New Books in Economics Saleem H. Ali, "Sustainability: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Apr 21, 2025
Saleem H. Ali, Chair and Distinguished Professor of Geography at the University of Delaware, dives into the essence of sustainability. He unpacks its history from the 1992 Earth Summit, discussing the intricate balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. Ali also analyzes impactful concepts like the 'Tragedy of the Commons' and the debate spurred by Ehrlich and Simon's bet on resources. He emphasizes the importance of renewability and corporate responsibility, showing how sustainability can drive profitability while preserving our planet.
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Tragedy of the Commons Explained
- The "tragedy of the commons" illustrates how overuse of finite resources leads to collapse unless managed by property rights.
- Hardin's later controversial views reduced the relevance of his work despite its influential synthesis on sustainability.
The Ehrlich-Simon Resource Bet
- A famous bet between Paul Ehrlich and Julian Simon tested if we would run out of copper due to depletion.
- Ehrlich lost as new technologies and circular economy approaches extended resource availability beyond initial predictions.
Sustainability's Systems Perspective
- Sustainability offers a systems perspective linking humans to natural processes, forcing interdisciplinary understanding.
- Yet, the term is often misused or obfuscated, requiring clear, scientific framing to guide viable societal futures.
