Roman Krznaric, Kate Raworth: What Doughnut Economics Can Learn From History
Dec 11, 2024
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Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher and author of "History for Tomorrow," while Kate Raworth is a renegade economist known for the "Doughnut Economics" framework. They dive into how history can guide us in creating regenerative economic systems. Discussing doughnut economics, they challenge traditional growth models and advocate for sustainable frameworks that respect social and planetary boundaries. They highlight innovative ownership structures and historical water management practices as pathways to resilience, emphasizing community engagement and long-term thinking.
The podcast critiques traditional GDP-focused economic models, advocating for doughnut economics as a balanced approach that harmonizes human needs with ecological limits.
Historical lessons are essential for shaping future economic frameworks, showcasing successful societal responses to crises that inspire long-term sustainability strategies.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of equitable resource management and collective ownership models, such as commoning, to achieve more distributive and just economic systems.
Deep dives
The New Shape of Progress
The podcast discusses the limitations of traditional economic models, particularly the idea of endless growth measured by GDP. This conventional framework has led to rising inequalities and environmental degradation, prompting a need for a new concept of progress. The proposed 'doughnut economics' suggests a model that meets the essential needs of all individuals without surpassing the planet's ecological limits. This balanced approach not only redefines growth but emphasizes thriving within the means of our living planet.
Lessons from History
The podcast emphasizes the importance of history in shaping future economic models, arguing that learning from past successes can inspire innovative solutions. Social philosopher Roman Krznarik illustrates that while many focus on negative historical lessons, uplifting examples also exist; societies have frequently rallied to overcome crises. This historical perspective encourages a shift in mindset, urging policymakers to act beyond immediate electoral cycles and instead consider long-term sustainability. By applying lessons from the past, we can craft resilient systems that align with the principles of doughnut economics.
Designing Regenerative Economies
The discussion highlights the necessity of developing economies that are both regenerative and distributive, countering the pervasive linear models currently in use. Achieving a circular economy requires rethinking how resources are utilized — emphasizing reuse, repair, and recycling rather than a throwaway culture. To illustrate this shift, examples from Edo-era Japan are presented, showcasing a society that operated on principles of sustainability and resourcefulness. This historical case demonstrates that achieving balance and sustainability in economies is not just aspirational but feasible under the right design.
Addressing Inequality Through Commoning
The podcast points out that achieving the goals of doughnut economics requires moving away from inequitable wealth accumulation towards more distributive economic systems. This involves re-examining ownership structures and governing resources in a way that benefits the collective rather than a few individuals. The principles of commoning — managing shared resources sustainably and equitably — are discussed as potential models for ensuring fair distribution. Historical examples from various communities illustrate how effective governance can manage resources collectively, serving as a framework for modern economies.
Harnessing Disruption for Change
The dialogue addresses the role of disruptive movements in accelerating the transition to doughnut economics, stressing that activism can be pivotal during periods of crisis. Historical examples, such as the abolition of slavery and contemporary climate movements, showcase how bottom-up disruption can provoke significant societal change. These movements serve to elevate urgent issues to the political agenda, fostering a deeper conversation about alternatives to existing economic systems. By recognizing the value of disruption alongside traditional political engagement, we can harness collective action to catalyze transformative reform.
Social philosopher Roman Krznaric and renegade economist Kate Raworth explore how we can survive and thrive by looking to the past for clues on how to build more regenerative economic frameworks. Doughnut economics describes the social and planetary boundaries needed for all people to prosper within the means of the living planet. Studying historic examples through the lens of doughnut economics, Krznaric and Raworth find the environmentally safe and socially just space in which humanity and all other living things can flourish.
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