Doughnut Economics

Every generation faces defining questions. Today, ours is whether we can continue to fuel economic growth without destroying the planet or deepening social divides. The old models fixated on endless expansion, often sidestepping basic human needs and Earth's fragile balance. We need a framework that prioritizes both people’s well-being and the planet’s health.

Enter the concept of the “doughnut.” Picture a circle with two rings: the inner ring representing our essential social foundations—like food, water, equality—and the outer ring representing planetary boundaries, such as climate and biodiversity. Between these two boundaries is the safe and just space where everyone can thrive.

Why does this matter? Because humanity’s greatest challenges—climate change, resource depletion, inequality—no longer sit at the edges of our awareness. They are visible and urgent. Traditional ways of counting success—namely GDP—fail to account for the true costs of overconsumption and exploitation.

In this book, we explore how to shift our thinking and practice. From reimagining markets to enhancing reciprocity in our communities, each chapter highlights key ideas for shaping an economy that serves us all. It’s not about small tweaks; it’s about reorienting the goal entirely.

For decades, societies have fixated on GDP growth as the main measure of progress. The trouble is, a single-minded chase after expansion brushes aside issues like social equity and ecosystem stability. Inequality can grow unnoticed and natural resources can be depleted under the guise of ‘success.’

Shifting the goal means embracing a broader view of prosperity. Instead of asking how to grow the economy, we ask how to ensure every person’s basic needs are met without stretching our planet to breaking point. This marks a radical break from the ‘growth will solve everything’ mentality.

A thriving society sits in that sweet spot: above a social floor of well-being and below an ecological ceiling that avoids collapse. Imagining this balance helps us see that there's more to success than higher output. We must measure how well we distribute opportunity and safeguard nature for future generations.

When we switch from GDP obsession to a well-being focus, policies shift. Governments begin to prioritize robust healthcare, accessible education, and healthy ecosystems. They invest in local resilience rather than chasing short-term financial gains. It’s an invitation to rethink what ‘progress’ truly looks like.