UK launch of new Club of Rome report: 'Reinventing Prosperity'
A new report from the Club of Rome is to be launched today. 'Reinventing Prosperity' by Graeme Maxton and Jørgen Randers focuses on three endemic social challenges—inequality, unemployment and climate change—and offers 13 radical policy solutions for industrialized countries to address these problems.
The launch is hosted by the ESRC Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP) as part of their ongoing public dialogue on the Nature of Prosperity. Prof Tim Jackson, Director of CUSP said: "Reinventing Prosperity picks up directly from the Club of Rome's seminal work on the limits to growth. Its message is both radical and pragmatic, offering hope to those left behind in the 'global race for growth'."
Reinventing Prosperity argues that, despite more than 30 years of economic growth, the well-being of much of the global population has not improved. The gap between rich and poor has widened, millions remain without work and real wages in many countries have stagnated or fallen. "Continuing on the current, growth-dominated economic path is not just wrong, but extremely foolish. It will worsen the problems not solve them," said Jørgen Randers, one of the report's authors and a co-author of the Club of Rome's original Limits to Growth report.
The book offers a series of policy proposals to reduce unemployment, inequality, and climate change. These include:
- a new definition of paid work,
- fair taxation on business and resources,
- restrictions on trade when necessary,
- the introduction of a basic income for the poorest third of the population,
- increased paid vacation.
The authors recognise that some of the proposals are radical and will face opposition but remain optimistic about their adoption. "Our suggestions are feasible because they offer immediate benefits to the democratic majority," said Graeme Maxton "They not only create a better world in the long run but also provide benefits to most people in the short-term."
Reinventing Prosperity is to be launched today 28th November from 1.30 pm in Church House, Westminster. The authors will be available to sign books, following the event.
Provided by University of Surrey