The Constant Economy
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Product Description
Product Description
The earth's resources are finite, climate change threatens to dramatically transform how and where we live, and the global economic system is in disarray. One way or another we have to change. In this brilliant and timely book Zac Goldsmith argues here for the creation of what he calls 'a constant economy'. Since the industrial revolution, our economies have grown at the expense of the natural world. We can deny the need for change, in which case we will be at the mercy of events and the adjustments will be harsh. Or, as this book shows, there is an alternative. A 'constant economy' is one in which resources are valued not wasted, where food is grown sustainably and goods are built to last. It is a system whose energy security is based on the use of renewable sources, and communities are valued as a country's strongest hedge against social, economic and environmental instability. The constant economy operates at the human scale, and above all it recognizes nature's limits. Zac Goldsmith's landmark book will explain and inspire. He shows that almost everything that needs be done to support the environment is already being done somewhere in the world. And where companies, communities and even governments have blazed a trail, they have not only done the right thing, their customers - and their voters - have rewarded them for doing the right thing. Solutions exist, they work, and they are laid out in this ground-breaking book.
About the Author
Zac Goldsmith is Editor of the Ecologist. In 2003, he received the Beacon Prize for Philanthropy, and in 2004 he received Mikhail Gorbachev's Global Green Award for 'International Environmental Leadership'. He is the prospective parliamentary candidate for Richmond for the Conservative Party. Zac Goldsmith is 33 and is married with three children.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Zac Goldsmith's "The Constant Economy" is definitely worth the read for those interested in realistic solutions to some of the most harrowing issues of our time, as well as for readers who would simply like to know a little more about them. Apart from the propositions it makes, the book's value is in the simplicity and coherency which the author is able to present various problems that are usually portrayed in a very complex and technical manner - these range from the transport system in the UK to the world's fisheries. Each chapter represents one of these questions and offers examples of solutions that have already been appropriated by countries or communities elsewhere. Subsequently the points raised in each chapter are neatly summarized at the end with a section titled, "Voter Demand Box". Although the title of the book may seem rather tedious for some, it is an easy and highly recommended read.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A ground-breaking book with inspired vision. In a bold move Goldsmith calls the country to action with a series of straightforward steps to guide us towards a cleaner, healthier and ultimately more prosperous economy.
The introduction outlines the case for change; uncertain times require certain leadership and, given the state of our economy as well as the pressing priority of the environment, Goldsmith's message is clear - marry the market with the environment.
The rest of the book then explores tangible solutions towards achieving this objective, many of which already exist in other areas of the world. Addressing different areas of governance, these solutions are laid out in a series of ten chapters: how society is measured, the role democracy plays in empowering its people, adopting a more precautionary approach towards chemicals and new technologies, the need to confront food quality and scarcity, saving marine life, re-addressing energy use, bettering transportation systems, building with a long-term vision, achieving the status of being zero waste economy and finally, in chapter ten, the role that we, as individuals which constitute the British people, must assume in the name of our future.
I found this to be an excellent book. Throwing down the gauntlet, "The Constant Economy" is an essential read. Original, thought-provoking and undoubtedly relevant, this is exactly the kind of solution-based thinking that needs to be making its way into the current political arena.
The introduction outlines the case for change; uncertain times require certain leadership and, given the state of our economy as well as the pressing priority of the environment, Goldsmith's message is clear - marry the market with the environment.
The rest of the book then explores tangible solutions towards achieving this objective, many of which already exist in other areas of the world. Addressing different areas of governance, these solutions are laid out in a series of ten chapters: how society is measured, the role democracy plays in empowering its people, adopting a more precautionary approach towards chemicals and new technologies, the need to confront food quality and scarcity, saving marine life, re-addressing energy use, bettering transportation systems, building with a long-term vision, achieving the status of being zero waste economy and finally, in chapter ten, the role that we, as individuals which constitute the British people, must assume in the name of our future.
I found this to be an excellent book. Throwing down the gauntlet, "The Constant Economy" is an essential read. Original, thought-provoking and undoubtedly relevant, this is exactly the kind of solution-based thinking that needs to be making its way into the current political arena.
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I was disappointed by this book, for which I had high hopes. From the former editor of The Ecologist I expected more radical and innovative solutions to the pressing problems of food security, climate change and pollution. Instead there are a number of tweaks to the tax system to reward good business practice and penalise bad, and keen advocacy of recylcing, but in this throw-away Primark first world it smacks of too little, too late. I think it will take more to prise people out of their four-by-fours and Posh & Becks aspirations than few 'walkable' cornershops in the middle of housing estates.
In the books favour, he does champion vigilence regarding GMOs and Nanotechnology, and cautions against building on areas prone to flooding. He also laments as a wasted opportunity the poor quality of food given to people who have no choice, i.e., prisoners, the hospitalised and schoolchildren.
Of course, as a prospective Tory parliamentary candidate his voice must by stymied by the need to conform to the Conservative Party's post-recession business-as-usual economic plans, but the simplistic style and unwillingness to do more than skate over issues becomes frustrating and insulting. This is gentle green policy for people who worry about the environment a bit, but don't want to make any personal sacrifices. And Zac Goldsmith could have made a real contribution.
In the books favour, he does champion vigilence regarding GMOs and Nanotechnology, and cautions against building on areas prone to flooding. He also laments as a wasted opportunity the poor quality of food given to people who have no choice, i.e., prisoners, the hospitalised and schoolchildren.
Of course, as a prospective Tory parliamentary candidate his voice must by stymied by the need to conform to the Conservative Party's post-recession business-as-usual economic plans, but the simplistic style and unwillingness to do more than skate over issues becomes frustrating and insulting. This is gentle green policy for people who worry about the environment a bit, but don't want to make any personal sacrifices. And Zac Goldsmith could have made a real contribution.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Pragmatic and superficial
A very pragmatic book by Zac Goldsmith. He outlines the course that British politics will have to undertake in the immediate future. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Marc Aurel
A ten step programme for a greener society
'The Constant Economy: How to create a stable society' is a ten-step programme for creating a green society. It lays out plans to reform transport, housing, and food systems. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Jeremy Williams
An impressive catalogue of problems with some solutions
Zac Goldsmith, former editor of the Ecologist, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Richmond Park has written a trenchant and hard hitting book to objectify the... Read more
Published on 1 Dec 2009 by Sarakani
Review by Peter Brunnen
This is an excellent and well written book on a very topical subject. It does not beat around the bush and makes the point how we are all, to a lesser or greater degree depending... Read more
Published on 24 Aug 2009 by Peter F. Brunnen
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