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Doughnut Economics event highlights opportunity for new approach to planet and people

Doughnut Economics event highlights opportunity for new approach to planet and people

Community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises have come together to hear how a new approach to economic thinking can meet people’s needs within the capacity of the planet.

The event, held at Bath Abbey on October 3 as part of its ‘Gaia & Treasuring Creation Festival’, saw distinguished economist Kate Raworth - author of ‘Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist’ - set out how the new approach can benefit both planet and people.

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Corporate Strategy, adopted in July, has been informed by the ‘doughnut’ approach, and highlights how priorities such as  increasing travel choices, the right homes in the right places and good jobs will be delivered within the capacity of our climate, ecology and environment. The Strategy also sets out how working with local communities can create more tailor-made solutions to addressing priorities and concerns. 

Now local individuals, community groups and enterprises have been brought together by the council in an event, facilitated by the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, to inspire collaborative work on how Doughnut-aligned principles can see Bath and North East Somerset deliver local wellbeing whilst protecting the health of the planet.

The workshop saw participants mapping initiatives already underway as well as identifying challenges and opportunities to further use the approach across the area.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “The council is committed to leading the UK in tackling the climate and ecological emergency. As part of our ambitious plans, we aim to work with a wide range of partners to unlock our collective potential to bring to life a more sustainable future. Events like this help develop the cross-sector, collaborative approach we need and I look forward to similar events taking place which strengthen dialogue across our communities and businesses. Our Corporate Strategy, which was adopted earlier this year, was informed and influenced by Doughnut Economics and focuses on meeting local people’s needs within our climate, ecological and environmental ceiling so it was fantastic to see so many organisations come together at this event to explore this new way of thinking”.

“I would like to thank all those who attended and of course Kate Raworth and the Doughnut Economics Action Lab for all their contributions. I would also like to thank Bath Abbey for generously hosting this event.”

In addition to the Corporate Strategy, a new Economic Strategy is currently being developed which also aims to enable doughnut inspired outcomes.

More information on Doughnut Economic and the Doughnut Economics Action Lab can be found here.

ENDS

Pictured l-r  Kate Raworth and Councillor Sarah Warren

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