Doughnut Economics: Kate Raworth

Overview

In her new book Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist, British economist Kate Raworth explores how to take on ecological and humanitarian concerns through a new approach to economics. Longlisted for the 2017 Financial Times McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award, Raworth seeks to creatively alter the current economic approach in order to "meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet".

One of the big questions Raworth asks in her book, which sounds like common sense but isn't frequently asked in the realm of economics, is: "What if we started economics not with its long-established theories, but with humanity's long-term goals, and then sought out the economic thinking that would enable us to achieve them?" The only scary thing is that many might not be willing to live within those immediate restrictions for the good of humanity's long term prosperity and survival.

Raworth presents her thesis in conversation with business journalist Rod Oram as part of this year's Auckland Writers Festival.