Helena Norberg-Hodge — Is Localization a Solution to the Crisis of Capitalism? (In Conversation)

By Helena Norberg-Hodge, Della Duncan, Robert Raymond, Upstream

It's often said that the economic system is rigged. The truth, however, is that the system is working exactly as it was designed to. Those in power, whether they hold public office or whether they sit in the boardroom of a multi-billion dollar international corporation, have taken great lengths to set up a system of rules that benefit them and maintain the status quo.

Development: A Failed Project

By Julia Schöneberg, Open Democracy

A fundamental questioning of the whole ‘development’ idea as such is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Yet, especially in light of the fact that the finiteness of our planet becomes more and more difficult to overlook, it is time to not only look for, but to practice alternatives to development.

There Once Was a Farm

By Brian Miller, South Roane Agrarian

There once was a farm that became an airport. So reads the first line of our modern fairytale, our religion for the age. It is also the promotional tagline chosen by the boosters of Pittsburgh’s airport, where a pair of signs sporting the slogan hang throughout.

‘Development’ is Colonialism in Disguise

By Arturo Escobar, Ashish Kothari, Ariel Salleh, Federico Demaria, Alberto Acosta, Open Democracy

The paths to a bio-civilization are multiple - and the pluriverse is already visible in the cosmovisions and radical practices of many groups worldwide. The notion of a pluriverse questions the alleged universality of Euro-Americacentric modernity. As the Zapatistas of Chiapas, Mexico, put it so wisely, the pluriverse constitutes “a world where many worlds fit”.

Debating Population, Poverty and Development

By Chris Smaje, Small Farm Future

So while there’s much to be said for population control, I think the notion that population control is the most important precursor to economic development and environmental protection is problematic.

French Development Agency Champions the Commons as New Vision for Development

By David Bollier, David Bollier blog

As climate change intensifies, the ecological implications of growth-based “development” are now alarming if not fatuous.

The Role of Development Banks in Energy Transition

By Chris Nelder, The Energy Transition Show

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) like the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank are publicly committed to ending energy poverty and enabling energy access to the developing world.

Energy Access for the Developing World

By Chris Nelder, Energy Transition Show

What’s the best way to bring energy to those in the developing world who lack it?