The Economics of Arrival: Ideas for a Grown-Up Economy

Description

What do people and planet really need from the economy? Is quality of life undermined by the drive for economic growth at all costs? While everyday economics assumes all growth is good, the richest countries already have plenty of wealth and resources - they have 'arrived'. But in pushing for more, wealthy countries could undermine these achievements and make it impossible for people elsewhere to escape poverty. In this provocative book, Trebeck and Williams describe a new challenge: a move from expansion to inclusion. Using global examples, they argue for an economy that delivers quality rather than quantity: an economy for everyone. 'In this provocative book, Trebeck and Williams describe a new challenge: a move from expansion to inclusion. Using global examples, they argue for an economy that delivers quality rather than quantity: an economy for everyone. This is a must read for anyone who cares about social justice, the future of the biosphere and our place in it. Trebeck and Williams challenges us to think about what we owe to future generations and raise serious questions about pursuing economic growth as an end goal. An important and timely book worthy of a broad audience and vibrant discussion.' - Tim DiMuzio, University of Wollongong, ACF Habitat Magazine 'In the rush for more, the fruits of progress risk rotting before everyone has had a chance to enjoy them' - Kathrine Trebeck and Jeremy Williams, Open Democracy UK 'A remarkable book...an impressive guide for further reading and research.' - Open Democracy, read full review here

Jeremy Williams is an independent writer and campaigner. He studied journalism and international relations and specialises in communicating social and environmental issues to a mainstream audience. He has worked on projects for Oxfam, RSPB, WWF, Tearfund and many others, and is a co-founder of the Postgrowth Institute. His award-winning website (makewealthhistory.org) was ranked Britain's number one green blog in 2018 Katherine Trebeck is a researcher and advocate for a new economic paradigm and is based in Scotland. She has many years' experience, including as Knowledge and Policy Lead for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance and over eight years for Oxfam GB. She has a PhD in Political Science from the Australian National University and honorary posts with the University of Strathclyde and the University of the West of Scotland. Her work has ranged from construction of a new measure of progress for Scotland to rapporteur for Club de Madrid's Shared Societies and Sustainability project.

"This is a must read for anyone who cares about social justice, the future of the biosphere and our place in it. Trebeck and Williams challenges us to think about what we owe to future generations and raise serious questions about pursuing economic growth as an end goal. An important and timely book worthy of a broad audience and vibrant discussion." Tim DiMuzio, University of Wollongong "A must read for anyone who cares about social justice, the future of the biosphere and our place in it. Trebeck and Williams challenge us to think about what we owe to future generations and raise serious questions about pursuing economic growth as an end goal. An important and timely book worthy of a broad audience and vibrant discussion." Tim DiMuzio, University of Wollongong "A compassionate guide to shifting gear, from an economy based on pursuit of growth to one that can discover the joy of what it has already achieved. We need this book." Neva Goodwin, Tufts University "An economic edifice, built over decades, took humanity to the edge of an ecological precipice. Rising in its ruins, The Economics of Arrival reveals green shoots of a better model and asks the key question: how do we make ourselves at home in the world without breaking the boundaries of the biosphere?" Andrew Simms, New Economics Foundation "A mature and powerful contribution to the discussions and debates that will create visions for societies that work for both people and planet; a vital step towards change." Kate Pickett, University of York "Brilliantly argued: time to learn how to live, not clamour for more and more... Very top of must read list!" Gar Alperovitz, author of America Beyond Capitalism "Creating an economy for everyone is not a utopia anymore, but the only way forward. This book will not only inspire you to achieve it but also give you the tools for the future we all want." Livia Firth, founder, EcoAge "With its invitation to make ourselves at home in the world, The Economics of Arrival celebrates the pioneers and projects that show the new world emerging through the cracks of the old." Hunter Lovins "With their concept of 'arriving', the authors provide fodder for exciting debate on humanity's most important project, the search for wellbeing alternatives that will help make peace with the earth" Ashish Kothari, Kalpavriksh, and co-editor of Pluriverse: A Post-Development Dictionary "I couldn't be more enthusiastic about your book. The timing is perfect given what is going on politically in the US, UK and Australia...In a dark time it shines some light, hope and very well argued sanity" Alex Sloan, former Canberran of the Year and ABC journalist