First published in 2012 in an Oxfam report by KATE RAWORTH, the concept of the Doughnut Economy rapidly gained traction internationally, from the Pope and the UN General Assembly to Extinction Rebellion. Kate's 2017 book, Doughnut
"Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist, further explored the economic thinking needed to bring humanity into the Doughnut, drawing together insights from diverse economic perspectives in a way that everyone can understand.
"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.
The environmental ceiling consists of nine planetary boundaries, as set out by Rockstrom et al, beyond which lie unacceptable environmental degradation and potential tipping points in Earth systems. 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. Between social and planetary boundaries lies an environmentally safe and socially just space in which humanity can thrive.
What is Doughnut Economics and why does it matter now?
"If the 21st century goal is to meet the needs of all people within the means of the living planet - in other words, get into the Doughnut - then how can humanity get there? Not with last century's economic thinking.
Doughnut Economics proposes an economic mindset that's fit for our times. It's not a set of policies and institutions, but rather a way of thinking to bring about the regenerative and distributive dynamics that this century calls for. Drawing on insights from diverse schools of economic thought - including ecological, feminist, institutional, behavioural and complexity economics - it sets out seven ways to think like a 21st century economist in order to transform economies, local to global.
The starting point of Doughnut Economics is to change the goal from endless GDP growth to thriving in the Doughnut.
At the same time, see the big picture by recognising that the economy is embedded within, and dependent upon, society and the living world. Doughnut Economics recognises that human behaviour can be nurtured to be cooperative and caring, just as it can be competitive and individualistic. It also recognises that economies, societies, and the rest of the living world, are complex, interdependent systems that are best understood through the lens of systems thinking.
And it calls for turning today's degenerative economies into regenerative ones, and divisive economies into far more distributive ones.
Lastly, Doughnut Economics recognises that growth may be a healthy phase of life, but nothing grows forever: things that succeed do so by growing until it is time to grow up and thrive instead.
Dive deeper into the seven ways to think like a 21st century economist with our series of 90-second animations."
DEAL is designed to turn the ideas of Doughnut Economics into action
It offers a vision of what it means for humanity to thrive in the 21st century - and Doughnut Economics explores the mindset and ways of thinking needed to get us there."
DEAL is an excellent facility for leaning and particularly for collaborative learning. There are now DEAL communities all around the world, and you can find supportive hubs or create one.
"How should we respond to the futures we are heading towards? If we know we need to do things differently, where should we start? How can we work together in the face of urgency and uncertainty?
The work of the Doughnut Economics Action Lab has created a wealth of resources and support for operationalising the model, and encouraging practitioners to learn from each other.
A key barrier has been identified by many organisations hoping to bring Doughnut Economics into their work and mission – how to secure internal buy-in for the transformation required?
This Community of Practice will explore this question, learning from those who have started the process, and sharing good practice and peer support."
Peter Lefort runs the Green Futures Network at the University of Exeter, within the Innovation, Impact and Business team.
Connect with Green Money Journal, which has been covering sustainable business, impact investing, energy & climate change, food and farming, which has been published since 1992 by Cliff Feigenbaum. It has an excellent article on Biomimicry
Nate Hagens is a great source for information about finance, the interrelationships between energy, ecology, and economics—and the implications for human futures. His podcasts are excellent - The Great Simplification, he has conversations with experts in energy, ecology, government, technology, and the economy to provide a systemic view of the world around us.
Also check out the KNOWLEDGE BASE, where you will find all references for this section. This is an evolving website, and there is no difference in the reference section - it will grow over time.
Kate Raworth
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