Green Economics Reader 2012

Reviews / Votes

A review by Pauline Mouret, AgroParisTech, France. This books introduces Green economics and provides practical answers to existing and future problems. Green economics brings to economics the core drivers of ecology, equity, social and environmental justice and therefore its approach is a beacon of hope for addressing the related crises of climate, biodiversity loss, species extinction and the global economic downturn. To my mind, this book is really worth reading, especially because it brings these core ideas to anyone who is interested in global issues and provides an insight into the development, theory and the key ideas and features of Green Economics which are clearly explained in this book. The age of Green Economics which teaches us firstly how to share with others. In my view, this book is also well suited for innovators, campaigners and policy makers an its aims is to turn their vision into a global movement to reform mainstream economics into a discipline which no longer supports or accepts that only a minority can be wealthy, but which works towards a fair and equitable society which lives within its means. Further Green Economics seeks to re-examine broader versions of reality, beyond the views of the rich and powerful, rejecting the idea of rational economic man "homoeconomicus". It is divided into five parts which could be sumed up thus : Part One - Concepts: establishing the Green Economics discipline: what is green economics and how it can make a difference Part two - Developments in Green Economics: essays on the development and background of green economics as a discipline, issues and philosophy in green economics, and the green economics response to environmental and economic crises in 2010 Part three - Green Economics in Context: solutions to problems today, perspectives, and on the financial crises. Part four - Green Economics and Education: pedagogy and the importance of teaching young people Part five - Case Studies: Green economics in action in Ethiopia, women's unequal pay, green jobs and green careers, Galapagos and China. ------------ A review of'The Green Economics Reader' Title: The Green Economics Reader Author / Editor: Miriam Kennet, Katie Black, Michelle S. Gale de Oliveira and Volker Heinemann First copyright date: February 2012 Type of book: A compilation of essays on global movement known as Green Economics and Green Economy. General subject matter: Economics Theme: Green economics and Green economy. Description: The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to explain. The author uses the techniques of persuasion to establish the truth of a statement or to convince the reader of its falsity. The purpose is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue. Its primary purpose is to convince. Green economics is an entirely new discipline. It is based on innovative assessment of the problems, and providing realistic solutions to society in dealing with today's complex challenges. It has been written from the point of view of campaigners and innovators in Green Economics Institute, which intent to turn a vision into a global movement. The book explains the core ideas of green economics particularly in its development, theory and features. It addresses today's world challenges in managing resources which becoming scarcer. This book is targeted to general reader who wants to understand what green economics is all about. The book has been written in an interesting and informal manner. The topics were arranged in a holistic approach. The ideas were original and clearly explained. It suits the intended readers. The book has 6 sections. It starts with Part 1- Introduction, contains two sub topics; which (i) explains the core idea of green economics and the role of Green Economics Institute and (ii) highlights the 10 key values of green economics. Part 2 - Concepts, including three sub topics; (i) describe Green Economics (GE) as global movement, (ii) introducing GE as progressive economics, (iii) explains GE research, instruments and tools. Part 3 - Developments in GE contains 4 sub topics; (i) describe recent development in environmental and GE, (ii) express ideas on the framework of welfare economics, sustainable development and ecological economics in the GE development context, (iii) explains how GE response to current economic and environmental crises, (iv) illustrates GE ideas in Critical Realist perspective. Part 4 - GE in context have 6 sub topics which are; (i) explains the usefulness of econometrics for GE, (ii) describe socio ecological transformation through GE, (iii) discuss the prosperity without growth, (iv) express ideas on global green human being, (v) explains the importance of COP Kyoto Climate Summit Conference Processes, and finally (vi) discuss the new welfare approaches for today's financial crisis. Part 5 - GE and Education comprises two sub topics, (i) explains the importance of GE to young people, and (ii) discussing on the GE and Pedagogy. In the final section, Part 6 - Case studies contains five cases, (i) Case on Ethiopia, (ii) case on women's unequal pay, (iii) green jobs, (iv) Case on Galapagos Island, and finally (v) case on China. Before I read this book, there are many questions lies in my head especially on the new concept and theory. After I finish reading the book, I am clearly understood the concept of GE and the explanations of the theories. It makes my desire burning to pursue PhD in the GE discipline. I would agree with the GE concept as today we could still locate poor countries - with unequal opportunities given to women, youngsters and disabled individual. The concept of progressive economics and inclusivity are arriving at the right time. Now, it's the time to develop effective economics instruments which contains these two basic elements. The book has achieved its goal in explaining and discussing ideas of GE to general readers. I would rate it 5 stars for anyone wanting to know more about green economics or who want an introduction to Green Economics and how it has spread around the world. Norferanti Kamarudin 2012 Malaysia