Natural Resources: The Never-Ending Supply
It is not because natural resources are finite that humanity will ever run out. Reverend Thomas Malthus’ warning in the latter parts of the 18th century on our planet’s inability to produce enough food to feed an ever-growing population has never materialised into a genuine concern. Nor has the US Bureau of Mines’ 1914 prediction that “The world will run out of oil in 10 … Continue reading Natural Resources: The Never-Ending Supply
Pedal for Growth: Cycling and the Economy
Covid-19 has necessitated the reinvention of numerous sectors, with transport being particularly affected. No longer can millions of office workers and students crowd onto trains and buses for their commute, as social distancing rules mandate limited capacity. Instead, the UK is being encouraged to pursue active travel, with numerous schemes aimed at incentivising people to start cycling. The highway code is being updated, new cycle … Continue reading Pedal for Growth: Cycling and the Economy
Cash for Christmas? The economics of gift-giving
It’s December. You are frantically searching the aisles for those last-minute Christmas gifts. You don’t quite know what to get anyone, so you buy a few scented candles and some fluffy toys for the kids and call it a day. Will they fully appreciate your gifts? Statistically, probably not. According to a 1993 paper by economist Joel Waldfogel, a recipient generally values their gift 10-30% … Continue reading Cash for Christmas? The economics of gift-giving
News Briefing – 28/09/20
We’ve summarised the 15 key stories of the last week into an easily digestible briefing so that you can stay up to date on what’s happening around the world. You can subscribe to receive the briefing in your inbox each week. Politics Trump has announced his nominee for the US Supreme Court as Amy Coney Barret, following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A heated … Continue reading News Briefing – 28/09/20
“The Almighty Dollar” by Dharshini David
“The Almighty Dollar” is the BBC’s senior Economics correspondent Dharshini David’s first book. Published in 2018, the book focuses on following a single dollar from a transaction involving a radio in Walmart around the world and ends up visiting over 8 different countries. David uses a unique method to introduce common topics such as globalisation and trade. David’s book does lean towards the descriptive side, … Continue reading “The Almighty Dollar” by Dharshini David
Colin Coleman: “The South African Economy”
On Tuesday 22nd September, the Keynes Society was delighted to welcome, virtually, Colin Coleman for the first meeting of the term. Colin Coleman is an expert on South African affairs: after setting up the South African and sub-Sahara African enterprise for Goldman Sachs and serving as its CEO for 20 years, he was appointed senior fellow and lecturer at Yale’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. … Continue reading Colin Coleman: “The South African Economy”
An interview with Elliot Harris: UN Chief Economist
Elliot Harris is particularly notable for his studies on the African Continent, but is also more generally a very successful economist from who we all have a lot to learn as he presented his opinions on a number of issues facing the world today. What role do you think international institutions should be playing in guiding foreign and domestic policy, especially as the 21st century … Continue reading An interview with Elliot Harris: UN Chief Economist
The Dubai Property Market
A city whose name is synonymous with skyscrapers, luxury apartments, and residential villas, Dubai’s economic success has greatly depended on its ability to attract a large number of foreign residents, who make up 85% of the population. These individuals are encouraged to buy or rent property in the city, feeding a market which makes up 13.6% of the emirate’s GDP. However, property prices have fallen between … Continue reading The Dubai Property Market
The Rise of GM Crops
As of 2016, the global economic benefits of genetically modified crops surpassed $150 billion. Considering the first engineered crop was developed by Calgene in 1994, this progress is simply incredible. Although having caused quite a stir when first released publicly, the farmers, and even consumers, have grown fond of these new innovations. It goes without saying that the latest scientific breakthroughs are rigorously tested, which … Continue reading The Rise of GM Crops
The Future of the Film Industry
The Godfather is regarded as the greatest film of all time, or at least it is according to a 2014 list by the Hollywood Reporter, but could a film like that be made today and be as successful as it was in 1972? In their heyday prior to the turn of the century, independent films such as The Godfather, Pulp Fiction and The Blair Witch … Continue reading The Future of the Film Industry
