Creating More Elbow Room

To mark the fifth anniversary of Feasta co-founder Richard Douthwaite's death, and in light of current world events, we're featuring this chapter from his book Short Circuit, which is perhaps even more relevant today than it was back in 1996. It discusses the pernicious effects of world trade at present and the need to move towards a more human economy, and then describes three new approaches that could be taken.

Conference on Basic Income, November 22 2016

Social Justice Ireland’s Annual Social Policy Conference 2016 will focus on Basic Income, the theory behind it, and how it can be applied in practice. Themes will include "Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities – The role of Basic Income", "Basic Income in Practice – International experience", and "Basic Income in Ireland – Options for implementation". Speakers will include Ville-Veikko Pulkka of Finland and Sjir Hoeijmakers of the Netherlands, as well as Feasta trustee Michelle Murphy.

Georgist Macro-Economics and the Land Value Tax

Brian Davey argues in Credo that the ideas of Henry George are still very relevant for economic theory. A site value tax would help to stabilise property market cycles and promote greater spatial efficiency. However, while helpful, market mechanisms like a site value tax will not, on its own, fully resolve the environmental crisis.

The Oracle of Oil: Review

M King Hubbert, known as 'the father of peak oil,' was one of the first to question unlimited economic growth. "In his life and career you find the seeds of major environmental, socioeconomic and political challenges which we are still confronted with today, and which still need solving," writes Jacqueline Mathewes in this review of Mason Inman's biography.