Consumptionomics: Asia's role in reshaping capitalism and saving the planet

In his recent book Consumptionomics Chandran Nair advocates that the Western model of consumption-led economic growth cannot be replicated in Asia, that current and future leaders must find alternatives to safeguard our future. He argues that resource constraints will require a realignment of economic policy in order to avoid catastrophic outcomes arising from the relentless promotion of a consumption-led growth model in the world’s most populous regions. He calls for curbs on some forms of consumption and for resources to be re-priced to reflect the true costs to society. Mr. Nair offers a new paradigm for governments, business leaders and academics to consider.

It was named one of the most important books of 2011 by The Globalist. Leading policy makers, academics and business leaders have endorsed its message to world leaders in all sectors of society, including:

- President Hu Jintao’s Special Representative on Climate Change and Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China Xie Zhen Hua;

- Director of the Policy Foresight Programme at the University of Oxford and Chairman Emeritus of the Climate Institute in Washington DC Sir Crispin Tickell;

- Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Former Singapore Ambassador to UN Kishore Mahbubani;

- Chairman of China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group) Fu Cheng Yu;

- Former President of Costa Rica and Managing Director of the World Economic Forum Jose-Maria Figueres.

Since the release of Consumptionomics in Feb 2011 Mr. Nair has engaged current and emerging leaders to provoke learning, debate and discussion around this crucial topic at events conducted by the United Nations, ASEAN, OECD, The World Economic Forum, INSEAD, University of Cambridge, The Asia Society, The Royal Society for the Arts, The Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society and others.