Steady State Economics

[ramapo]

I've recently become very interested in the link behind the explosion of suburban sprawl with its' corresponding decrease in quality-of-life and increase in environmental consequences, and the continued growth in population, size of our economy, and debt.

While it may be simplistic, my gut feelings have long told me that we are on a track that cannot be sustained. Economic growth cannot continue, at least not growth based on today's standards, as the costs are simply too high.

Logic tells me that prices, wages, and debt cannot continue to rise forever, or perhaps even for much longer. I believe today's economy is based on the need for an ever-growing population that requires more houses, roads, cars, and all the other trappings of our lifestyle. I relate our economic situation to a ponzi scheme. Build a Retail-Mart to create jobs and sell stuff to the population. Get a bit of money to trickle down and hook the consumer with unrelenting debt, debt that is required so the consumer can buy enough stuff to support the economy. Then you need to build something else to provide more jobs so the cycle can continue.

Much of today's population growth in the U.S. can be traced to immigration, an issue (one of many) politicians are loath to touch. Most population projections are quite unsettling, despite those that show some European countries, and even the U.S., with declining native populations as the baby boomers die off.

I've been pointed to Herman Daly's book on the subject. I see his original text (Steady State Economics) is out-of-print and it's not available from our local library system. Looks like I'll have to pick it up used.

Any other recommended texts on the subject?

[whistle]

1. Try these for starters....

...<link>

http://www.npg.org/pospapers/nogrowth.html

http://www.hubbertpeak.com/hubbert/hubecon.htm

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=0-155963071x-0&partner_id=25450

http://www.powells.com/search/DTSearch/search?author=Herman%20E.%20Daly

http://www.uvm.edu/giee/publications/shoveling_fuel.pdf

http://www.steadystate.org/Links.html

http://academic.wsc.edu/faculty/jaknotw1/egsse.htm

In a steady state economy if you are one of the haves and all your needs are are filled it's great for you, but if you are one of the have-nots you are shit out of luck! I don't know what the answer is, let me know when you know. Thanks.

[cprise]

2. Joshua Farley

I thought this was a great article on his work:

http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2003/04/09/the/