STWR - Share The World's Resources

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 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.

Transitioning to a sustainable and just economic system is the ultimate challenge of the 21st century. As the work of E.F Schumacher argues, history will no doubt judge our generation by how well we acknowledge, embrace and take up this challenge, says John Fullerton.

Past pledges of more aid and fairer trade to fight poverty have amounted to very little for the world's poor. More of the same medicine is not the solution - a global shift in priorities is needed to redistribute essential resources to immediately secure basic human needs, argues Davinder Kaur.

The financial crisis puts to rest the myths that our economic institutions are sound and that markets work best when deregulated - providing an ideal opportunity to replace the present system with a new economy dedicated to serving life, writes David Korten. 

The excesses of banks, big business and the super-rich have shattered our economic system. In the following extract from their new book, Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson put forward their principles for a fairer and more cohesive society.