Fragile Futures: The Uncertain Economics of Disasters, Pandemics, and Climate Change (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781009100120)

This book revisits a distinction introduced in 1921 by economists Frank Knight and John Maynard Keynes: that between statistically predictable future events ('risks') and statistically unpredictable, uncertain events ('uncertainties'). Governments have generally ignored the latter, perceiving phenomena such as pandemics, natural disasters and climate change as uncontrollable Acts of God. As a result, there has been little if any preparation for future catastrophes. Our modern society is more interconnected and more globalized than ever. Dealing with uncertain future events requires a stronger and more globally coordinated government response. This book suggests a larger, more global government role in dealing with these disasters and keeping economic inequalities low. Major institutional changes, such as regulating the private sector for the common good and dealing with special harms, risks and crises, especially those concerning climate change and pandemics, are necessary in order to achieve any semblance of future progress for humankind.

Author: Vito Tanzi
ISBN-10: 1009100122
ISBN-13: 9781009100120
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 05/19/2022
Pages: 246
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.17h x 6.30w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 12/01/2022