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The Economy

The Economy
Action2020- A sustainable development business plan for Earth

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) introduces its groundbreaking Action2020 plan. This science-based initiative sets a new agenda for business action on sustainable development, addressing the planet's most urgent needs.

Launched at the WBCSD's Council meeting in Istanbul in November 2013, the accompanying video features insights from prominent WBCSD members. These include CEOs like Mike Mack (Syngenta), Paul Polman (Unilever), Atsutoshi Nishida (Toshiba), John Alexander (ERM), and Henrik Madsen (DNV).

A Plan to Fight Income Inequality by Jim Yong Kim

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, 12th President of the World Bank Group, highlighted income inequality and the urgent need to close the gap between rich and poor. He stressed that a serious plan is essential to address this global challenge.

The World Bank offers a smart plan of action. Watch their video from Davos, published on January 23, 2014, to hear their recommendations.

The Capitalist's Dilemma - Clayton Christensen

Published on September 25, 2013, this event emphasized how empowering innovation drives job creation. Professor Clayton Christensen of Harvard Business School, author of "The Innovator's Dilemma," visited the RSA to explain how countries and companies can foster successful innovation and robust growth.

He was joined by discussant Tom Hulme, Design Director at IDEO and Managing Director of OpenIDEO/OIEngine, and chaired by Rohan Silva, entrepreneur-in-residence at Index Ventures and former senior policy adviser to the Prime Minister. Christensen's book is available for purchase on Amazon.

The Rich are Taxed Enough: A Riech-Laffer Debate

Robert Reich and Mark Zandi debated Glenn Hubbard and Arthur Laffer on the topic: "The Rich Are Taxed Enough." Moderated by John Donvan, the discussion addressed how to fix the U.S. economy.

With a nearing trillion-dollar budget deficit and high unemployment, the expiring Bush-era tax cuts presented a critical economic challenge. President Obama advocated raising taxes on incomes over $250,000 to reduce the deficit. Conversely, others argued the wealthiest 1% already pay over a quarter of federal taxes, and higher taxes on "job creators" would hinder economic growth. The central question remained: should tax breaks be extended for everyone, or are the wealthy not paying their "fair share"?

Inequality for All (trailer)

INEQUALITY FOR ALL features Robert Reich—professor, best-selling author, and former Clinton cabinet member—who passionately argues how the widening income gap devastates the American economy.

The film also offers an intimate portrait of Reich, detailing his personal journey and lifelong commitment to protecting the vulnerable. Discover more about Robert Reich at robertreich.org.

Wild Law: Peter Burdon at TEDxAdelaide

Addressing the environmental crisis, *Wild Law – In Practice* aims to transition Earth Jurisprudence from theory into practice. The book argues that current legal frameworks perpetuate ecological issues and must be radically reconfigured to ensure a viable human presence on Earth.

Authored by Peter Burdon, a Senior Lecturer at Adelaide Law School, the work draws on his extensive expertise in ecological law. His PhD in this field earned him the Bonython Prize and a University of Adelaide Research Medal. Since 2005, Burdon has also actively contributed to Friends of the Earth Adelaide's Clean Futures Collective.

The Limbo Game of Savings: Dean Karlan

Dean Karlan, a Professor of Economics at Yale University and President of Innovations for Poverty Action, explores how understanding people and language can influence human behavior. His research has led to innovative mechanisms for increasing savings in developing world communities.

This discussion was published by TEDxMiddlebury on August 18, 2013.

Economics of Circular Economy by Tim Jackson

Tim Jackson, the UK's first Professor of Sustainable Development, directs the Research group on Lifestyles, Values and Environment (RESOLVE) at the University of Surrey's Centre for Environmental Strategy.

This information was published on March 13, 2012.

End the Take, Make and Dispose Economy by Ken Webster

Ken Webster, Head of Learning at The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (UK), introduces the concept of a circular economy. This model is crucial given the depletion of cheap fossil fuels and key materials, alongside rising populations and growing anxieties concerning water resources, food production, and harmful wastes.

These challenges demand a fundamental rethinking of our production and consumption systems, rather than just patching them up. We must actively rethink, redesign, and build a positive future.

