The world needs a new economy. In spite of tremendous and growing material prosperity, inequality is on the rise and the current organization of the Earth's natural resources has failed to address the basic human needs of billions of people. This book exposes the bottlenecks of the present path of economic growth and discusses the main path to alternatives.

In spite of undeniable advances, all evidence points towards the growing depletion of the very ecosystems that societies depend on. By placing ethics squarely in the middle of economic life, this book demonstrates the need for a new economy, one that fosters unity between society, nature, economics and ethics. It questions the most important scientific and political pillar that forms the basis for evaluating social resource use: economic growth.

Written in a non-specialist language, this book is an introduction to the main issues involving sustainable development. It will be essential reading for both students and professionals working in the field of socio-environmental responsibility.