‘Jonathon Porritt has done us all a service by synthesizing a compelling vision of the goals we must steer towards, the main stages of the journey, and how each of us can joyfully bend to our oar. The breadth and incisiveness of his vision oblige us to be grateful, attentive, and engaged.’
From the Foreword by Amory B. Lovins

‘This is a genuinely important book by one of Britain’s most eminent environmentalists’
Jonathan Dimbleby, political commentator and broadcaster

‘No US authors have matched this book’s treatment of the interconnections between the environment, finance and economy, industry and technology, psychology and politics. Porritt depicts chilling vignettes, and decries greed and unbridled materialism without impugning business as a whole ... The book invites and repays detailed study.’
Choice

‘We need more people like Porritt ... prepared to ... find the best ways to save both the environment and the capitalist system’
Professional Investor

‘... could not have come at a more timely and critical moment ... A vital contribution to the most compelling issue of our times.’
Will Hutton, author of The Writing on the Wall: China and the West in the 21st Century

‘... the best account of where we are now and how we might move ahead. Porritt’s book is a brave and important working draft for an essential positive alternative.’
The Observer

‘To renew and rebuild, we need to listen to the voices of the few truly selfless and thoughtful individuals among us, and Jonathon Porritt is one of them.’
James Lovelock, creator of the GAIA theory

When first published, Capitalism as if the World Matters, by one of the leading ‘eco-warriors’ of our time, shocked a generation of both environmentalists and business people. Jonathon Porritt brushed aside their artificial battle lines with a powerful argument that the only way to save the world from environmental catastrophe is to embrace a new type of capitalism, and to do it quickly.

In this substantially revised and updated edition, Porritt extends his powerful and controversial argument by providing fresh evidence and suggesting new actions. New content includes in-depth coverage of the USA, with case studies examining the role of huge American corporations such as Wal-Mart and General Electric, plus a close look at China and the global impact this economic giant may have in the 21st century.

This is a must-read for everyone who has a stake in the future of the world, from business executives to environmental activists, from community leaders to the politicians with their hands on the levers of power.

About the author(s)

Jonathon Porritt is Co-Founder and Programme Director of Forum for the Future. A leading adviser to business and industry, he was appointed by the prime minister as Chairman of the new UK Sustainable Development Commission. He is Co-Director of The Prince of Wales's Business and Environment Programme as well as a Board Member of the South West Regional Development Agency in the UK.

Contents

Foreword by Amory B. Lovins * Acknowledgements * Introduction * Part I: Our Unsustainable World * Conflicting Imperatives * Sustainable Development for Real * Re-engaging with Economic Growth * Unsustainable Capitalism? * Through the Global Looking Glass * Part II: A Framework for Sustainable Capitalism * The Five Capitals Framework * Natural Capital * Human Capital * Social Capital * Manufactured Capital * Financial Capital * Part III - Better Lives in a Better World * Confronting Denial * Changing the Metrics * Business Excellence * Civil Society * Visions and Values * Converging Imperatives * Index