The End of Growth

Adapting to Our New Economic Reality

By: Richard Heinberg

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Economists insist that recovery is at hand, yet unemployment remains high, real estate values continue to sink, and governments stagger under record deficits. The End of Growth proposes a startling diagnosis: humanity has reached a fundamental turning point in its economic history. The expansionary trajectory of industrial civilization is colliding with non-negotiable natural limits.

Richard Heinberg’s latest landmark work goes to the heart of the ongoing financial crisis, explaining how and why it occurred, and what we must do to avert the worst potential outcomes. Written in an engaging, highly readable style, it shows why growth is being blocked by three factors:

• Resource depletion
• Environmental impacts
• Crushing levels of debt

• These converging limits will force us to re-evaluate cherished economic theories and to reinvent money and commerce.

  The End of Growth describes what policy makers, communities, and families can do to build a new economy that operates within Earth’s budget of energy and resources. We can thrive during the transition if we set goals that promote human and environmental well-being, rather than continuing to pursue the now-unattainable prize of ever-expanding GDP.

©2011 Richard Heinberg (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Clearly written and argued... Heinberg's contrarian view on growth is highly recommended to all [listeners] interested in economics, sustainability, and future trends." (Library Journal)

Humanomics

Economics for real people in our turbulent times. Scary, but rings true, the book describes how our unsustainable use of natural resources is setting us up for some very difficult times.
Heinberg does include some interesting alternative options that are currently being tried in different parts of the world. We certainly do need to change our paradigm to one that better harnesses our human strengths and weaknesses.
Informative and well written.

Great message, Well told

Would you listen to The End of Growth again? Why?

Absolutely. Very relevant to anyone trying to garner how the future may play out. Suggest readers also read ABUNDANCE - The Future is Better than you Think, as it offers a more positive aspect to this story.

Big Questions Discussed

What did you love best about The End of Growth?

It asks challenging and thought provoking questions that deal with the very future of mankind. It delivers an historical context that suggests that there is another way for humans to gladly live beside one another

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Community interdependence and how our mercantilist system destroys the very fabric of harmonious co-existence

Any additional comments?

Highly worthwhile listening!

Half Truths

The content is good. Several premises are inaccurate. The aging population and population decline weren't properly addressed. A logical rewrite would make this an excellent book.

Heinberg

R Heinberg is so full of it. I don't know why I bought his book. Sure he makes a valid point here or there but overall he's just a doomer windbag.