Get Loopy! by Steve Punt

Comedian Steve Punt, portraying a "mad professor," challenges conventional thinking and invites viewers to "Get Loopy."

This video, uploaded on September 1, 2010, explores the circular economy. Discover more at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

You can also follow the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on Twitter.

Launch of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2010

On September 2, 2010, Ellen MacArthur launched her new Foundation at the Science Museum in London. This renowned venue, a showcase of modern innovation, provided a fitting setting for the announcement.

The Foundation's mission is to advocate for a sustainable future, calling on people to 're-think, re-design, and build' it.

Ellen MacArthur on The Circular Economy

Ellen MacArthur explores how insights from living systems can help redesign our future, addressing challenges posed by finite materials and energy. Visit Ellen MacArthur's website for more information.

Discover more about the circular economy at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and follow them on Twitter.

What is the Circular Economy 100?

The Circular Economy 100 is a global platform that unites leading companies, emerging innovators, and regions. Its mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy over a three-year period.

To learn more or apply, contact the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Visit their website: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/business/ce100.

About new development financing by David Stevens

David Stevens, CEO of Affinity MacroFinance (AMF), introduces a new paradigm for development financing, advocating for more effective use of local currency. AMF is a mutual financial guarantee insurance company serving the developing world.

This information was published on December 13, 2012, on the Tallberg Foundation YouTube Channel.

The Three E's by Eliza Gilkyson and Rob Jensen

On November 16, 2008, the Sanctuary for Independent Media welcomed Austin-based folk musician Eliza Gilkyson and activist Rob Jensen. Their evening featured an intertwining of songs and speeches, offering both beautiful music and radical discussion.

In this clip (Part 2 of 4), Gilkyson introduces Jensen, sharing how his perspective has influenced her beliefs and songwriting. Jensen then begins his presentation on justice, sustainability, and his concept of the "Three E's": empire, economics, and ecology.

Surviving the New American Economy by Bill Moyers

Bill Moyers has tracked two Milwaukee families since 1991, documenting their struggles against a harsh economy and urban transformation. His reports highlight the devastating challenges and difficult choices they faced.

Moyers revisits these families' stories, exploring the human cost of inequality with journalists Barbara Miner and Barbara Garson. This report was published on July 4, 2013.

Sacred Economics with Charles Eisenstein - A Short Film

Money is an agreement, not inherently valuable. Charles Eisenstein explores this concept, arguing that money often fails to address fundamental human needs. His work, including the book Sacred Economics, offers specific recommendations for a different approach.

To learn more or purchase his book, visit Amazon or your local bookstore. This content, published on March 1, 2012, was directed by Ian MacKenzie and produced by Velcrow Ripper, Gregg Hill, and Ian MacKenzie.

The Pricing Trap by Gerard O'Neill of Amarach Research

This excerpt is from a panel presentation at the Business In The Community Ireland Summit on Corporate Responsibility, held in November 2010.

The panel featured experts including James Quincey (The Coca-Cola Company), Sir Stuart Rose (Marks & Spencer), and Gerard O'Neill of Amarach Research.

O'Neill highlighted how marketers' 'pricing trap' hinders sustainability initiatives. He argued that while price accounts for only 30% of a purchase decision, emotion and feelings drive 70%. Emphasizing trust and the social environment is crucial for consumers to move beyond price-driven choices.

Are we in control of our own decisions? asks Dan Ariely

Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, author of "Predictably Irrational," reveals how our decisions are often irrational. Using classic visual illusions and surprising research, he demonstrates that we are not as logical as we believe.

Ariely's work highlights a fundamental flaw in traditional economics: its disconnect from actual human behavior. His insights explain why our choices are often predictable, yet irrational.

Who controls the world? by James B. Glattfelder

James Glattfelder, a complexity theorist, studies how interconnected systems, like a bird swarm, are more than the sum of their parts. He applies this theory to the global economy, offering insights into its intricate workings.

Glattfelder's groundbreaking study reveals how control is concentrated among a surprisingly small number of entities. This significant power concentration leaves the entire global economy vulnerable. His findings were presented at TEDxZurich and published on February 13, 2013.

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— Dr. Elena Rivera
Environmental Scientist and Advocate
 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection

“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.

Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.

 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection