“We need to figure out new ways to relate to the earth.”

Ann Davis (@Marist) shares her approach to economics, in which ecological principles take center stage to reshape our relationship with the planet.

Davis challenges traditional economic frameworks, advocating for a paradigm shift that acknowledges the ecological impacts of economic activities. She critiques mainstream economics for its shortcomings in addressing climate change, such as the disregard for disposal costs and time-dependency of CO2 accumulation. Davis emphasizes the systemic nature of climate change, arguing that current economic models fail to consider the holistic relationship between humans and the Earth. She proposes a shift from individual property rights to collective property models, with examples like co-ops and co-housing, to foster a more sustainable interaction with the environment. Davis also discusses the potential of local communities to prioritize ecological restoration and collectively manage resources like watersheds. Her vision extends to redefining global finance, suggesting that investments and credit should focus on restoring both people and the planet. This approach envisions a collaborative and ecologically aware global community, rethinking traditional concepts of property and resource utilization in favor of a more sustainable and equitable future. Davis’s ideas represent a significant shift in economic thought, prioritizing ecological integrity and collective well-being over individual profit and property rights.