Doughnut Economics with Kate Raworth

·21 min·2 clips

Kate Raworth explains why our economy must leave no one in the hole of the doughnut while not overshooting Earth's outer crust.

The episode features an interview with economist Kate Raworth, recorded at the Byline Festival at Keele University. Raworth introduces Doughnut Economics as a 21st-century economic model focused on meeting human needs within planetary boundaries, visualized as a doughnut shape. She critiques mainstream economics' obsession with GDP growth, noting how it fails to account for social and environmental costs. Raworth explains that GDP can increase from harmful events like oil spills, creating perverse incentives. She argues for using a dashboard of metrics instead, tailored to local priorities like reducing carbon emissions and inequality. Raworth reveals that global finance invests $7 trillion in nature-destroying activities compared to only $200 billion in nature-positive investments. She distinguishes Doughnut Economics from zero-growth economics, emphasizing ending structural dependence on endless growth rather than stopping growth entirely. Raworth discusses her Doughnut Economics Circus, which uses humor and audience participation to communicate complex ideas. She notes that while economics departments have resisted her ideas, other disciplines and local governments have embraced them. Examples include Amsterdam adopting the doughnut as a strategy for becoming a circular city by 2050 and Copenhagen following suit. Over 50 towns and cities worldwide have publicly implemented Doughnut principles. Raworth criticizes UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves for focusing on GDP growth, arguing it misaligns with public desires for good jobs, education, and clean air. The episode concludes with Goldberg recommending Raworth's book and circus performances.

As heard by us

Raworth connects Donut Economics to carbon reduction, energy transition, inequality, and the measures behind public choices.

Recorded at the Byline Festival at Keele University, this Byline Times conversation brings Kate Raworth's Donut Economics into contact with the practical tests facing the UK: cutting carbon emissions, managing the energy transition, and reducing inequality.

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Why you'd press play

You want Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics brought down to earth through UK carbon emissions, energy transition metrics, and inequality.

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