If you find Doughnut Economics a harder concept to grasp, don't worry! Here is an attempt to make it easier
Part one
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I used to call doughnuts, overpriced fried bread! You kinda see my point, right? However, I think one doughnut is really going to save our lives! That is the Doughnut Economics
How can we answer questions on the origin of burnout, consumer marketing, “retail therapy”, or if growth equals progress, and if earth needs to die for us to live?
Kate Raworth, a renegade economist, from Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute drew up on a crazy night a new model of human wellbeing is emerging to guide humanity in its next wave.
In her internationally best-selling book, Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. It’s so simple, intuitive, and profound, and not economics only so don't let that word turn you off!
For hundreds of years, western economics has touted that, “growth equals progress!”
But that assumption isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.
Doughnut Economics, in essence, recognizes that well-being depends on enabling every person to lead a life of dignity and opportunity while safeguarding the integrity of Earth's life-supporting systems.
Kate says, “Don't be an optimist. Don't be a pessimist. Be in action.”
So in a comment below, please answer these two questions as honestly and thoroughly as possible:
Kate starts her website with these famous words!
What on Earth is the Doughnut?…
“Humanity’s 21st-century challenge is to meet the needs of all within the means of the planet. In other words, to ensure that no one falls short on life’s essentials (from food and housing to healthcare and political voice) while ensuring that collectively we do not overshoot our pressure on Earth’s life-supporting systems, on which we fundamentally depend – such as a stable climate, fertile soils, and a protective ozone layer. The Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries is a playfully serious approach to framing that challenge, and it acts as a compass for human progress this century”
You might find that a bit difficult to imagine! But let me help you a bit, with the same tools I used to understand it myself:
The old formula goes something loosely like that: (I made it up but almost accurate):
Growth = progress
Progress = Social Unjust by using groups of people in the benefit of one group
The benefit of one group = exploitation of the planet
However in the Doughnut Economics model (again don't think of it as the literal definition of economics)
Growth = progress with all groups of people thriving without exploring our planetary boundaries+ any imbalance of one part leads to divesting consequences on the rest
So what Kate majorly did, was that she combined the 9 Planetary boundaries (set by Rockstrom et al): + 12 social foundations (set by UN Global Goals)
The 9 Planetary boundaries are:
1- Stratospheric ozone depletion
2- Loss of biosphere integrity (biodiversity loss and extinctions)
3- Chemical pollution and the release of novel entities
4- Climate Change
5- Ocean acidification
6- Freshwater consumption and the global hydrological cycle
7- Land system change
8- Nitrogen and phosphorus flow to the biosphere and oceans
9- Atmospheric aerosol loading
The twelve dimensions of the social foundation are derived from internationally agreed minimum social standards, as identified by the world’s governments in the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015
1- Water - Clean, accessible water for all
2- Food - Access to nutrias and healthy food
3- Health - Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages.
4- Education - Obtaining a quality education is a foundation to improving people's lives
5- Income & Work - Economic flourishing must be inclusive
6- Peace & Justice - to address and promote peaceful and inclusive societies
7- Political Voice - through respect of free speech and protection of democracy
8- Social Equity - is concerned with justice and fairness of social policy
9- Gender Equality - is not only a fundamental human right
10- Housing - refers to the construction and assigned usage of houses
11- Networks - the social capital and networks people need
12- Energy - affordable and access to clean Energy
Do You see it now?? 9 planetary boundaries and 12 social dimensions came together in one doughnut? Here you go
