Prosperity Without Growth: Economics for a Finite Planet

Prosperity without Growth challenges the embedded, unquestioned assumptions of the global policy of growth and shows that it is necessary-and possible-to have increased and widespread prosperity without economic growth.The modern economy is reliant on economic growth for stability. When growth falters, politicians panic, businesses fail, people lose jobs, and recession looms. Tim Jackson argues, however, that continual growth is just not possible, not sustainable-to believe so is ignoring our knowledge of the finite resource base and fragile ecology in which we live.The book starts with a compelling analysis of the consequences-for the planet and for people's wellbeing-of the relentless pursuit of economic growth and material goods. It illustrates why a return to business as usual after the current financial crisis is not an option. Prosperity for a few founded on ecological destruction and persistent social injustice is no foundation for a civilized society. The current economic crisis presents a unique opportunity to invest in change and a future that delivers lasting prosperity for the predicted 9 billion people who will inhabit the earth in 2050. The author-a leading expert and advisor to the UK government-concludes by outlining pathways towards a sustainable economy. It involves radically changing our shop until you drop mentality, as well as engaging other disruptive economic practices. Jackson doesn't claim this will be easy, but points out that while action is urgent, it is possible.The book opens up dialogue on the most urgent task of our times-the challenge of a new prosperity encompassing our ability to flourish as human beings-within the ecological limits of a finite planet.

Is more economic growth the solution? Will it deliver prosperity and well-being for a global population projected to reach nine billion? In this explosive book, Tim Jackson, a top sustainability adviser to the UK government, makes a compelling case against continued economic growth in developed nations.

No one denies that development is essential for poorer nations. But in the advanced economies there is mounting evidence that ever-increasing consumption adds little to human happiness and may even impede it. More urgently, it is now clear that the ecosystems that sustain our economies are collapsing under the impacts of rising consumption. Unless we can radically lower the environmental impact of economic activity and there is no evidence to suggest that we can we will have to devise a path to prosperity that does not rely on continued growth.

Economic heresy? Or an opportunity to improve the sources of well-being, creativity and lasting prosperity that lie outside the realm of the market? Tim Jackson provides a credible vision of how human society can flourish within the ecological limits of a finite planet. Fulfilling this vision is simply the most urgent task of our times.

This book is a substantially revised and updated version of Jackson's controversial study for the Sustainable Development Commission, an advisory body to the UK Government. The study rapidly became the most downloaded report in the Commission's nine year history when it was launched earlier in 2009.

Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to rainforest protection

This paperback edition includes a new foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales