Securing Livelihoods

Abstract

Mankind has experienced more than two centuries of almost continuous economic and social progress since the Industrial Revolution. In recent decades, billions of people have been lifted out of poverty. However, a serious slowdown has occurred with the recent global financial and economic crisis. Other daunting challenges also threaten the future of livelihoods, particularly on the demographic and environmental fronts. How will societies cope with such challenges? How can we build resilient societies? These are the types of questions explored more fully in a book recently published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, of which this article presents and discusses key findings and messages.