Author: Neva Goodwin / Topic: Economics

Author:: Neva Goodwin
Publication Date:: 04-2014
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: The impetus for this paper is the urgent need to figure out how a non-growing – even a shrinking – economy may be able to provide human well-being while beginning to restore the health of the natural world. Twentieth century economic theory is not well able to conceptualize this problem, especially since it sees growth as necessary for jobs, jobs necessary for income,and income necessary for well-being.
Topic:: Economics, Human Welfare, International Trade and Finance, and Natural Resources

Author:: Neva Goodwin
Publication Date:: 03-2008
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: This paper starts with the question of whether climate change will require a significant reduction of consumption among the richer people in the world, and ends with the most optimistic picture the author can conjure up, of the world in the year 2075. That hopeful picture is of a world in which inequalities – among and within nations – have been substantially reduced. The challenges and adjustments confronting humanity in the coming decades provide an opportunity that could be used to mitigate climate change in ways that can improve the circumstances of the poor. Ecological reasons to reduce throughput of energy and materials in economic systems urge the abandonment of high-consumption life-styles. The 21st century will be an era of many losses, but it is conceivable that societies will successfully make the transition from goals of economic growth, as understood in the 20th century, to goals of maintaining and increasing sustainable well-being.
Topic:: Climate Change, Development, and Economics

Author:: Neva Goodwin
Publication Date:: 09-2003
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: The concept of capital has a number of different meanings. It is useful to differentiate between five kinds of capital: financial, natural, produced, human, and social. All are stocks that have the capacity to produce flows of economically desirable outputs. The maintenance of all five kinds of capital is essential for the sustainability of economic development.
Topic:: Economics, International Trade and Finance, Markets, and Treaties and Agreements

Author:: Neva Goodwin and Jonathan Harris
Publication Date:: 03-2003
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: Macroeconomic theory and policy are strongly based on the assumption that economic growth is a fundamental goal. The environmental realities of the twenty- first century compel a reassessment of macro theory in terms of the impact of current growth patterns on planetary ecosystems.
Topic:: Agriculture, Development, Economics, and International Trade and Finance

Author:: Neva Goodwin
Publication Date:: 01-2001
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University
Abstract:: This essay will consider the relevance of the social sciences - especially economics - to the foundations of sustainable development. Looming environmental crises have served as a prime motivating force for reevaluating fundamental principles. In particular, the concept of sustainability, carrying with it clear requirements for values, goals and ethics, has begun to reshape economics. The broadest conception of sustainability is found if we understand sustainable development to mean Socially And Environmentally Just And Sustainable development - "SAEJAS development".
Topic:: Development, Economics, Globalization, International Trade and Finance, and Political Economy

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