Book Description
Named one of a hundred "visionaries who could change your life" by the Utne Reader, Herman Daly has probably been the most prominent advocate of the need for a change in economic thinking in response to environmental crisis. An iconoclast economis t who has worked as a renegade insider at the World Bank in recent years, Daly has argued for overturning some basic economic assumptions. He has won a wide and growing reputation among a wide array of environmentalists, inside and outside the academy.
In a book that will generate controversy, Daly turns his attention to the major environmental debate surrounding "sustainable development." Daly argues that the idea of sustainable development--which has become a catchword of environmentalism and international finance--is being used in ways that are vacuous, certainly wrong, and probably dangerous. The necessary solutions turn out to be muc h more radical than people suppose.
This is a crucial updating of a major economist's work, and mandatory reading for people engaged in the debates about the environment.
"Daly is turning economics inside out by putting the earth and its diminishing natural resources at the center of the field . . . a kind of reverse Copernican revolution in economics."
--Utne Reader
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding work, Daly's predictions have come to pass 10 years later.......2007-09-08
I've read a *lot* of economics books in recent years, some good, some not. But Daly's is really in a class by itself for seeing the big picture and explaining it clearly: traditional economics is broken. Neoclassical economics today is like high energy physics: all the trusty laws that held so true in normal energy physics, or 19th and 20th century economies, mysteriously start to fail us. I love the simple, yet compelling logic of Daly's insight: take the existing neoclassical model of economics--the circular flow of income between households and firms--and then draw a box around it, to acknowledge that the world is of finite size. Once you do that, analyze however you wish...the recognition of a finite world leads inexorably to the notion of an optimum size for the national and global economy. I like how Daly uses tools from mainstream economics to make the point: we all remember from Microeconomics that every firm has an optimal size, based on the size of the overall economy. Economics has the notion of limits to growth embedded already, we just need collectively to apply that logic without flinching.
Something that impressed me was how Daly in 1997 used his intellectual model to forecast the concentration of asset ownership in the U.S., with the consequence of increasing class disparity and declining real wages for the middle class. That would have seemed like outlandish poppycock in the mid-90s, but now in 2007, lo and behold, it's coming to pass (per the CIA and the Economic Policy Institute, and BLS.gov statistics) for all the reasons Daly outlined 10 years ago. The man is onto something, and policymakers would do well to listen to him.
Even better, I think, is that reading between the lines of Daly's book there is a real and believable message of hope. The world of the future that acknowledges limits, and embraces development over growth (think "quality" not "quantity" of the economy as the goal) is a better place than the world we live in today. Instead of the world becoming a planetary Los Angeles or Hong Kong, where life is crowded, expensive, polluted and mean, what I took away from Daly's book was a clear intellectual architecture for a world that is beautiful, full of possibilities for interesting life work, and full of hope and things to look forward to. I sincerely hope that Daly's vision helps shape the world my daughter grows up in.
Surprising Religious Angle from Serious Economist.......2006-04-15
This book is well worth reading for Daly's explanation of "ecological economics." Rather than looking at the economy as a system existing in a vacuum, where an infinite amount of exchanges are possible to create an infinite amount of economic growth--as neo-classical economists believe--Daly places the economy within the physical environment. This environment of course is a place of limits: limits on raw materials and limits on places to store pollution. Thus, Daly shows that the economy must observe limits too.
Common sense, right? Yet, our whole economy is premised on the opposite idea, that we can just keep growing forever. Think of compound interest and then move on from there and you get the idea of how pervasive growth is in our economic mindset today. Offering an alternative is what makes Daly's theory radical.
But the bonus in the book comes at the very end, where Daly offers economics (rightly understood with limits) as the intermediary between the physical world and religious belief. The latter, Daly believes, is necessary to offer humans the inspiration we need to radically change our current society and save our species. Some parts of the text are rough going, but if you're not an economist you can skim them to get to Daly's truly novel integration of heart and head.
Good enough.......2005-03-11
this book is good enough to get a good view of how SD is going and should go. Though much has changed since this book has been published. Globalization has taken SD in directions that were not previously predicted.
