Enough is Enough

The question asked in this book is how we can build a sustainable and steady state economy in a world of finite resources. It builds on the work of Herman Daly and questions the assumption that economic growth as we know it can continue indefinitely. More people are realising the finite nature of the planet and many are proposing practical policies for achieving a steady state economy. However, the will to act has not yet materialised, and may only do so in crisis mode. A steady state economy means not only a stable level of resource consumption, but also a stable population. The use of materials and energy remains within ecological limits, and the overall policy goal is to improve the quality of life. The authors have spelled out what needs to happen in order for this transition to take place. None of these measures is difficult in itself, but there is an overall requirement for the political and economic debate to be reframed. This includes the argument that education is for life, not just for work. The chapters are helpfully structured in analysing what we currently do and what we can do instead. This includes a more equitable distribution of income and wealth, comprehensive monitoring systems, an incremental policy approach, and improved cooperation and coordination across government. The blueprint they provide could form the basis of a new way of looking at long-term policy (pages 195-6) that also entails a shift in values away from consumerism to sustainability. As highlighted in the previous issue, reform of monetary and financial systems is also crucial and the media can play an important role in stimulating political and economic debate.