Escape from Overshoot: Economics for a Planet in Peril

Ecological economist Peter A. Victor's book "Escape from Overshoot" explores the overshoot crisis and offers pathways to a sustainable future, including green growth, doughnut economics, well-being, steady-state, and post-growth economics. He argues that we can intentionally shrink our economy and enhance human thriving while avoiding collapse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: New Society Publishers

Ecological economics is a field that explores the relationship between human economic activities and the environment. It is concerned with understanding the impacts of economic growth on the natural world and finding ways to achieve sustainable development. One of the pioneers of ecological economics is Peter A. Victor, who has written several books on the topic, including "Escape from Overshoot: Finding Our Way Back to a Sustainable Future."

In "Escape from Overshoot," Victor takes readers on a journey through the history of economic thought, from the ancient Greeks to the present day. He argues that the current economic system is unsustainable and that we need to change our ways if we are to avoid catastrophic environmental collapse.

Victor begins by examining the concept of economic growth, which he argues is based on the false assumption that there is an endless supply of resources available to us. He explains that this belief has led to a massive overconsumption of energy, water, and other natural resources, which has in turn led to climate change, deforestation, and other environmental problems.

Victor then explores the various alternatives to economic growth, including green growth, doughnut economics, and well-being, steady-state, and post-growth economics. He argues that these alternatives offer a way to achieve sustainable development while also enhancing human thriving and justice for all.

One of the key insights in "Escape from Overshoot" is that we can intentionally shrink our economy and avoid collapse. Victor explains that this can be achieved by reducing our consumption of goods and services, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable agriculture and land use practices.

Victor also discusses the limitations of these alternatives, including the need for political will and the challenges of implementing them on a global scale. He argues that we need to shift our focus from short-term profits to long-term sustainability and that this will require a shift in our values and priorities.

Another important aspect of "Escape from Overshoot" is the role of economic modelling in understanding the impacts of different economic policies and practices. Victor explains that economic models can help us identify the most effective ways to achieve sustainable development and that they can also help us identify the unintended consequences of different policies.

Overall, "Escape from Overshoot" is an excellent primer on key insights and questions in ecological economics from a celebrated pioneer of the field. It is ambitious, measured, and accessible, and it offers a way forward for those who are concerned about the sustainability of our economic system and the future of our planet.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 225 x 191 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780865719750