John Fullerton of the Capital Institute transitioned from Wall Street to

John Fullerton of the Capital Institute transitioned from Wall Street to sustainability advocacy. Influenced by Herman Daly's book, For the Common Good, he highlights the unsustainable practice of externalizing social and environmental costs and risks, citing the BP oil spill as a prime example.

Fullerton discussed these critical issues in an October 7, 2010 interview with Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv.

Dr. Peter Victor, Professor and former Dean of Environmental Studies at York

Dr. Peter Victor, Professor and former Dean of Environmental Studies at York University, was interviewed at the International DeGrowth Conference in Barcelona (March 25-29, 2010). He posits that economic growth is not necessary for a good life, and that living well without it is feasible.

The conference discussed not just stabilizing, but actively shrinking the economy—a more challenging but achievable goal requiring significant societal changes. A more in-depth speech by Dr. Victor is available on EarthSayers.tv.

Dr. Peter Victor, Professor and past-Dean of Environmental Studies at York University, argues that economic growth, the primary global policy objective, is unsustainable. Its long-term viability

Dr. Peter Victor, Professor and past-Dean of Environmental Studies at York University, argues that economic growth, the primary global policy objective, is unsustainable. Its long-term viability is increasingly questioned due to environmental impacts, resource scarcity, and its failure to significantly improve happiness, eliminate poverty, or create full employment.

A simulation model of the Canadian economy demonstrates that full employment, poverty eradication, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and fiscal balance are achievable without economic growth. Victor advocates shifting focus from growth to specific objectives directly related to human and planetary well-being.

UBC Professor William Rees argues that climate change is humanity's greatest

UBC Professor William Rees argues that climate change is humanity's greatest collective threat. As a global culture, individual eco-footprint reductions are insufficient to address this challenge.

Sustainability demands a collective approach, not isolated actions. Cities must be designed to enable citizens to live sustainably, recognizing that we are all facing this critical situation together.

We are at a historical juncture requiring a swift transition to a different way of life, with the younger generation needing to step up.

Ashok Khosla, Chairman of Development Alternatives

We are at a historical juncture requiring a swift transition to a different way of life, with the younger generation needing to step up.

Ashok Khosla, Chairman of Development Alternatives in New Delhi, India, offers significant expertise. He previously established and headed India's Office of Environmental Planning and Coordination.

His extensive background includes directing INFOTERRA for the UN Environment Programme, serving as a Special Advisor to the Brundtland Commission, and advising the United Nations, World Bank, and Global Environmental Facility.

John Fullerton, founder of the Capital Institute, argues that

John Fullerton, founder of the Capital Institute, argues that climate change is a symptom of a "full-world economy."

He expressed this view in an April 2010 interview with Daniel Erasmus at King's College.

Robert Costanza directs the Institute for Sustainable Solutions at Portland State

Robert Costanza directs the Institute for Sustainable Solutions at Portland State University. He is also a co-founder and past-president of the International Society for Ecological Economics.

In his presentation, Dr. Costanza discusses sustainability, covering its definition and the processes required to develop solutions for a better, more sustainable world.

Dr. Peter G. Brown, Professor of Geography at McGill University, discusses key points from his book, "Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy," co-authored with Geoffrey

Dr. Peter G. Brown, Professor of Geography at McGill University, discusses key points from his book, "Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy," co-authored with Geoffrey Garver.

He argues that our current economic system, which assumes endless growth and limitless wealth, ignores Earth's finite resources. This leads to increasing environmental destruction and growing, sometimes lethal, tension between rich and poor, global north and south.

Piecemeal solutions are insufficient. We need a comprehensive new economic vision that serves both people and all of life's commonwealth.

Global warming is an undeniable reality, yet government and society show limited action to combat it. Economist Frank Ackerman critiques standard economic models, which assess the global cost of

Global warming is an undeniable reality, yet government and society show limited action to combat it. Economist Frank Ackerman critiques standard economic models, which assess the global cost of protection versus destruction, for their incomplete cost-benefit analysis.

This discussion took place at an event hosted by The Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future on April 28, 2009.

Larry O'Connor, a La Trobe University accounting lecturer, concluded that accounting is not fostering a sustainable economy. He argues that free market ideology, misrepresented as "reform,"

Larry O'Connor, a La Trobe University accounting lecturer, concluded that accounting is not fostering a sustainable economy. He argues that free market ideology, misrepresented as "reform," actually deforms the system by prioritizing economic value, even transforming universities into profit centers. Thus, accounting reinforces the status quo rather than promoting sustainability.

This video was produced by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv in June 2010, as part of Portland State University's Social Sustainability Network.