An electrifying guide to the ecological economics of energy - Paul Brockway

Prosperity Without Growth argues that economic growth is unsustainable and does not necessarily lead to increased human well-being. The book proposes a post-growth economy that prioritizes social investment, reduces inequality, and supports ecological stability. It challenges the assumption that perpetual growth is necessary for prosperity and outlines pathways towards a sustainable future.

The book, commissioned by the Club of Rome, uses the World3 computer model to simulate the consequences of interactions between human systems and the Earth. It examines five basic factors: population increase, agricultural production, nonrenewable resource depletion, industrial output, and pollution generation. The authors conclude that if current growth trends continue, the Earth's resources will be depleted, leading to a sudden and uncontrollable decline in population and industrial capacity. However, the book also offers a message of hope, suggesting that forward-looking policy could prevent such outcomes if humanity acts promptly to reduce inefficiency and waste.