Localization: Essential Steps to an Economics of Happiness (2016)
By Helena Norberg-Hodge. Edited by Steven Gorelick & Kristen Steele
From trade to finance, from food to climate, from education to energy, the negative impacts of globalization have affected every part of the world’s economies. This report summarizes those impacts, and provides a detailed listing of policy shifts and grassroots initiatives that can move the world towards the local. Backed by the holistic perspective of ‘big picture activism’, an economics of happiness is taking shape.
Printed copies, available for shipping to North America only, can be purchased from our online shop. The booklet is now also available in Chinese language, to be downloaded below.
DIY Economics of Happiness Workshop & Toolkit
The Economics of Happiness Workshop and Toolkit is a do-it-yourself tool for activists and others who want to kick-start effective global-to-local action in their community or within an existing group.
The workshop toolkit is free of charge and can be used by anyone interested in exploring these issues with others. The Toolkit (available in English and Italian).
To obtain a copy of the toolkit, email [email protected]
For more information: DIY Economics of Happiness Workshop & Toolkit
Post-Growth Localisation (2016)
By Helena Norberg-Hodge & Rupert Read
This short 20-page pamphlet outlines the fundamental features of economic globalisation and localisation, how a shift towards the local might be accomplished, and what it asks of us in terms of action. Produced in conjunction with Green House.
Download here
Post-Growth Localisation (760 KB)
Climate Change action paper: Climate Change or System Change? (2015)
By Local Futures
Immediately following the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, Local Futures released a 16-page action paper entitled Climate Change or System Change?
In this paper we argue that globalization – that is, the deregulation of trade and finance through an ongoing series of “free trade” treaties – is the driving force behind climate change. As a result, the climate problem can only be tackled effectively if governments stop subsidizing globalization, and begin pursuing a localization agenda instead. Read more:
Download here
Climate Action Paper (1.9 MB)
Conference Proceedings from the 2015 Economics of Happiness Conference in Jeonju, South Korea (in Korean and English)
Outcome from Local Futures’ 6th international Economics of Happiness Conference in Jeonju, South Korea that took place September 3-5, 2015. As an initiative of the Mayor of Jeonju himself, the event was organized in collaboration with the Jeonju city government. This gathering provided an exciting opportunity to contribute to positive policy change and resulted in the Jeonju Declaration on the Economics of Happiness. For more information on the Conference: Jeonju, South Korea 2015
Download here
Jeonju Conference Proceedings (6.5 MB)
The Economics of Happiness Discussion Guide and Companion to the Film (2011)
This discussion guide follows the film, chapter by chapter, expanding on the arguments and pointing to a wealth of resources for further learning, reflection and action. Each chapter begins with a short essay elaborating on the film, followed by a set of suggested discussion questions and activities, a short list of recommended readings, links to related organizations, and links to other learning resources (films, lectures, toolkits, slideshows, etc.). The Discussion Guide and Companion to the Film is an education-for-action resource.
Local Futures also provide other promotional materials to help you set up a successful screening event: Event Organizer Kit and Press Kit
For downloadable web banners and film posters, go to: Web banners and Film posters
Ripe for Change Report: Rethinking California’s Food Economy (2004)
By Local Futures
On the surface, California’s food system is a vision of abundance and prosperity. But a closer look reveals a range of serious problems, including degraded ecosystems, obesity alongside hunger, an ailing farm economy, appalling farmworker conditions, and a distribution system that favors trade over local needs. Meanwhile, control of the entire food system, from seed to table, is being centralized within a handful of corporate giants. This report by the Local Futures/ ISEC reveals the connections behind these seemingly isolated problems.
For more information on this report: Ripe for Change Report
For ordering a hard copy from our online store: Ripe for Change: Summary Report