William Rees - The Dangerous Disconnect Between Economics and Ecology

This is a decade ago and yet not a damned thing has changed. We are not going to solve it, period.

This interview and this man needs to listened to by more people. His "lectures" now that you can find on YT are extremely eye opening.

every student of economics should watch this. he's right, we are in denial.

Americans, do your part and SHARE THIS VIDEO! This conversation happened almost a decade ago, and not an inch progress has been made. It is NOT a coincidence that no U.S. federal politicians are talking about this. They are knowingly smashing this knowledge into the ground with their collective heels, and sneering in our faces. A tsunami of change is coming. Before it does, our current way of life must necessarily come to a grinding halt. Tell your friends.

great conversation, certainly much needed in today's world. 

Rees is a pioneer in the field of Ecological Economics. His brilliant mind and down-to-Earth style are refreshing beyond the pale. KUDOS!

Thank you Bill.

We have great beautiful people who are constantly aware of the ecological need and human greed. And each in their own time is trying the best to bring awareness. Pray more n more people not only become aware n start acting now to sustain our beautiful universe. Thank you.

"What's the main message you're trying to put forward?" Too many humans are using too many natural resources and producing too much pollution. "Capital" is a surplus that has value in trade and came about when sedentary agriculture and pastoralism produced the first stationary surpluses: grains, oils, herbs, dried vegetables, dried meat, etc. As surpluses grew due the the high nutritional value of these Capital goods, so grew the populations necessary to grow and process them. That's how we got into this mess. Stress R Us

One of the most hubristic ideas I've heard is the idea of "absolute decoupling." Those who propose that idea really need to get a grip on how reality actually works.

Rees is talking about what Marx called the "metabolic rift" two centuries ago.

thanks for the video

Wow only 21 comments. This needs to go viral!!!

The fusion power is already on its way and it could definitely improve our life standard, but if the policies of today's economics don't change, then we as humans are getting in for a hell of a spiral ride.

Great So True! We need Leadership in Canada! Dr. Williams Rees, Candidate for the Prime Minister Post, soon one may Dream. June 13 2011. Ten years ago. What may we learn? With nods to Hermann Daly. Thank you!

Exactly! :)

Of course it takes an academic from one of the most beautiful and lush natural places on earth to educate us about our dependence on nature.

What has happened to the depreciation of durable consumer goods since WWII?

@12:34 in retrospect, that's painful.

The decoupling of economic growth from ecological resources will only end with UP TOP regulation & taxation, instead of trickle down economics, coupled with over regulation of the 99%. Believe it or not, most of the disenfranchised already understand this now, without attending Ivory tower universities we can't afford.