Paul Collier’s The Bottom Billion was greeted as groundbreaking when it appeared in 2007, winning the Estoril Distinguished Book Prize, the Arthur Ross Book Award, and the Lionel Gelber Prize. Now, in The Plundered Planet, Collier builds upon his renowned work on developing countries and the world’s poorest populations to confront the global mismanagement of natural resources.
Proper stewardship of natural assets and liabilities is a matter of planetary urgency: natural resources have the potential either to transform the poorest countries or to tear them apart, while the carbon emissions and agricultural follies of the developed world could further impoverish them. The Plundered Planet charts a course between unchecked profiteering on the one hand and environmental romanticism on the other to offer realistic and sustainable solutions to dauntingly complex issues.
Grounded in a belief in the power of informed citizens, Collier proposes a series of international standards that would help poor countries rich in natural assets better manage those resources, policy changes that would raise world food supply, and a clear-headed approach to climate change that acknowledges the benefits of industrialization while addressing the need for alternatives to carbon trading. Revealing how all of these forces interconnect, The Plundered Planet charts a way forward to avoid the mismanagement of the natural world that threatens our future.
**Uncover the Path to Sustainable Prosperity: Paul Collier's *The Plundered Planet*** Following up on his groundbreaking work, *The Bottom Billion*, renowned economist Paul Collier tackles the urgent and complex issue of global natural resource management in *The Plundered Planet: Why We Mustand How We CanManage Nature for Global Prosperity*. This compelling hardcover edition, published by Oxford University Press, provides a meticulously researched and accessibly written analysis of how we can avert environmental disaster and achieve a more equitable and prosperous future for all. In a world grappling with climate change, resource scarcity, and persistent poverty, Collier argues that the responsible stewardship of our planet's natural resources is not merely an environmental concern, but a fundamental imperative for global stability and economic development. He builds upon his previous work, which highlighted the unique challenges faced by the world's poorest nations, to expose how the mismanagement of natural resources exacerbates these problems and threatens the well-being of future generations. *The Plundered Planet* goes beyond simply identifying the problems; it offers concrete and practical solutions. Collier proposes a series of international standards to empower resource-rich, developing nations to effectively manage their assets, preventing exploitation and ensuring that the benefits accrue to their citizens. He delves into the intricacies of global food supply, advocating for policy changes that would increase agricultural productivity and combat hunger. And he presents a nuanced and realistic approach to climate change, acknowledging the importance of industrialization for economic growth while emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to carbon-based energy. Collier avoids both the pitfalls of unchecked profiteering and the idealistic excesses of environmental romanticism. Instead, he advocates for a pragmatic and evidence-based approach, grounded in a deep understanding of economics, politics, and social dynamics. He recognizes the interconnectedness of these forces and demonstrates how policies in one area can have far-reaching consequences in others. What sets *The Plundered Planet* apart is Collier's unwavering belief in the power of informed citizens to effect change. He presents complex issues in a clear and accessible manner, empowering readers to understand the challenges and advocate for solutions. The book is not simply a critique of the status quo; it is a call to action, urging individuals, governments, and businesses to work together to create a more sustainable and equitable world. This insightful work is essential reading for anyone interested in economics, environmental policy, international development, or the future of our planet. Whether you are a student, a policymaker, a business leader, or simply a concerned citizen, *The Plundered Planet* will provide you with the knowledge and the inspiration to make a difference. Explore the intersection of environmental sustainability, economic development, and social justice with Paul Collier's groundbreaking analysis.