Taking a closer look at the industrialized world, this revealing study claims that Canada is in the midst of an economic crisis of global proportions--and that Nobel Prize-winning economists failed to see it coming. This accessible survey tackles the roots of this monetary disaster with a collection of in-depth essays, showing how the global capitalist economy--dependent on hyper-extended credit, fueled by systematic deregulation, and rooted in the contradictions of a mad drive for unlimited profitability--must inevitably end up in such a predicament. From recession to depression and market adjustment to billion-dollar stimulus plans, this reference also proves that there are ways out of this economic conundrum that do not involve saving those responsible.

Delving into the origins of the current twin crises of peak oil and climate change, this book brings together some of Canada's and the world's leading authorities to evaluate the various solutions being advanced. What emerges is an engrossing discussion that is critical, sophisticated, and plain spoken. Not only does it clearly demonstrate that the two crises are linked--oil being a major cause of climate change--it also shows how this shortage is the cause of political upheaval. Several sustainable alternatives to carbon energy are also realistically discussed. Both challenging and controversial, this examination will be of interest to those seeking an introduction to these issues as well as those looking for a greater depth of analysis.