Come On! Capitalism, Short-termism, Population and the Destruction of the Planet

Come On! presents an urgent call to action regarding global sustainability and economic reform from Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker and Anders Wijkman, co-presidents of the Club of Rome. The book marks the Club's 50th anniversary, building on their landmark 1972 report "The Limits to Growth." The text examines flaws in current economic thinking, particularly the focus on GDP growth and short-term profits at the expense of environmental and social concerns. Von Weizsäcker and Wijkman analyze key areas including energy policy, technological innovation, population growth, and financial markets. The authors outline specific policy recommendations and potential solutions across multiple sectors, from agriculture to urban development. They present case studies and data to support their arguments for fundamental changes to economic and social systems. The work stands as both a critique of modern capitalism and a blueprint for alternative approaches to global development. Its central thesis connects environmental sustainability with economic reform, suggesting these challenges must be addressed together rather than in isolation.

Readers describe the book as a pointed critique of capitalism with concrete solutions proposed. Many appreciate its systematic breakdown of environmental and social challenges. Likes: - Clear explanation of interconnected global problems - Inclusion of practical policy recommendations - Balanced analysis between criticism and proposed fixes - Use of data and research to support arguments Dislikes: - Some find the writing style dry and academic - Several note the solutions feel overly optimistic - A few readers say certain economic arguments lack depth - Some wanted more detailed implementation steps Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (143 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (52 ratings) Sample review: "Presents the harsh reality of our situation without falling into despair. The authors examine technological, social and political solutions - though I question if their proposed timeline is realistic." - Goodreads reviewer The book receives higher ratings from readers with environmental policy backgrounds compared to general audience reviewers.

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🌍 The book is a follow-up to the influential 1972 report "The Limits to Growth," addressing modern challenges 50 years after the original publication. 📚 Author Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker served as co-president of the Club of Rome, a global think tank that focuses on humanity's future challenges. 💡 The book's title "Come On!" has a dual meaning: it expresses both frustration with current systems and an invitation to join in creating solutions. 🌱 Von Weizsäcker previously developed the concept of "Factor Five," which suggests that technological advancement could allow us to live well while using only 20% of current resources. 🎓 The author comes from a prominent German family that includes a former German president and a quantum physicist, and has himself served as dean of the University of California, Santa Barbara's Environmental Studies Program.