Category «Background Comment»

The Impact of immigration on the development of Localism

It is crucial to discuss immigration openly and objectively without falling into the traps of political polarisation or nationalist biases. A balanced conversation allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration, acknowledging both its benefits and challenges. When discussions are dominated by either left-leaning or right-leaning perspectives or pro-nationalist sentiments, the debate …

The Path to Happiness:

Focusing on Quality Over Quantity Will Change Our Lives In today’s world, it often feels like we’re all running a never-ending race.  We’re told to work harder, earn more money, buy more stuff, and always be on the lookout for the next big thing.  This is what most of us know as “materialism”—the idea that …

Why Economic Models in the Post-Growth Era Are No Longer Relevant: There is a Need for Narrative Models

In the traditional economic paradigm, growth has been the central pillar upon which models, policies, and societal expectations have been built. From Keynesian frameworks to neoclassical theories, economic models have largely been constructed around the assumption that perpetual growth is both desirable and achievable. However, as we move into the post-growth era—a period characterized by …

What Would a Real Renewable Energy Transition Look Like?

31/08/2024EnergyComments: 0 By Richard HeinbergWith his permission Download printable PDF version Humanity’s transition from relying overwhelmingly on fossil fuels to instead using alternative low-carbon energy sources is sometimes said to be unstoppable and exponential. A boosterish attitude on the part of many renewable energy advocates is understandable: overcoming people’s climate despair and sowing confidence could …

Playing Seesaw

by Tim Watkins Recently, re-reading Tom Sharpe’s Blott on the Landscape, I stumbled upon this passage: “… she was faced with the destruction of everything she loved, the Hall, the Gorge, the wild landscape, the garden, the world her ancestors had fought for and created.  All this would go, to be replaced by a motorway …

The Hundreds

The concept of the “hundred” was a key administrative unit in medieval England, particularly in rural areas, and it played a significant role in local governance from the Anglo-Saxon period through the later Middle Ages. Hundreds were subdivisions of shires (counties) and were integral to the administration of justice, collection of taxes, and the organization …

The Economy:  Three Interpretations

In today’s complex world, understanding the various layers of economic activity is crucial for grasping the true nature of wealth, sustainability, and human well-being. The phrase “This real economy, which is energy-based, must be seen separately from the financial economy used by the establishment and classical economists, and the informal economy of localism” encapsulates a …

Centralised Control vs. Grassroots Empowerment: A Comparative Analysis

The debate between top-down systems and localism centres on how decisions are made and services are delivered within communities. Top-down systems, often characterized by centralized decision-making, contrast sharply with localism, which emphasizes the empowerment of grassroots communities to take over power and make decisions tailored to their specific needs. Top-Down Systems Top-down systems are hierarchical …