Progressive Policies for Economic Development: Economic Diversification and Social Inclusion after Climate Change

This book examines the progressive options available to developing countries facing the limitations of neoliberalism and the existential challenge of global warming. It argues that the best way forward includes 'green macroeconomic policies articulated with progressive industrial and social policies' to achieve economic diversification, build alternative drivers of growth, and deliver improvements in the distribution of income, wealth, and power. The book emphasizes the urgent need for this progressive policy agenda to improve economic outcomes, improve citizens' lives, and meet global climate targets. It also argues that capitalism and climate change must be confronted together, and that neoliberal capitalism must be overthrown to preserve the conditions for life itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite the unparalleled gravity of the challenges posed by global warming, most political systems have not given them the required priority. The oil industry has resisted, and many countries have taken only token measures to reduce emissions and mitigate the worst effects. In this context, this book examines the progressive options available to today's developing countries as they face the limitations of neoliberalism and the existential challenge of global warming. Examining the cases of both low-income fossil fuel-dependent economies and large middle-income economies, this book argues that for all developing economies, the best way forward includes 'green macroeconomic policies articulated with progressive industrial and social policies, thus allowing these countries to achieve economic diversification, build alternative drivers of growth, and deliver improvements in the distribution of income, wealth, and power. There is an urgent need for this progressive policy agenda - grounded in heterodox economics, committed to social integration and the reduction of multiple inequalities - to improve the economic outcomes for these countries, improve the lives of citizens, and meet global climate targets. The book argues that capitalism challenges the possibility of free and dignified existence while climate change challenges the possibility of life itself, and that these challenges must be confronted together. Since neoliberal capitalism will not adopt the necessary policies to reduce carbon emissions rapidly, it must be overthrown - not only for ethical or logical reasons, or to shift to better arrangements for the functioning of society, but in order to preserve the conditions for life itself. This agenda for progressive economic development is essential reading for anyone interested in.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367610456