Helena Norberg-Hodge, founder of Local Futures and author of Ancient Futures, explores the transformative power of local economies in combating global challenges. She emphasizes the importance of human connections and community resilience against the backdrop of corporate-driven consumerism. The conversation highlights how shared experiences can foster solidarity, critiques the reductionist approach in environmentalism, and advocates for grassroots activism in support of local initiatives. Through inspiring stories, Helena shows how local engagement can lead to transformative change.
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insights INSIGHT
Complexity vs. Complicatedness
Embrace complexity, not just complicatedness, for better solutions.
Traffic circles, though simple, handle complex traffic flow better than complicated traffic lights.
insights INSIGHT
Internet's Centralizing Power
The internet, while seemingly complex, can be a tool for centralized power.
Experiential knowledge of our impact on nature and others is crucial, as seen in Ladakh.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Bretton Woods and Corporate Power
Post-WWII, Bretton Woods institutions aimed to prevent war and depression through economic integration.
This forced countries to open their doors to global businesses, leading to corporations suing governments.
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Helena Norberg-Hodge's "Ancient Futures" offers a captivating exploration of Ladakh, a region often referred to as "Little Tibet." The book contrasts the traditional, sustainable way of life in Ladakh with the impacts of globalization. It highlights the importance of local knowledge, self-sufficiency, and community-based economies. Norberg-Hodge's work challenges conventional development models and advocates for a more holistic and sustainable approach to economic and social progress. The book's insights into the interconnectedness of culture, environment, and economy continue to resonate with readers and inspire movements for local self-reliance. It serves as a powerful critique of globalization's negative consequences and a call for a more human-centered approach to development.
The Limits to Growth
Donella Meadows
Jorgan Randers
The book, commissioned by the Club of Rome, uses the World3 computer model to simulate the consequences of interactions between human systems and the Earth. It examines five basic factors: population increase, agricultural production, nonrenewable resource depletion, industrial output, and pollution generation. The authors conclude that if current growth trends continue, the Earth's resources will be depleted, leading to a sudden and uncontrollable decline in population and industrial capacity. However, the book also offers a message of hope, suggesting that forward-looking policy could prevent such outcomes if humanity acts promptly to reduce inefficiency and waste.
Small Is Beautiful
A Study of Economics As If People Mattered
E. F. Schumacher
Published in 1973, 'Small Is Beautiful' critiques mainstream economics by advocating for sustainable development, small-scale technologies, and community-centered economic policies. The book is divided into four parts: 'The Modern World', 'Resources', 'The Third World', and 'Organization and Ownership'. Schumacher argues that economic growth must be balanced with the needs of communities and the environment, and he introduces the concept of 'Buddhist economics', which emphasizes human needs and limitations. The book has been highly influential, inspiring movements such as 'Buy Local' and 'Fair Trade', and was ranked among the 100 most influential books since World War II by 'The Times Literary Supplement'.
Local Is Our Future
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Local is Our Future builds upon the themes of Ancient Futures, further exploring the interconnectedness of local economies, culture, and the environment. Norberg-Hodge argues that globalization's homogenizing forces undermine local traditions and ecological balance. The book emphasizes the importance of supporting local producers, fostering community resilience, and prioritizing human well-being over economic growth. It offers practical strategies for creating more sustainable and fulfilling lives within local contexts. Local is Our Future provides a roadmap for building a more just and ecologically sound future.
Helena Norberg-Hodge, Founder and Director of Local Futures, shares the power of local connections and building resilience - even against the globally-scaled abstract monsters threatening human sustainability and sanctity today.
About Helena Norberg-Hodge
Helena Norberg-Hodge is the founder and director of the international non-profit organisation, Local Futures, a pioneer of the new economy movement, and the convenor of World Localization Day and the International Alliance for Localisation. Helena is the author of several books, including Ancient Futures (“the inspirational classic” -- Random House), an eye-opening tale of tradition and change in Ladakh, or “Little Tibet”. Together with a film of the same title, Ancient Futures has been translated into more than 40 languages, and sold half a million copies. Her latest book is Local is Our Future: Steps to an Economics of Happiness.
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