Glasgow Effect: A Tale of Class, Capitalism and Carbon Footprint - The Second Edition

Ellie Harrison's 2016 resolution was to live a "low-carbon lifestyle of the future" by staying within Glasgow's city limits and using her bike exclusively for a year. She explores the relationship between literal and social mobility, class, and carbon footprint in her book, aiming to create a sustainable city where people can live happy, healthy, and creative lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2021
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd

This bold and thought-provoking proposition, put forth by an English artist residing in post-industrial Glasgow, directly confronts the stark realities of our unequal world. A world where some individuals lead transient and disconnected lives within a global "knowledge economy," generating substantial carbon footprints as they chase employment opportunities across the globe, while others, trapped in a cycle of poverty stemming from deindustrialization and a lack of local opportunities, are unable to afford even the bus fare into town. We are all equally miserable. It is high time we reevaluated our way of life.

In her debut book, Ellie Harrison delves into the intricate relationship between literal and social mobility, as well as the interplay between class and carbon footprint. Drawing from her experiences and insights gained in Glasgow in 2016 and beyond, alongside the ideas of Patrick Geddes, the pioneer of the phrase "Think Global, Act Local" in 1915, economist EF Schumacher, who championed localism in his seminal work "Small is Beautiful" in 1973, and the contemporary Fearless Cities movement, Harrison presents her own vision for a sustainable city of the future.

This visionary proposal aims to create a society where all individuals can lead happy, healthy, and creative lives. Harrison challenges us to rethink our urban landscapes and embrace a more localized approach to development. She advocates for reducing our reliance on vehicles, promoting alternative modes of transportation such as cycling, and fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness within our cities. By prioritizing local production, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices, Harrison believes that we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Through her compelling narrative and insightful analysis, Harrison invites us to contemplate the impact of our choices on the environment and society. She encourages us to embrace a more holistic and sustainable approach to living, where our actions align with our values and contribute to the well-being of both present and future generations. This book serves as a call to action, urging us to take responsibility for our actions and work towards creating a more just and sustainable world.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 50 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910022795
Edition number: 2 ed