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S ustainable prosperity in the United states- Building a Green Economy

S ustainable prosperity in the United states- Building a Green Economy. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Agenda 3 Our Planet is in trouble 4 Overconsumption by A mericans and its consequences 5,6 Solution 7

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S ustainable prosperity in the United states- Building a Green Economy

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  1. Sustainable prosperity in the United states-Building a Green Economy

  2. TABLE OF CONTENTS • Agenda 3 • Our Planet is in trouble 4 • Overconsumption by Americans and its consequences 5,6 • Solution 7 • The path to degrowth 8-13 • References 14 green FOR THE FUTURE

  3. Agenda: Creation of a Green Economy through Degrowth On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to propose a strategy for creating a Green Economy that is based on sustainable development in the United States. This can be achieved through Degrowth. I will explain what is the current status of overdevelopment in the United States and its impact on the society. I will then present the path to Degrowth. green FOR THE FUTURE

  4. Our Planet is in trouble Global warming and the declining ecosystem show that economic “Degrowth” in overdeveloped countries is essential and urgent. The Earth’s temperature is estimated to have risen by 4 degrees Celsius. A small portion of the world's people use up most of the earth's resources and produce most of its greenhouse gas emissions. green FOR THE FUTURE

  5. Overconsumption by Americans The average American consumes more than his or her weight in products each day, fuelling a global culture of excess that is emerging as the biggest threat to the planet. The current vision of prosperity has negative societal consequences. The Overconsumption culture is spreading to developing counties like China, India & Brazil. green FOR THE FUTURE

  6. Consequences of overconsumption In 2012, 2 out of every 3 Americans, were overweight or obese. Obesity shortens life spans, causes illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, and costs the United States $270 billion annually in medical costs and lost productivity. Other consequences include high debt burdens, long working hours, pharmaceutical dependence, time lost in commuting, and social isolation. green FOR THE FUTURE

  7. Solution: Degrowth Degrowth is the intentional redirection of economies away from the perpetual pursuit of growth. Its goal is to create a steady-state economic system that is in balance with Earth’s limits. It will improve wellbeing, strengthen community resilience, and restore Earth’s systems green FOR THE FUTURE

  8. The path to Degrowth Redefine Prosperity 9 Reduce overconsumption Bridge the economic gap in society Reduce Work hours Cultivate a Plenitude economy green FOR THE FUTURE

  9. 1. Redefining Prosperity Currently prosperity is understood as consuming ever more and growing ever larger. Redefining prosperity is a financial and ecological necessity. Prosperity redefined is good health, social connectedness, freedom to pursue hobbies, and interesting work. To redefine prosperity we have to make use of “social marketing” strategies to challenge overconsumption. green FOR THE FUTURE

  10. 2. Reducing overconsumption reduce consumerism by shifting consumer behavior. Differentiate between needs and wants. Choice editing- Government can provide subsidies toward healthy sustainable goods Businesses can educate customers about what the healthiest and most sustainable choices are and price such products favorably. Reduce consumption, recycle and reuse as much as possible. green FOR THE FUTURE

  11. 3. Bridging the economic gap in society Shifting tax burdens- advertising budgets of companies should be taxed. Better distribution of incomes has a positive impact on human development, as reinforced by the 2011 Human Development Report. TheUnited States istwentieth in the human development rankings, while countries with high social equity fare better. Research shows that more-equitable societies have less violent crime, higher literacy levels, are healthier and less overweight. green FOR THE FUTURE

  12. 4. Reduce work hours Psychologists Tim Kasser and Kirk Brown have found that longer working hours correlate negatively with life satisfaction levels and positively with ecological footprint. redistribution of job hours- make the average work week shorter. Reduce unemployment This will improve the quality of life for many people and reduce their ecological impacts and improve people’s well being; their health, social connectedness, and community engagement. green FOR THE FUTURE

  13. 5. Cultivating a Plenitude economy Sociologist Juliet Schorhas studied the relation between work hours and the high levels of consumption that accompany it.She calls for the controlled reduction of the consumer economy, with more people supporting themselves. The combination of intentional shifts in working hours and inevitable market contractions could help accelerate this plenitude model. Eventually people will reduce the 9-to-5 work/spend/consume lifestyle and actively seek out a plenitude lifestyle, working fewer hours at paying jobs and helping to rebuild local economies. green FOR THE FUTURE

  14. References “The Path to Degrowth in Overdeveloped Countries,” by Erik Assadourian, published in Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity. Juliet Schor, “Sustainable Work Schedules for All,” in Worldwatch Institute, op. cit. note 1, pp.91–95 The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. http://www.storyofstuff.org/ degrowthpedia.org green FOR THE FUTURE

  15. green FOR THE FUTURE Sustainable Development

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