Category «Money»

Adapting Barter Systems in a Shrinking Economy

In the tumultuous landscape of a shrinking economy and dwindling fossil fuel energy, the concept of money transforms from a mere medium of exchange to a vital instrument of survival. As traditional economic structures falter under the weight of scarcity and uncertainty, communities are forced to innovate, turning to ancient practices like barter in a …

Discretionary and Essential Markets and Employment

In the context of a shrinking economy and declining fossil fuel energy availability, a critical distinction emerges between discretionary and essential markets and employment. Discretionary markets encompass non-essential goods and services, often associated with luxury or leisure, while essential markets encompass goods and services necessary for basic human needs. As economic contraction and resource scarcity …

How Government Spending and Borrowing give the Impression that the Economy is Growing

Government borrowing creates the impression of economic growth even in the face of a shrinking economy and declining fossil fuel energy availability.  This is due to several factors. Stimulus Spending: When governments borrow money, they use it for stimulus spending programs. These programs inject money into the economy, increasing consumer spending, business investment, and overall …

GDP and Growth

GDP and Growth Strategies in the Face of Economic Contraction and Diminishing Fossil Fuel Resources The Conventional View In an era marked by economic contraction and diminishing fossil fuel resources, traditional measures of GDP and growth face scrutiny and reevaluation. This piece examines the complexities of economic development in a shrinking economy, exploring alternative metrics …

Localist Economies

Localism is a fundamental element of the future as the global economy grapples with the repercussions of shrinking fossil fuel availability. The reliance on traditional economic models fueled by non-renewable resources is no longer sustainable, necessitating a fundamental shift towards resilient, community-centric economies. In this context, the development of localist economies will emerge as a …

Poverty

In the context of shrinking economies and diminishing fossil fuel availability, poverty is a pressing concern that demands innovative solutions and renewed commitment from policymakers, civil society, and the private sector. Poverty, characterized by inadequate access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education, is a moral imperative and a barrier to sustainable …