Growth isn't everything.......2004-10-05
I can't say enough about how moved I was by this book. Having worked in a corporate setting for a number of years, I have wondered how growth can always be the goal of business and how the world can keep expanding and still accommodate everyone's needs. Herman Daly breaks down the problems with economic growth and how fraudulent it is for measuring economic health. Daly advocates sustainable development from a number of economic and social angles. His explanations become abstract at times, but he effectively challenges established economic thinking and offers alternatives.
Without recognition of physical ecological parameters, economic growth as we know it, including GNP, does not measure economic reality. The concept met with opposition from economists at the World Bank where Mr. Daly once worked (as of the mid-1990s when this book was written). The book starts with a passionate rebuttal to the World Bank and their "preanalytic vision" that the economy operates separately from the environment. In the remainder of the book his frustration is aimed more broadly at neoclassical western economists for ignoring the environment and the laws of thermodynamics. A great example is not accounting for environmental costs during the "throughput" process where products go from raw material to final waste.
I learned how important size or "scale" of macroeconomics is, but not accounted for even though it is surpassing the "carrying capacity" of our planet. Daly refutes modern developments such as an "information economy," to replace depleted resources. Also, lack of natural materials can't be substituted with efficiency: "One cannot substitute efficient cause for material cause--one cannot build the same wooden house with half the timber no matter how many saws and carpenters one tries to substitute," (p. 76).
Globalization, Daly argues, opposes the goal of sustainable development as does free trade, overpopulation, and inequality, all of which are closely analyzed. Globalization and free trade came across to me as particularly harmful because they limit a nation's ability to protect its people, culture, and environment. Daly recommends "maximum wage" to limit inequality. Justification for this concept uses biblical references in a religious-based section, which might seem inappropriate for an economics book, but I found the points made important and well presented.
His solutions for change have the goal of creating a "steady state" economy. With such an economy, humans are able to live on the earth and use amounts of the resources that can be maintained indefinitely. This difficult goal includes principles that may seem radical like population control and limiting inequality. But accounting for our environmental costs in our economy is not radical; it's common sense.
I appreciate the perspective the book takes because it proves that the loss of natural resources isn't just anti-ecological, but also anti-economical. Probably one of the most important books I've ever read.
A Truly Important Book.......2004-07-01
Don't miss reading this book! When I read conventional economics, I constantly find myself asking why most economists use such ridiculous assumptions. Herman Daly's book tells why, and gives a start of what to do about it. Mr. Daly's work convinced me that economics will soon be undergoing a revolution like that of physics in the time of Einstein. As a patent attorney with a biochemistry degree, I can tell you that Mr. Daly is right on the money when he discusses the importance to humanity's future of discarding GNP as an economic measure. If you didn't realize before that understanding entropy is essential to economics, Mr. Daly will tell you. There is plenty of other great stuff here, too.
I don't agree with all of Mr. Daly's points. One of his major themes is that being truly concerned about the environment and the future of humanity requires reverence for the Earth as God's creation. Since I am an atheist, and I am very concerned about the environment and the future of humanity, I find this viewpoint a little hard to swallow. Don't let that stop you from reading this great book, though.
Book Description
As urban growth outstrips water supplies, how can the global challenge of providing “liquid gold” be met? Mixing history and policy analysis, Steven Erie tells the compelling story of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)—one of the world’s largest and most important public water agencies—and its role in building the world’s 8th largest economy in a semi-desert. No tawdry tale of secret backroom conspiracies—as depicted in the famed film noir Chinatown—this fresh telling concerns an unheralded regional institution, its entrepreneurial public leadership, and pioneering policymaking.
Using untapped primary sources, the author re-examines this great regional experiment from its obscure 1920s-era origins, through the Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Projects, to today’s daunting mission of drought management, water quality, environmental stewardship, and post-9/11 supply security. A key focus is MWD’s navigation of recent epic water battles: San Diego’s combative quest for water independence from MWD and L.A.; lingering conflicts over the Colorado River and northern California’s fragile Bay-Delta ecosystem; and the myriad challenges posed by water markets, privatization, and water transfers.
