the case for a sustainable and equitable economy Colman, Ronald creator text bibliography nyu 2021 monographic eng

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x, 360 pages : illustration ; 24 cm "Politicians and economists fixate on "growing the economy"-measured by a country's gross domestic product. But this yardstick counts harmful activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, and cigarette sales as gains, and it ignores environmental protection, voluntary community work, and other benefits. What we measure is a choice, and what is and isn't counted determines what sorts of policies are enacted. How can we shift the focus to well-being and quality of life? What Really Counts is an essential, firsthand story of the promise and challenges of accounting for social, economic, and environmental benefits. Ronald Colman recounts two decades of working with three governments to adopt measures capable of quantifying factors that GDP overlooks. Chronicling his path from Nova Scotia to New Zealand to Bhutan, Colman details the challenge of devising meaningful metrics, the effort to see alternatives realized, and the obstacles that stand in the way of implementing new systems. Reflecting on successes and failures, he considers how to shift policy priorities from a narrow economic growth agenda toward a future built on sustainability and equity. Colman has taken the critique of GDP outside the academy and attempted to realize an alternative. The lessons he offers in What Really Counts are vital for anyone interested in how we can measure what matters-and how better measures can help build a better world"-- The magic number -- Counting what matters -- A Nova Scotia start -- The new measures in action -- Scaling up -- Challenges behind the scenes -- Genuine progress meets politics -- A New Zealand interlude -- Invitation to Bhutan -- (Mis)measuring gross national happiness -- Educating for gross national happiness -- The gap between words and action -- A "new economic paradigm" for the world -- Can genuine progress really happen? -- Forging a new economy. Ronald Colman. Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-345) and index. Sustainable development Government policy Desarrollo sostenible Política gubernamental Economic development Environmental aspects Desarrollo económico Aspectos ambientales Economic policy Política económica Equality Igualdad HC 79 C716w 2021 338.9/27 Colman, Ronald. New York : Columbia University Press, 2021 (DLC) 2020028957 9780231190985 (hardback) 0231190980 (hardback) 2020028956 LBSOR/DLC 200905 20241024151316.0 21730798 eng