pulled, including transformation of the international financial system currently dominated by the financial sector making money out of money. They propose the cancellation of unfair debt as well as a universal basic dividend, although they do not mention the inherent dangers of central-bank digital currencies that are now in the pipeline. I think that many thoughtful readers will support the thrust of this book towards a commons-based well-being economy, and the authors provide good evidence of rising public concern. In proposing 15 largely macroeconomic policy recommendations, the authors certainly articulate a significant agenda that needs to be addressed both politically and economically, but there is much that can also be achieved at local and community levels. We can do our own part by joining movements, raising awareness and voting for more visionary and less corrupt politicians; also by bringing these issues to the fore for public debate and discussion.