Common Wealth

The World’s Economy and Ecology Teeter on the Brink

The world has become an ever-more crowded, chaotic and dangerous place. Global populations are soaring, particularly in poor nations least able to feed and support burgeoning numbers of people. The global ecology is teetering near collapse. The global balance of power is shifting. As the 20th century marked the end of European dominance, this century will see the end of U.S. hegemony. China, India and Brazil are emerging as world powers. And America’s misguided forays into Vietnam and Iraq have proven the folly of unilateral decision making based on brute force. As things now stand, the world easily could plunge into a toxic brew of bloody conflict, abject poverty, natural disasters and widespread suffering.

To avoid this fate – which is likely if the world continues on its current path – world leaders must accept the fact that everyone on the planet shares the same plight. Rich nations can no longer ignore poor nations. The free market is no longer the best and only solution. Unfortunately, the risks are grave. Fortunately, solutions are at hand. Climate change and planetary catastrophes loom, yet sustainable systems...