STWR - Share The World's Resources

While millions face poverty and hunger, others make fortunes without producing. A sustainable alternative to financial globalisation must be based on international cooperation and solidarity - with new indicators in place to measure well-being. By Marcos Arruda.

The priority given to short term growth in mainstream economics undermines the Earth's ability to maintain its ecological balance and neglects the principle of fairness in the distribution of resources, according to the new book ‘Right Relationship'. A review by Alexia Eastwood.

The blinkered pursuit of economic growth by governments is one of the root causes of the financial crisis. Prosperity without growth is no longer a utopian dream - it is a financial and ecological necessity, says a report by the Sustainable Development Commission (UK).

The fallacy that economic growth can lead to improved human welfare underpins the global financial crisis. Now, we need to move beyond 'growth at all costs' and reorganise the economy based on the quality of life rather than quantity of consumption, argues Robert Costanza.

Our preference for 'bigger is better' and rapid urbanisation has led to a decline in the importance of small cities. We could use small urban dwellings as the basis for a new economy based on localised energy, sustainable food systems and simple living, argues Catherine Tumber.

The use of economic growth theory as a magic elixir towards 'development' fails to meet social goals such as the eradication of poverty and hunger. Two articles below argue that economic alternatives are both necessary, and possible.

Sharing the land and resources of the world more equally is the basis for the ‘Next World Economy’ founded upon comprehensive tax reform and Earth Rights Democracy, says a new book by Alanna Hartzok. Review by Alexia Eastwood.