Climate change is posing an increasing threat to life on earth. A few months back, we organized a special session at the INET YSI North America Convening to discuss how economics can serve society and help address climate change. We were honored for Kate Aronoff and Shouvik Chakraborty to moderate our debate.
We are happy to share the contributions of the participants. Summary and introduction by Shouvik Chakraborty.
Economic Questions: Complex Economic Theories Explained in Simple Ways
Several exciting, valuable economic theories become difficult to comprehend by individuals who have not had the training in the discipline of economics. However, it is essential that those theories, and the powerful implications they have for the broader social goals, are brought to the attention of everyone in a manner which excites them for those causes. The panel on Economic Questions essentially does that – explaining complex economic theories in simple words!
The two most emerging issues in the current world economic order which have captured the imagination of young scholars are inequality and climate change. The papers discussed in the panel on Economic Questions at the YSI North America Convening (Feb 22-24, 2019) dealt with both these crucial problems.
Kevin Cashman’s piece “There is no Alternative” to Managing the Economy, and the Climate’ argues the importance of industrial policy and economic planning and management to address these problems. He makes a strong case for global cooperation to tackle both these problems of inequality and climate change.
Johnny in his piece, “A Feminist Approach to Mitigating Climate Change” argues for more female participation in the discipline of economics and also in the policy circles, which he argued had a significant positive impact.
“Tackling urban homelessness in the US the Green Way,” a piece written by Atthulya Gopi, argues that the affordability crisis of housing market is forcing homelessness in the east and west coast of the United States, and also, thereby, contributing negatively to the environment.
Carlos Maciel’s piece, “The Green Job Guarantee – How to Tackle Climate Change and Unemployment,” proposes that a job guarantee program specifically linked to activities related to environmental sustainability will simultaneously achieve the goals of more jobs and attain sustainability.
Maximilian Seijo’s piece “Ecological Theory for a Green New Deal” argues for a cooperative reorganization of ecological relations through further centralization of legal authorities by strengthening the institutions of democracy.
