Capitalism at the Crossroads
11 May 05

Despite decades of unprecedented growth and the expansion of capitalism into most of the world, prosperity has only spread to a fraction of the earth's population, while pollution and corruption has encircled the globe.

Stuart Hart, author of Capitalism at the Cross Roads commented that: “Every major living system on the planet is now either overused or in decline - fisheries, forests, soils, watersheds, and atmosphere, just to name a few. Yet, with only 800 million of the wealthiest people accounting for well over three-quarters of the current resource use, the impacts could multiply further if the 4-5 billion poor emulate the development path of the rich. Make no mistake: global capitalism truly does stand at a crossroads. Without significant change, the future of globalization and multinational corporations appears increasingly bleak. “

Business, more than either government or civil society, is uniquely equipped at this point in history to lead us toward a sustainable world in the years ahead. By uniting the ambitions of profit and sustainability the multinational corporation, with its efficiency, assets, and capacity for innovation, is the only institution with the resources necessary to produce a sustainable global economy.

In Capitalism at the Crossroads Hart shows companies how to identify sustainable products that can drive new growth as they also help solve today's most crucial societal problems. Drawing on his research and consulting experience with top companies and NGOs worldwide, Hart shows how to integrate new technology and innovations to deliver profitable solutions that reduce poverty and protect the environment at the same time. The book will show how to become truly indigenous in all markets and avoid the pitfalls of traditional “greening” and “sustainability” strategies.

By being reactive to the needs of the poor, corporations can create smart globalization, a movement that would spread prosperity beyond the confines of Western elites while attaining sustainability for the world's economy. Transcending yesterday's stale debate about globalization, this book points the way towards a capitalism that is more inclusive, more welcome and far more successful.

“I would like to see my book accelerate the already considerable momentum behind the idea of business as a force of sustainable development and poverty alleviation in the world.” said Hart. “Unless global capitalism can extend its bounty to the entire human community in a way that respects cultural diversity and husbands the natural capital upon which it depends, we may well witness the marginalization of capitalism in our lifetime. Today capitalism truly does stand at a crossroads: My hope is that this book has shed some light on the appropriate path for business to take.”

	Capitalism at the Crossroads
	Author	Stuart L Hart
	Pub Date	30 March 2005
	Price	£18.99
	Publisher	Wharton School Publishing
	ISBN	0131 43987 1
		Buy online from www.pearson-books.com before 11th June 2005 to save 10% on the RRP of £18.99. Click here for further information or to purchase Capitalism at the Crossroads.

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