We have to change: the Earth’s resources are finite, climate change threatens to dramatically transform how and where we live, and the global economic system is in disarray. But what to do? Zac Goldsmith, editor of the Ecologist and influential Conservative, argues for a ‘constant economy’ in which resources are valued and not wasted, where food is grown sustainably, goods are built to last, energy security is based on the use of renewable sources, and communities are valued as a country’s strongest hedge against social, economic and environmental instability. The ‘constant economy’ operates at the human scale, and above all recognises nature’s limits.

Reviews

“Zac Goldsmith has written an important book! His knowledge of the ‘green’ agenda’ is second to none having been the editor of the Ecologist since 1997, following in the footsteps of its founder, his uncle, the late Teddy Goldsmith.

The Constant Economy gives a full analysis of all that has brought the planet to this critical stage where scientists across the world believe we are poised to reach a tipping point within 100 months. He echos many other authors who have warned us over the years since Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring in the 1960s.

But what are we expected to do to change the course of unsustainable life styles which have surfaced, especially during the last 60 years, to cause the overarching problem of climate change leading to global warming?

In the book he gives a list of the practical actions that are proven to work and wants us to engage wherever possible to extend the good initiatives to build a society where the green agenda is the norm.

For me, the really interesting point is his role as Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Richmond Park in London. While there is no certainty he will play a part in the next Government, he might, then will come his chance to put many of the ideas and changes he calls for into practice. He puts much of the blame on politicians who, so far, have failed to regulate to restrain market forces for the good of society.

It remains to be seen how well he manages to hold on to the idealistic, but ‘can do’, streak in his character because he could well have a role to play in the next Government at the sharp end. After all, the Conservative Party should be the natural party to conserve resources as a prime aim of ‘holding the quality of the estate’ or indeed, ‘hoping to improve it’ for the benefit of the next generation!

So Zac, if you get the opportunity, please appeal to the young, concerned and committed. I imagine that you will find support from a majority of intelligent youth, and those of any age, who know that we have to make a future different from the one we have in prospect.”

John Pontin
Co-founder and Trustee
The Converging World