Redirecting our Civilization
Part 1 of 2
May 15, 2009 ..... 7:45 min.
As a species we have reached an unprecedented situation: we have filled our planetary niche and now risk ecological collapse. In this two-part video I present my perspective on this predicament and what it implies for our civilization. The first part describes the general task: constraining our biological drives and moving into the conscious era of history.
Redirecting our Civilization
Part 2 of 2
May 15, 2009 ..... 6:57 min.
Here I address the specific problem of moving from capitalism to a sustainable economy.
What is ENL?
June 13, 2009 ..... 9:10 min.
This is a high-level introduction to ENL (the Economics of Needs and Limits), which is my suggested replacement for the ecologically destructive logic of capitalism. ENL is described in more detail in the video, "ENL Concepts". My book Needs and Limits (a free download at needsandlimits.org) describes ENL in full.
ENL Concepts
Part 1 of 3
July 18, 2009 ..... 8:42 min.
Outlines the key concepts of ENL (the Economics of Needs and Limits), including value, cost, environmental limits, target quantities, and population limits. For an introduction to this topic, see the video "What is ENL?" My book "Needs and Limits" (a free download at needsandlimits.org) covers ENL in full.
ENL Concepts
Part 2 of 3
July 18, 2009 ..... 9:50 min.
ENL Concepts
Part 3 of 3
July 18, 2009 ..... 9:58 min.
A Critique of Green Reformism
Aug 22, 2009 ..... 8:19 min.
Green Reformism is a widespread response to the current ecological crisis. The term refers to the support for improved technology and resource efficiency combined with a commitment to the logic of capitalism. The video explains why this approach cannot work and why it represents a serious failure of intellectual leadership.
A Critique of Ecological Economics
Part 1 of 2
Sept 5, 2009 ..... 8:23 min.
Ecological economics is an academic field of study that merges ecology with standard economics. Here I outline its faulty historical vision as well as its errors with respect to value, cost, and capitalism. I also suggest that the field, by rejecting the necessary shift to a new mode of civilization, could be contributing to ecological collapse. Ecological economics is a prominent example of Green Reformism, which I criticized sharply in my previous video. The present video is intended for ecological economists, for students of the subject, and for those who may be attracted by the field's environmental strengths without appreciating its pronounced weaknesses.
A Critique of Ecological Economics
Part 2 of 2
Sept 5, 2009 ..... 8:30 min.
Revolutionizing Economic Thought
Oct 9, 2009 ..... 10:28 min.
In previous videos I urged humankind to abandon the logic of capitalism and to guide our economies through the rational assessment of our needs, our wants, and the limits of nature. This implies a revolution in economic thought. In this video I describe my proposal for this radical conceptual restructuring.
Why must capitalism grow - technical
April 23, 2009 ..... 9:21 min.
This follow-up to "Why capitalism must grow" presents a more technical description of capitalism's growth compulsion, based on the argument made by Karl Marx in the 3rd volume of "Capital".
A Proposed Strategy for The Nation magazine
April 4, 2009 ..... 6:53 min.
This presents the article I submitted to The Nation for their forum, "Reimagining Socialism".
Response to Tim Jackson's SDC report
April 3, 2009 ..... 9:37 min.
This is a critical response to the report "Prosperity without growth?". The report was authored by Dr. Tim Jackson and released in March, 2009 by the UK's Sustainable Development Commission (SDC). Dr. Jackson is the SDC's Economics Commissioner.
Interview with William R. Catton, Jr.
August 9, 2008 ..... 49 min.
This is an interview with William R. Catton, Jr., conducted on August 9, 2008 at his home near Tacoma, Washington, USA. Catton is the author of the seminal book, "Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change," published in 1980.
In the interview he outlines the major themes of his book: stealing from the future, exuberant growth, takeover and drawdown, industrialization, carrying capacity deficit, the absence of real villains, the bane of advertising, humankind's true nature, ecological modesty, and the need for us to expect the worst. He also addresses the push to re-localize our economies, and outlines his current book project: "Humanity's Impending Impasse." He ends on a note of optimism, encouraging us to enjoy life despite the catastrophe he fears is coming.