Common Wealth : Economics for a Crowded Planet

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This is a book about how we should address the great, and interconnected, global challenges of the twenty-first century. Our task, Sachs argues, is to achieve truly sustainable development, by which he means finding a global course which enables the world to benefit from the spread of prosperity while ensuring that we don't destroy the eco-systems which keep us alive and our place in nature which helps sustain our values.

How do we move forward together, benefitting from our increasing technological mastery, avoiding the terrible dangers of climate change, mass famines, violent conflicts, population explosions in some parts of the world and collapses in others, and world-wide pandemic diseases? How do we steer global politics when there are now so many who believe they are entitled to a hand on the steering wheel?

In answering these questions, Common Wealth examines, digests and judges vast quantities of information from many different fields of study which bear on each of the interconnected areas of politics, economics and ecology.

Sachs shows that there are different ways of managing the world's technology, resources and politics from those currently being followed, and that it should be possible to adopt policies which reflect long-term and co-operative thinking instead of, as currently, disregard for others and ever-increasing barriers to solving the problems which we collectively face. It is a book which appeals equally to both head and heart, and one which no globally thinking person can ignore.

What will you learn from this book

Sustainable Development: The book likely emphasizes the importance of achieving economic development in a way that is environmentally sustainable, ensuring the well-being of current and future generations.
Global Interconnectedness: Sachs may discuss how economic and environmental challenges are interconnected on a global scale, requiring international cooperation and coordination.
Environmental Stewardship: The concept of stewardship over the planet's natural resources might be highlighted. Sachs could discuss the responsibilities individuals and nations have in protecting the environment.
Poverty Alleviation: Sachs has often focused on issues related to poverty. The book may explore strategies for lifting people out of poverty while also addressing environmental concerns.
Inclusive Economic Growth: The idea of inclusive economic growth, which benefits a broad spectrum of society, may be a key theme. Sachs might discuss ways to ensure that the benefits of economic development are widely shared.
Technological Innovation: The role of technological advancements in addressing environmental challenges could be discussed. Sachs may explore how innovation can contribute to sustainable development.
Global Health: Given Sachs's work in global health, the book may touch on the links between health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Education and Empowerment: The empowerment of individuals through education and capacity building might be a key takeaway. Sachs could discuss how an educated population is better equipped to contribute to sustainable development.
Global Cooperation: The importance of international collaboration and policy coordination may be highlighted. Sachs might discuss the need for global agreements and frameworks to address shared challenges.
Ethical and Moral Considerations: The book might delve into the ethical and moral dimensions of economic and environmental decision-making. Sachs could explore how values influence our choices and impact the planet.

Language	English
ISBN-10	9780713999198
No of pages	369
Font Size	Medium
Book Publisher	Allen Lane
Published Date	27 Mar 2008

About Author

Author : Jeffrey Sachs

4 Books

Jeffrey David Sachs, is an American economist, public policy analyst, and former director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, where he holds the title of University Professor, the highest rank Columbia bestows on its faculty. He is known as one of the world's leading experts on economic development and the fight against poverty.

Sachs is the Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs and a professor of health policy and management at Columbia's School of Public Health. As of 2017, he serves as special adviser to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals adopted at a UN summit meeting in September 2015. He held the same position under the previous UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and prior to 2016 a similar advisory position related to the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight internationally sanctioned objectives to reduce extreme poverty, hunger and disease by the year 2015. In connection with the MDGs, he had first been appointed special adviser to the UN Secretary-General in 2002 during the term of Kofi Annan.

In 1995, Sachs became a member of the International Advisory Council of the Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE). He is co-founder and chief strategist of Millennium Promise Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty and hunger. From 2002 to 2006, he was director of the United Nations Millennium Project's work on the MDGs. He is director of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and co-editor of the World Happiness Report with John F. Helliwell and Richard Layard. In 2010, he became a commissioner for the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, whose stated aim is to boost the importance of broadband in international policy. Sachs has written several books and received many awards.