The World's First Reader in Green Economics Publishes New Book

Climate change, financial crisis and out-of-control globalisation are all major problems facing the world today. 

A recent book written by Molly Scott Cato (available from January 2009) suggests that deep-seated problems lie in the current economic system and that green economics offers many of the answers.

Molly Scot Catto, Senior Lecturer in Social Economy at UWIC's Cardiff School of Management is recognised as the world's first Reader in Green Economics. She is speaker for the Green Party and active in environmental issues in her home town of Stroud.

In her new book, Molly presents the scenario of a broken economic system that needs something radically different. She argues that green economics offers a coherent and wide-ranging set of policy prescriptions for a just and sustainable economy. 

"Green economics looks at the interaction between the economy, the environment and social justice" explains Molly. "Conventional systems are very efficient in generating profit but not good at protecting the interests of the planet or the most vulnerable people within the economy."

Developed over the past 30 years, green economics began with a recognition of planetary limits and an understanding of the importance of using resources wisely. It addresses key economic issues such as taxation, welfare, money, economic development and work.

Through the work of inspirational figures including Schumacher, Robertson and Douthwaite, together with insights from critical schools of thought and perspectives from the global South and indigenous peoples, the book provides examples of effective green policies from around the world.

Green Economics, An Introduction to Theory, Policy and Practice can be preordered from earthscan publishers.