Ecology of Capitalism
The logic of global capitalism is destroying the planet. It puts profits over the welfare of people and excessive production over ecological sustainability. Massive protests against powerful institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization as well as so-called free trade deals draw in more and more people who believe that it is time for a different model that is sensitive to humans needs and the environment. How might we move beyond capitalism to a deeper understanding of how commodification and commercialism affect relationships both between people and nature?
Recorded at Tufts University.
Speaker
Richard Levins
Ecologist Richard Levins was the John Rock Professor of Population Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health and co-author, with Richard Lewontin, of The Dialectical Biologist. He passed away in 2016.
John Ficalora –
As salient in 2016 as the day uttered and yet . . . we collectively made our choices and paid little heed. Interesting times indeed. Go Bernie!
Bill Ross –
I listened intently as Professor Levins voice came over my radio this morning, thanks to AR. Amazing, his ability to convey his wealth of knowledge in a way I could understand easily. He took me on an expansive journey into history, politics, human nature, economics, ethics….and so much more, and managed some understated humor here and there. My mind was stretched and challenged…and captivated for most of an hour! I was saddened to hear he has passed on, but he surely lives on in the hearts and minds of many.
Thank you, AR!
Barbara –
I happened to catch the last half hour of tonight’s lecture by Richard Levins. I found his message a critical one for potential change. Since I hadn’t heard of him, learning of his death in January, 2016, broke my heart.
Thomas Zaslavsky –
I heard most of this lecture on the radio. Levins has a kind of global systems understanding that is rare and precious. This lecture shows his kind of systematic thinking in action in a superb way. Though 16 years old, it is completely up to date; the socio-economic conundrums it discusses are only more evident now.
Fran Littin –
Should be used in civics, economic, environmental courses in schools, if the government dares to share such thoughts.