The Blue Commons: Rescuing the Economy of the Sea

The Blue Commons is a groundbreaking book that highlights the urgent need to protect the world's oceans from corporate plunder and exploitation. It offers a transformative worldview and new set of proposals that prioritize the rights of local communities, the well-being of all people, and the health of our oceans. The book is a must-read for anyone who cares about creating a sustainable future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The Blue Commons, a groundbreaking work of economics, has been recognized as one of the Best Economics Books of 2022 by The Financial Times. Authored by renowned economist Guy Standing, this book offers a comprehensive synthesis, a searing analysis, and an inspiring call to action.

In The Blue Commons, Standing delves into the intricate relationship between the sea and human society, highlighting its immense value and the threat posed by rentier capitalism's policies of extraction, exploitation, and depletion. With remarkable erudition, passion, and lyricism, Standing compels the reader to awaken to the grave consequences of these policies for the survival of both the sea and all its inhabitants.

One of the book's key strengths lies in its insightful exploration of the economy of the oceans. Standing provides a clear and compelling vision for a sustainable future, guiding us toward a world where the ocean's resources are managed and protected for the benefit of present and future generations. He sheds light on the rampant exploitation and corruption that plague the ocean economy, driven by giant corporations aided by global finance and complicit states. The situation is dire, with rampant exploitation and corruption now affecting every aspect of the ocean economy, leading to the destruction of communities, the intensification of inequalities, and the imminent threat of fish populations and other ocean life extinction.

The Blue Commons serves as an urgent call for change, offering innovative solutions to address the global problem of ocean exploitation. Standing's campaigning economist background is evident in his proposals, which range from challenging large nations to adopt eco-friendly fishing policies to exposing the profiteering by the Crown Estate in commandeering a significant portion of the British seabed. The book provides a comprehensive toolkit for individuals and communities to rise up and take action against the injustices and inequalities perpetuated by the ocean economy.

One of the book's most significant contributions lies in its recognition of the oceans' omission from calls for a Green New Deal. Standing argues that the oceans must be included in any comprehensive plan for sustainable development, as they play a vital role in climate regulation, food production, and economic growth. The book advocates for a holistic approach to ocean management, encompassing policies that promote sustainable fishing practices, protect marine ecosystems, and promote renewable energy development.

In conclusion, The Blue Commons is a landmark book that offers a profound understanding of the relationship between the sea and human society. Through its synthesis, analysis, and inspiring call to action, Standing empowers readers to recognize the urgency of the situation and take action to protect the ocean and create a sustainable future for all. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.

Weight: 651g
Dimension: 222 x 144 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241475874