{"product_id":"what-really-counts-by-ronald-colman-9780231190985","title":"What Really Counts","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoliticians and economists fixate on \"growing the economy\"—measured by a country's gross domestic product. But this yardstick counts harmful activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste, and cigarette sales as gains, and it ignores environmental protection, voluntary community work, and other benefits. What we measure is a choice, and what is and isn't counted determines what sorts of policies are enacted. How can we shift the focus to well-being and quality of life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat Really Counts\u003c\/i\u003e is an essential, firsthand story of the promise and challenges of accounting for social, economic, and environmental benefits and costs. Ronald Colman recounts two decades of working with three governments to adopt measures that more accurately and comprehensively assess true progress. Chronicling his path from Nova Scotia to New Zealand to Bhutan, Colman details the challenge of devising meaningful metrics, the effort to lay the foundations of a new economic system, and the obstacles that stand in the way. Reflecting on successes and failures, he considers how to shift policy priorities from a narrow economic-growth agenda toward a future built on sustainability and equity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColman has taken the critique of GDP outside the academy and attempted to realise an alternative. The lessons he offers in \u003ci\u003eWhat Really Counts\u003c\/i\u003e are vital for anyone interested in how we can measure what matters—and how better measures can help build a better world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47363350397164,"sku":"9780231190985","price":246.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7966553482270.jpg?v=1772921331","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/products\/what-really-counts-by-ronald-colman-9780231190985","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}