A New Vision for the Economy
“Just transition is a framework for a fair shift to an economy that is ecologically sustainable, equitable and just for all its members. After centuries of global plunder, the profit-driven, growth-dependent, industrial economy is severely under-
mining the life support systems of the planet.” EduArdo Gaieano
“With the adverse impacts of climate change worsening each year, and the window for action rapidly closing, countries are strengthening efforts to de carbonize, green their economics, and built resilience” UNPD Global Climate Promise
| Instead of increasing the GDP, let’s create a society that can provide for all without threatening our future |
The Elements of Just Sustainability Include:
1.) improving our quality of life
2.) meeting the needs of both present and future generations
3.) justice and equity
4.) living within ecosystem limits
Doughnut Model
A new vision for the economy that ensures that no one is deprived of life’s essential needs, while ensuring that we do not overshoot the Earth’s Capacity to support us.
Falmouth is using a collaborative governance model to ensure sustainability for its people. Education in climate action is their main goal. They have a vision to improve quality of life for all residents, and protect the town for present and future generations by living within the ecosystem limits to ensure equality for all people. This includes their extensive focus on local gardens, farmers markets and blue economy fishing practices. As they plan for sea level rise, these are the areas they want to protect and maintain.
Kate Raworth, in her explanation of the doughnut model of economics suggests that we are putting pressure on the Earth’s capacity to support our growing population. We depend on a stable climate in order to be able to keep our soil fertile and to farm and provide what is necessary for people’s survival on the planet. Because we are overshooting our limits we have reached what she calls our tipping point. The doughnut model allows for us to live within our limits and not cause ozone layer depletion, ocean acidification, climate change and other stresses on our plant systems.
These negative consequences of overshoot are impacting Falmouth in real ways. Community awareness of our carbon footprint’s impact is part of Falmouth’s goal in its resiliency and education project.
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