Building the New American Economy : Smart, Fair, and Sustainable

In this passionate and powerful book―part manifesto, part plan of action―the renowned economist Jeffrey D. Sachs offers a practical strategy to move America, seemingly more divided than ever, toward a new consensus: sustainable development. Sustainable development is a holistic approach that emphasizes economic, social, and environmental objectives in shaping policy. In focusing too much on economic growth, the United States has neglected rising economic inequality and dire environmental threats. Now, even growth is imperiled.Sachs explores issues that have captivated the nation and political debate, including infrastructure, trade deals, energy policy, the proper size and role of government, the national debt, and income inequality. Not only does he provide illuminating and accessible explanations of the forces at work in each case, but he also presents specific policy solutions. His argument rises above the pessimism born of political paralysis, economic stagnation, and partisanship to devise a brighter way forward, achievable both individually and collectively. In __Building the New American Economy__, Sachs shows how the United States can find a path to renewed economic progress that is fair and environmentally sustainable. In this passionate and powerful book--part manifesto, part plan of action--the renowned economist Jeffrey D. Sachs offers a practical strategy to move America, seemingly more divided than ever, toward a new consensus: sustainable development. Sustainable development is a holistic approach that emphasizes economic, social, and environmental objectives in shaping policy. In focusing too much on economic growth, the United States has neglected rising economic inequality and dire environmental threats. Now, even growth is imperiled. Sachs explores issues that have captivated the nation and political debate, including infrastructure, trade deals, energy policy, the proper size and role of government, the national debt, and income inequality. Not only does he provide illuminating and accessible explanations of the forces at work in each case, but he also presents specific policy solutions. His argument rises above the pessimism born of political paralysis, economic stagnation, and partisanship to devise a brighter way forward, achievable both individually and collectively. In Building the New American Economy , Sachs shows how the United States can find a path to renewed economic progress that is fair and environmentally sustainable. "In this passionate and powerful book-part manifesto, part plan of action-the renowned economist Jeffrey D. Sachs offers a practical strategy to move America, seemingly more divided than ever, toward a new consensus: sustainable development. Sustainable development is a holistic approach that emphasizes economic, social, and environmental objectives in shaping policy. In focusing too much on economic growth, the United States has neglected rising economic inequality and dire environmental threats. Now, even growth is imperiled. Sachs explores issues that have captivated the nation and political debate, including infrastructure, trade deals, energy policy, the proper size and role of government, the national debt, and income inequality. Not only does he provide illuminating and accessible explanations of the forces at work in each case, but he also presents specific policy solutions. His argument rises above the pessimism born of political paralysis, economic stagnation, and partisanship to devise a brighter way forward, achievable both individually and collectively. Sachs shows how the United States can find a path to renewed economic progress that is fair and environmentally sustainable."--Résumé de la notice dérivée Table of Contents 8 Foreword, by Bernie Sanders 10 Preface 14 Acknowledgments 20 1. Why We Need to Build a New American Economy 24 2. Investment, Saving, and U.S. Long-Term Growth 34 3. Decoding the Federal Budget 42 4. Sustainable Infrastructure After the Automobile Age 50 5. Facing Up to Income Inequality 60 6. Smart Machines and the Future of Jobs 68 7. The Truth About Trade 76 8. Disparities and High Costs Fuel the Health Care Crisis 84 9. A Smart Energy Policy for the United States 92 10. From Guns to Butter 102 11. Investing for Innovation 112 12. Toward a New Kind of Politics 120 13. Restoring Trust in American Governance 128 14. Prosperity in Sustainability 136 Suggested Further Readings 146 Notes 148 Jeffrey D. Sachs Shows How The United States Can Find A Path To Renewed Economic Progress That Is Fair And Environmentally Sustainable. Sachs Explores Issues Including Infrastructure, Trade Deals, Energy Policy, And Income Inequality, Providing Illuminating And Accessible Explanations Of The Forces At Work And Specific Policy Solutions.