La Teoría del Dónut: El Futuro de las Ciudades Sostenibles

Summary

The Doughnut Theory, developed by economist Kate Raworth, offers a revolutionary approach to rethinking economies by balancing human needs and planetary boundaries. It envisions a model where the social foundation ensures basic needs like education, healthcare, and justice, while the ecological ceiling protects the environment from degradation. Cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Brussels are already applying these principles, reducing emissions and improving equity. With its focus on sustainability and social justice, this model presents an opportunity to address climate change and inequality globally, offering a path toward a more just and sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Doughnut Economics theory, proposed by Kate Raworth, offers an innovative approach to redesigning economies for sustainability and social justice.
• 😀 The central idea of Doughnut Economics is balancing human needs within the ecological boundaries of the planet, symbolized by a doughnut-shaped model.
• 😀 The inner ring of the doughnut represents social foundations, such as access to education, healthcare, housing, and justice, which must be met for a dignified life.
• 😀 The outer ring represents the ecological limits, like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, that must not be exceeded to prevent environmental degradation.
• 😀 The safe and just space for humanity exists in the hole of the doughnut, where both social needs and environmental sustainability are balanced.
• 😀 Kate Raworth introduced this model in her 2017 book 'Doughnut Economics,' as an alternative to traditional growth-focused economies.
• 😀 Raworth's background in economics, working with institutions like the UN and Oxfam, shaped her perspective on the flaws of growth-centric economies and their impact on poverty and environmental destruction.
• 😀 The urgency for change is underscored by alarming statistics, such as the need to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 to avoid catastrophic warming.
• 😀 Examples of cities adopting Doughnut Economics include Amsterdam, which has reduced carbon emissions by over 10%, and Copenhagen, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2025.
• 😀 Doughnut Economics is also being applied in broader contexts, such as national policies in Costa Rica and business practices by companies like Patagonia and IKEA, focusing on sustainability and equitable development.

Q & A

What is the central concept of Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics?

The central concept of Doughnut Economics is to imagine an economy that satisfies human needs within the ecological limits of the planet. It is represented by a 'doughnut' diagram where the inner ring represents the social foundations (minimum needs like education, healthcare, and justice), and the outer ring represents the planetary boundaries (limits to prevent environmental degradation). The safe and just space for humanity is found within the hole of the doughnut.

What does the inner ring of the Doughnut represent?

The inner ring of the Doughnut represents the social foundations necessary for a dignified life. This includes access to education, healthcare, housing, work, and justice, ensuring that no one falls below these basic needs.

What does the outer ring of the Doughnut symbolize?

The outer ring of the Doughnut represents the ecological boundaries that humanity should not exceed to avoid environmental degradation. These boundaries include climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and other factors that maintain the Earth's habitability.

How does Doughnut Economics differ from traditional economic models?

Doughnut Economics differs from traditional models by rejecting the idea of unlimited growth. Instead, it advocates for an economy that balances social equity and environmental sustainability, focusing on meeting human needs without overburdening the planet's resources.

What are some real-world examples where Doughnut Economics has been implemented?

Doughnut Economics has been implemented in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Brussels. Amsterdam adopted the model to guide its post-COVID recovery, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, reusing materials, and ensuring affordable housing. Copenhagen aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025, and Brussels uses the model for urban regeneration and circular economy policies.

What is the role of Kate Raworth in the development of Doughnut Economics?

Kate Raworth, a British economist, developed Doughnut Economics in her 2017 book 'Doughnut Economics.' She observed the negative effects of economies focused solely on growth and sought to create a model combining social justice and ecological sustainability. Her work has been influential among economists, activists, and policymakers.

What global statistics emphasize the need for adopting Doughnut Economics?

The need for adopting Doughnut Economics is emphasized by statistics like the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 to avoid catastrophic warming, as stated by the IPCC. The WHO reports that around 7 million people die each year due to air pollution, mainly in low-income countries, and nearly 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water.

How does Doughnut Economics address global inequality?

Doughnut Economics addresses global inequality by recognizing that economies focused solely on wealth accumulation often exacerbate poverty and environmental destruction. The model promotes social equity by ensuring everyone has access to basic needs and by tackling the unequal distribution of emissions, where the wealthiest contribute the most to climate change yet suffer the least from its consequences.

Can Doughnut Economics be applied at national levels or in businesses?

Yes, Doughnut Economics can be applied at national levels and in businesses. Countries like Costa Rica are already implementing policies aligned with the model, such as protecting 30% of their territory and using 99% renewable energy. Some companies, like Patagonia and IKEA, have also adopted circular economy principles and reduced their environmental impact while improving labor conditions.

What impact has the Doughnut model had in cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen?

In Amsterdam, the Doughnut model has led to a reduction in carbon emissions by over 10% in recent years, alongside increased green job creation. Copenhagen aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025, investing in renewable energy, cycling infrastructure, and sustainable housing. Both cities are applying Doughnut Economics to reduce their ecological footprints while improving social well-being.