Bookshelf
Bookshelf
I am the author of The Magic Money Tree and Other Economic Tales (2021) and Preventing the Greenlash – How to Overcome Opposition to Green Policies (2024). I’m always happy to exchange ideas about these books—feel free to reach out.
Politicians stand at a crossroads where the path to green policies is fraught with political risks, as the immediate costs to society may overshadow the profound future benefits. Lorenzo Forni sets out the decisions we need to take to collectively save the world from the ravages of climate catastrophe and how politicians might keep voters on board with the green transition. He shows how reaching the net-zero emissions target to forestall further climatic change cannot be achieved by small changes in individual lifestyles alone, but requires big and brave public policy enacted by governments that is properly financed and economically sound.
This lively and provocative look at the tension between economics and politics examines why so many mistakes in economic policy-making are made for political reasons and ignore the economic truths. Using short-term economic gains to ensure electoral success, I argue, inevitably spells macroeconomic disaster. Using the state budget, trade policy and monetary policy to prop up labour markets and the wider economy in order to boost voter approval ratings, while ignoring budget constraints can only result in longer recessions and economic downturns. Which then can incur the painful austerity measures needed to bring the economy back into balance. I look at many unsustainable economic policies that have been implemented in parts of the world when the economic realities – there is no magic money tree! – would recommend a different and more prudent economic course.