A group of Ivey alumni- Wynnie Zhao (HBA ‘22), Brian Chang (HBA ‘23), Chris Mohan (HBA ‘23), Abby Litchfield (HBA ‘21), and Kiera Taylor (HBA ‘24)- are organizing a Toronto-based network, Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto (DECTO), which works to develop the ideas of Doughnut Economics into transformative place-based action.
“For over 70 years, economics has been fixated on GDP, or national output, as its primary measure of progress. That fixation has been used to justify extreme inequalities of income and wealth coupled with unprecedented destruction of the living world. For the twenty-first century, a far bigger goal is needed: meeting the human rights of every person within the means of our life-giving planet.” - Kate Raworth, Doughnut Economics
Overview of Doughnut Economics
The starting point of Doughnut Economics is to change the goal from endless GDP growth to thriving in “the Doughnut,” which consists of two concentric rings: a social foundation to meet everyone’s basic needs, and an ecological ceiling to ensure that humanity does not overshoot Earth’s planetary boundaries. (Figure 1) Between the foundation and ceiling lies a doughnut-shaped space that is both ecologically safe and socially just: a space in which humanity can thrive.
Figure 1: The Doughnut Framework
The Learning Journey
Inspired by their social impact-focused courses through Ivey’s Sustainability Certificate and many of Ivey’s great sustainability professors, the alumni group began thinking about how businesses can transform the deep design of their business models to enable regenerative and distributive change. Driven by Ivey’s focus on developing critical and strategic thinking, they wanted to challenge the principles of mainstream economics and how it informs the way we do business, create policies, and engage as individuals.
Get Involved with DECTO
Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto (DECTO) is a community for individuals, organizations, and networks aligned with Doughnut Economics principles. The collective hopes to build awareness around Doughnut Economics while supporting doughnut-aligned changes in local business and government.
DECTO’s kickoff event, in collaboration with Global Donut Days, will be held on the evening of Wednesday, November 6th, at Centre for Social Innovation - Spadina.
Follow us on Linkedin for more information, or reach out to torontodoughnut@gmail.com.
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