Facing unprecedented challenges, MWD is devising innovative formulas to sustain this improbable desert civilization. Beyond Chinatown concludes by considering MWD’s Integrated Resources Plan as a global model for water-resources planning and management, water supply diversification and reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Chinatown’s seductive mythologies have obscured MWD’s authentic, instructive history and lessons.
Praise for Steve Erie’s previous book, Globalizing L.A.:
“This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics of Western cities, the politics of urban development, and especially the future politics of cities that are likely to be contenders in the increasingly competitive arena of global trade. . . . Erie's analysis will forever direct us to look first at certain public agencies to begin to understand larger patterns of economic growth in any metropolitan area.”—Journal of Urban Affairs
“[A] fascinating history of the Los Angeles region’s great assets and the forces that drove their development. . . . One hundred years ago, it was improbable that the Los Angeles region would become the 10th largest economy in the world. In Globalizing L.A., Erie explains how that happened and then, fingers crossed, offers lessons on how California’s largest and most diverse city and region can keep playing a leading role.”—Los Angeles Times
“Referencing an impressive body of recent academic research, Erie argues that world-class seaport and airport facilities confer substantial economic advantages and more facilitating links between local businesses and the global economy.”—The Sacramento Bee
“Erie has built a potent political-economy of urban development that recognizes the crucial role of the public sector in mediating globalizing processes . . . and this is a valuable lesson for academics, dockworkers, community developers, and environmental activists alike.”—Economic Geography
Customer Reviews:
Water Politics.......2007-01-10
This is a superb book on the politics of water allocation in the arid southwest. Typical of Professor Erie, the intricacies of allocating this critical resource are analyzed and described in an exceptionally interesting and readable style. A wonderful book.
Southern Californa Water.......2006-05-09
Erie's book is an entertaining read about the history of the Metropolitan Water District and its role in serving a thirsty Southern California. In California, water and politics have always been inseparable. While Professor Erie's book may rankle some individuals, I found it to be a thoroughly researched and objective book. Certainly not dry reading, I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in California water, history, or politics.
Overdue Debunker.......2006-05-07
Erie is a brilliant, thorough researcher with a track record that supports the believability of his facts and conclusions. He is too gentle on the San Diego schemers he uncovers in "Beyond Chinatown," but he is a scholar first, and an exciting historian.
Interesting Topic.......2006-05-06
The story in this book is interesting, though in all fairness Dr. Erie should have likely disclosed that he has been a paid litigation expert for Metropolitan Water District, one of the main subjects of the book. Readers might have wanted to know the author was paid by his subject.
Book Description
What is development? And what does it take to make development sustainable? How can we measure and compare levels of development for different countries? The author of Beyond Economic Growth challenges readers to find their own answers to these complex questions by analyzing and synthesizing information on a range of critical and interrelated development issues: population growth, economic growth, equity, poverty, hunger, education, health, industrialization, privatization, trade, foreign investment, international aid, climate change, the Millennium Development Goals, and more.
Why is world population growing faster than ever before?
Will poor country economies catch up with the rich?
Can poor countries break the vicious circle of poverty and hunger?
How does a country's economic position affect its education needs?
How are health risks changing in different parts of the world?
Will the North-South cooperation help prevent global climate change?
How does government corruption influence national development?
The book, which draws on recent World Bank data, is written for young people, teachers, students, and others interested in learning more about global development.
This completely revised and expanded second edition of Beyond Economic Growth includes new sections on:
global hunger
HIV/AIDS
international migration,
government corruption, and
the Millennium Development Goals.
Customer Reviews:
Introduction is an understatement.......2005-08-21
This book gives a very quick introduction to sustainable development and economic principals. There are short colorful chapters on GDP/GNP as a measure of welfare, pollution levels in different countries, foreign investment, etc. but it simply introduces the concepts and mentions why they are important. There is very little in depth discussion.
The second half of the book contains tables of data collected by the World Bank on foreign aid, immigration, pollution/air quality, population growth, GNP per capita, and so on.
