1. “Climate Change Adaptation through Economic Democracy” by Shriraksha Mohan.
2. “Toward Proutist criminal justice” by Andy Douglas.
3. “The Housing Crisis in America” by Tapan Mallik, Ph.D.
Climate Change Adaptation through Economic Democracy
As global climate change poses a serious threat to humanity’s survival, equitable and just climate change adaptation has become the focus of several climate movements, social justice groups, governments, and international organizations. Climate sciences and studies have concluded that climate change not only impacts the planet’s natural ecosystems, but also has cascading negative consequences on society and the economy. The existing paradigm of economic development has created vast wealth and resource inequality. The inequality further exacerbates the ill effects of climate change and makes vulnerable communities bear a disproportionate amount of the burden of climate catastrophes. This necessitates replacing the system that created the climate crisis with a holistic new vision for development to enable a justice-based climate change adaptation and sustainable growth. This paper discusses an integrated socio-economic vision, PROUT – The Progressive Utilization Theory, a climate justice movement, and policy proposals such as Job Guarantee and restructuring the nature of work. This discussion aims to find an alignment between holistic models of growth, policy proposals, and grassroots movements to strengthen communities through economic democracy and enable a justice-based climate change adaptation through self-reliant and resilient local economies.
Toward a formulation of Proutist polisy on prisons and the justice system.
This paper is structured in three parts. The first looks at the phenomenon of mass incarceration, and the problems associated with it, especially in the US. The second considers what the founder of Prout, P. R. Sarkar had to say on the issue, and also reviews some historical context, and the third considers alternatives and possible policy formulations. Much of the research in this paper is drawn from research Douglas did for the book, “Redemption Songs: A Year in the Life of a Community Prison Choir.”
The Housing Crisis in America
This ground-breaking research paper clearly shows the extent and severity of homelessness in the United States, with 580,000 people at the latest estimate, and why it is happening. Most importantly, the paper offers very practical ways how to solve it, including Community Land Trusts, Housing Co-ops, Co-Living communities, government subsidies and financing of affordable housing communities, and changes in zoning laws. Current examples of each one are shown. Finally it outlines Prout’s approach to housing.