Building a new economy in balance with the earth

Abstract

The ability of Our Great Mother Earth to nurture and sustain an abundant diversity of life is in great peril. Our economic system is sabotaging earth’s life support systems. The clock is ticking and we are running out of time. Several obstacles, almost all of which are becoming more substantial, stand in the way of building the new structures and institutions necessary for a global economy in balance, harmony and right relationship with the earth. The obstacles which block our path are human exceptionalism, false freedom, growth obsession, economic insecurity, and market fundamentalism. Each of these obstacles is closely examined, as is how each can still be overcome. Special attention is given to human exceptionalism, to its religious connotations and to how the wisdom of indigenous spiritual traditions may be an effective antidote. If we can overcome each of these obstacles, we may still have a fighting chance to preserve Earth’s ability to sustain an abundance of life.