Buy this book for the data, and if you are new to the economics of sustainable development. Don't buy it if you want to do any research or reporting of your own.
Average customer rating:
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Beyond growth: Elements of sustainable development
Udo Ernst Simonis
Manufacturer: Edition Sigma
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback
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ASIN: 3924859566 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from World Watch, published by Worldwatch Institute on September 1, 1997. The length of the article is 2053 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development. (book reviews)
Author: David Malin Roodman
Publication:
World Watch (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 1997
Publisher: Worldwatch Institute
Volume: v10
Issue: n5
Page: p36(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Beyond the Asian Crisis: Pathways to Sustainable Growth (Elgar Monographs)
Manufacturer: Edward Elgar Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1840642734 |
Book Description
As Southeast and Northeast Asia recover from the Asian crisis and return to a state of growth, the authors of this book assess the lessons to be learned from the crisis to achieve sustainable development in the future. While the importance of each factor contributing to the crisis varies from country to country, their collective experience has created unprecedented turmoil in current thinking on development policy.
The authors argue that the major schools of thought need paradigm changes in the wake of the crisis. Those who believe that a `strong state' or system of semi-democracy is essential for economic growth have been disproved by the sudden collapse of these economies. These countries must now adapt to the fact that society must be open to ideas and democratize its polity to achieve innovation-driven sustainable development. Those who used the success of East Asian economies as a vindication of the neo-classical orthodoxy, referred to as the `Washington consensus', must now see the follies of progressive withdrawal of the government from the economic sphere and of unfettered flows of short-term capital.
This book offers a timely and reflective analysis of the Asian financial crisis and brings together a detailed overview of the different and often competing responses within the countries of the region. It will be welcomed by students and scholars with an interest in Asian economics, development studies, international political economy, and international relations.
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Oman Beyond the Oil Horizon: Policies Toward Sustainable Growth (Occasional Paper (Intl Monetary Fund))
Manufacturer: International Monetary Fund
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1557758336 |
Book Description
With the steady increase in crude oil production and the surge in oil prices in the mid- and late 1970s, Oman embarked upon an economic development path that transformed it into a prosperous country. Today Oman boasts an impressive physical infrastructure, much improved socioeconomic conditions, and a high standard of living. The purpose of this background study is to contribute to a better understanding of developments in the Omani economy since 1980 and of the policy challenges the government faces in the medium term. The study focuses on some central aspects of Oman's economic experience, including the potential structural impediments to growth.
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Animal Welfare Law in Britain: Regulation and Responsibility
Mike Radford
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0198262450 |
Book Description
The most detailed and authoritative treatment of the current state of animal welfare law in Britain to date. This book provides a full analysis of the substantive law, considers its objectives, application and effectiveness, the background to the current debate and the arguments for and against further reform. It includes full coverage of key topics such as agricultural production, transportation, scientific procedures, entertainment, domestic pets, wildlife, hunting and enforcement.
Book Description
This unique book provides a concise account of the rheological properties of the principal dairy products from the point of view of a physicist whose interest lies in the direction of material science.
A description is given of the way each dairy product's physical structure is built up, showing how this affects its rheological behavior. Emphasis throughout is on principle rather than on technological detail.
Also covered in this book is a discussion on the instrumental ways of making rheological measurements, and the basis of sensory assessments.
Food scientists, food technologists, and food engineers in industry and academe will find this singular book a valuable resource in their work.
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- Brazil shows significant progress against inflation. : An article from: Market Latin America
- Business Heroes: Making Business Renewal You Personal Crusade
- Caja de herramientas para hacer astronomia / Tool Box to Make Astronomy (Croma/ Paidos)
- Capital, the State and Labour: A Global Perspective
- Career Intelligence : The 12 New Rules for Work and Life Success
- Communication Excellence: Using NLP to Supercharge Your Business Skills
- Compendium of Tourism Statistics
- Country Careers: Successful Ways to Live and Work in the Country
- Culture Shock!: Mexico
- Dear Sister, Dear Sister: A Collection of Sisterhood Letters from Trade Union Women
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