Income and Work

Climate’s Deepening Imprint on Global Income and Work The global economy stands at a critical juncture as climate change increasingly disrupts established economic systems and transforms working conditions worldwide. Income and Work represent a key dimension of the social foundation within the Doughnut Economics framework, as climate driven changes reshape labor markets, productivity, and economic output globally. The Doughnut Economics model, conceptualizing a “safe and just space” between social foundations and planetary boundaries, provides an ideal framework for understanding these complex interconnections. As climate change intensifies, it fundamentally challenges the ability to maintain adequate income and work opportunities for all people while respecting ecological limits1. Climate change is not merely an environmental crisis but also an economic one that has already begun reshaping global labor markets and will continue to do so with increasing severity in coming decades2. ...

Housing’s Foundational Role in the Doughnut’s Sweet Spot The housing crisis facing communities worldwide reflects a fundamental breakdown in how societies organize and distribute this essential human need. Within the Doughnut Economics framework, housing represents a critical component of the social foundation—the minimum standards required for all people to live in dignity and security.1 This analysis examines the housing crisis through the lens of “safe and just space for humanity,” exploring how current housing systems transgress both social boundaries (by failing to meet basic human needs) and planetary boundaries (through unsustainable development practices). This approach emphasizes housing as a critical social foundation, a concept intrinsically linked to the Doughnut’s broader ambition of achieving collective prosperity within ecological limits.12 Indeed, housing security directly impacts health, education, economic opportunity, and community resilience—all essential elements of the social foundation that supports human flourishing. ...

A History of the Gap and How We Measure It The gender pay gap has deep historical roots in the gendered division of labor and societal norms regarding women’s participation in the workforce. To begin with, equal pay legislation has been implemented in many countries—with the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention dating back to 1951—yet implementation gaps and structural barriers have limited progress1. During its tracking period since 2006, the World Economic Forum has found that while some improvement has occurred, the pace of change remains frustratingly slow2. The global gender gap score in 2023 stood at 68.4% closed, representing only marginal improvement from 68.1% in 20222. Examining the constant sample of 102 countries covered continuously from 2006 to 2023 reveals that the gap stands at 68.6% closed, demonstrating the persistent nature of this inequality2. ...

Setting the Stage for Change The concept of reduced working time opens an opportunity to reimagine economic systems that respect both human needs and environmental thresholds. Shorter working hours could simultaneously support social welfare while reducing environmental pressures, contributing to an economic model that operates within the safe and just space between meeting human needs and respecting planetary boundaries. ...

The Doughnut Dilemma: Why Education Matters The Doughnut Economics framework paints a picture of development within two crucial boundaries: meeting essential societal needs without overstepping our planet’s limits1. In this picture, education is not just a fundamental right but also the engine that drives societal progress. This analysis dives into how education equity connects with sustainable development, focusing on crafting inclusive learning environments for diverse populations responsibly. We’ll journey through the historical context, the current landscape, emerging trends, looming challenges, and exciting opportunities in education equity. Our goal? To figure out how to transform educational systems. The Doughnut Economics framework serves as our compass, guiding us toward approaches that balance social justice with environmental sustainability. ...