Version 1.0 (September 2020)
This tool is an introduction to the concept at the heart of Doughnut Economics. It's been designed as both a document that can be shared and a presentation that can be given in a classroom, a workshop or a meeting. Either download it as a pdf (below), open it within Google drive (links below) or scroll down to read on this page.
Open as a document in Google Docs
Open as a presentation in Google Slides
Think of it as a compass for human prosperity in the 21st century, whose goal is to meet the needs of all people within the means of the planet.
It consists of two concentric rings:
Between these two boundaries lies a doughnut-shaped space that is both ecologically safe and socially just – a space in which humanity can thrive.
1. The social foundation – below which lies critical human deprivation
2. The ecological ceiling – beyond which lies critical planetary degradation
These two boundaries are foundational in the sense that humanity should always seek to avoid critical human deprivation and critical planetary degradation. But how best to define their specific dimensions and measure their current status relative to desired outcomes will keep evolving over time.
(as of 2017)
The 12 dimensions of the social foundation are derived from the social priorities agreed in the Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015).
The 9 dimensions of the ecological ceiling are the nine planetary boundaries defined by Earth-system scientists (Steffen et al., 2015).
The image below reveals the current state of humanity and our planetary home: think of it as humanity’s ‘selfie’ in the early days of the 21st century.
Each dimension is measured, where possible, with 1 or 2 indicators, and the red wedges show the extent of shortfall and overshoot of the Doughnut’s social and planetary boundaries.
It shows us that millions of people still fall short on all 12 of the social dimensions, and that humanity has already overshot at least four planetary boundaries (air pollution and chemical pollution are currently unquantified).
To achieve the 21st century goal of meeting the needs of all within the means of the living planet means eliminating all of the red from the Doughnut diagram, and this must be done from both sides at the same time.
Kathy Gibbs
London, England, United Kingdom & Barbados
Several years ago I also asked the question: "Why (knowing what we know) is there (still) an obsession with endless growth?"
Shaktari Belew
Ashland, Oregon, United States of America
To contribute my Prosocial, Transition Movement, Open Space, Biomimicry, Systems Design, Author, Artist skills to network & learn.
Luis Osorio
Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia
I'm here to learn and put my experience to the service of downscaling the doughnut to my city Medellin and my country Colombia.
Bob Thust
Brighton, England, United Kingdom
To contribute practical ideas and learn from others about approaches to governance that support social and climate justice.
Get inspired, connect with others and become part of the movement. No matter how big or small your contribution is, you’re welcome to join!
George Leith
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Commonality of Purpose, opportunity to become versed in sustainable practices.