Planning for the Planet

Since the first edition of Planning for the Planet was written in 2011, an environmental catastrophe has come much closer. As the danger grew, the major capitalist countries steadily retreated from their already feeble policy response, a retreat now turning into a rout after the re-election of President Trump.

The book explains how and why capitalism has failed to tackle global warming and other threats to the environment. The author argues that two related factors underlie the looming disaster. These are the quest for profit by big corporations and more fundamentally, the inevitable tendency of competitive markets to degrade the environment.

Pete Dickenson proposes that only a democratically managed, socialist planned economy can create the conditions for environmental problems to be solved. How such an alternative social system would work is critically examined.

Radical greens, socialists, workers’ movement activists and concerned young people will find here a unique socialist manifesto that addresses the crisis.

Some reviews of the first edition:

'This is a clearly written book that will appeal to a wide audience – to socialists, green activists, trade unionists, students and academics. Excellent for provoking critical debate among students on this question.' David Beale, formerly Manchester Business School, Manchester University.

'Planning for the Planet should be read by anyone involved in Trade Union or environmental campaigns.' Chris Baugh, formerly Assistant General Secretary responsible for green issues, Public and Commercial Services Union.