The problem with gross domestic product is the gross bit. There are no deductions involved: all economic activity is accounted as if it were of positive value. Social harm is added to, not subtracted from, social good. A train crash which generates 1bn worth of track repairs, medical bills and funeral costs is deemed by this measure as beneficial as an uninterrupted service which generates 1bn in ticket sales.

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About George Monbiot

George Monbiot was a contemporary English writer and political activist. George Joshua Richard Monbiot is an English journalist, author, and environmental and political activist. He writes a regular column for The Guardian and has written several books. Read more on Wikipedia →

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