The Value of a Whale: On the Illusions of Green Capitalism

Public understanding of, and outcry over, the dire state of the climate and environment is greater than ever before. Yet, when it comes to slowing the climate and nature crises, despite a growing number of pledges, policies and summits, little seems to change, and the world remains on course for a catastrophic 3°C of warming. What is stopping effective climate action?

In “The Value of a Whale”, Adrienne Buller examines the fatal biases that have shaped the response of governing institutions to climate and environmental breakdown, and asks: are the solutions being proposed really solutions? Tracing the intricate connections between financial power, economic injustice and ecological crisis, she reveals the myopic economism and market-centric thinking presently undermining a future where all life can flourish.

The book examines the shortcomings of mainstream climate and environmental governance, from carbon pricing and offset markets to 'green growth', the commodification of nature and the growing influence of the finance industry on environmental policy. In doing so, it exposes the self-defeating logic of a response to these challenges based on creating new opportunities for profit, and a refusal to grapple with the inequalities and injustices that have created them. "The Value of a Whale” asks – in the face of crisis – what the global community really values.

On Thursday, April 20 from 10:00-11:00 EDT, join us for a webinar discussion with Adrienne Buller, Director of Research at Common Wealth, on her book and the illusions of green capitalism.