Interactive visualization of Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics framework - understanding the safe and just space for humanity between social foundations and ecological ceilings
The Doughnut consists of two concentric rings: a social foundation of well-being that no one should fall below, and an ecological ceiling of planetary pressure that we should not go beyond. Between these two sets of boundaries lies a safe and just space for humanity.
The outer ring represents the Earth's life-supporting systems. Exceeding these boundaries risks irreversible environmental change.
Limiting global warming to safe levels.
Preventing mass extinction of species.
Maintaining forest cover and land ecosystems.
Sustainable water consumption limits.
Controlling fertilizer runoff and pollution.
Protecting marine ecosystems from CO2 absorption.
Limiting release of toxic substances.
Limiting particle pollution affecting climate.
Protecting the stratospheric ozone layer.
Raworth proposes seven fundamental shifts in economic thinking to create economies that are regenerative and distributive by design.
GDP growth as the primary objective
Thriving in balance within the Doughnut
Self-contained market system
Embedded economy: Economy embedded in Society embedded in Earth's biosphere
Rational economic man: selfish, isolated, calculating
Social, adaptable humans: collaborative, reciprocal, values-driven
Mechanical equilibrium: markets as self-correcting machines
Complex dynamic systems: feedback loops, tipping points, emergence
Trickle-down: growth will eventually reduce inequality
Distributive by design: value shared among those who helped create it
Extractive/degenerative: take-make-use-lose linear economy
Regenerative by design: circular, restorative, working with living systems
Growth-addicted: endless GDP growth as necessity
Growth-agnostic: thriving is the goal, growth is one possible outcome
The Doughnut model can be expressed as a constrained optimization problem, seeking to maximize human well-being within planetary boundaries.
Maximize human well-being (W):
Ensure all 12 social dimensions meet minimum thresholds:
Where Sᵢ represents social indicators such as food security, water access, health coverage, education attainment, etc.
Ensure all 9 planetary boundaries are respected:
Where Eⱼ represents ecological pressures such as CO2 concentration, biodiversity loss rate, nitrogen runoff, etc.
Unlike traditional growth-focused economics, the Doughnut does not assume social progress requires ecological degradation.
The intersection of all constraints defines the 'safe and just space' for policy design.
Both social minimums and ecological maximums may shift over time with technology and knowledge.
Adjust policy levers to see their impact on the Doughnut space:
Cities, regions, and organizations around the world are applying Doughnut Economics principles to create more sustainable and equitable economies.
First City-Wide Doughnut Strategy (2020)
Amsterdam became the first city to officially adopt the Doughnut model as a framework for post-COVID recovery and long-term development.
70% reduction in construction waste targeted by 2025; 20% of procurement to be circular by 2025
Regional Implementation Network
Multiple UK councils and combined authorities have adopted Doughnut frameworks for local planning.
New metrics for measuring progress beyond GDP; cross-sector collaboration on regenerative projects
Adapted Frameworks for Developing Contexts
The Doughnut framework is being adapted for contexts where basic needs remain unmet while ecological pressures are already mounting.
Policy frameworks balancing social development with ecological protection; leapfrog opportunities for sustainable infrastructure
Corporate Applications
Progressive businesses are using Doughnut principles to guide strategy and measure impact.
New business models that are regenerative by design; supply chain transformations toward circularity
A comprehensive comparison of paradigms showing how Doughnut Economics reimagines the purpose and methods of economics.
| Dimension | Traditional Economics | Doughnut Economics |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Maximize GDP growth | Human thriving within planetary boundaries |
| View on Growth | Growth is essential and can continue indefinitely | Growth is one tool; may not always be appropriate |
| Resource View | Natural resources as inputs to be exploited | Earth's systems as life-support to be stewarded |
| Distribution Approach | Growth first, distribution later (trickle-down) | Distributive by design from the start |
| Human Nature | Rational, self-interested individuals | Social, adaptable, values-driven beings |
| Economy's Place | Self-contained system, separate from nature | Embedded in society, which is embedded in Earth |
| Waste Approach | Linear: take-make-use-dispose | Circular: reduce-reuse-recycle-regenerate |
| Success Metrics | GDP, stock prices, employment rate | Well-being indicators, ecological health, equality measures |
| System Thinking | Equilibrium-seeking, mechanical | Complex, dynamic, emergent properties |
| Policy Focus | Market efficiency, fiscal balance | Regenerative and distributive outcomes |
The Doughnut challenges the obsession with GDP growth, proposing that thriving within boundaries is more important than endless expansion.
Moving from an economy that extracts and depletes to one that restores and regenerates natural and social systems.
Distribution and regeneration must be built into economic design, not hoped for as side effects of growth.
The Doughnut embraces complexity: we need markets AND commons, private AND public, global AND local solutions.
Social Foundation: 12 Dimensions
The inner ring represents the minimum social standards that every person should have access to. These are the essentials of life that no one should fall below.
Food & Nutrition
Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all people.
Clean Water & Sanitation
Safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.
Health
Access to healthcare services and healthy living conditions.
Education
Quality education for all, from early childhood through adulthood.
Energy
Access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy services.
Housing
Safe, secure, and affordable housing for all.
Income & Work
Decent work and fair income for meaningful livelihoods.
Gender Equality
Equal rights, opportunities, and representation for all genders.
Social Equity
Fair distribution of resources and opportunities across society.
Political Voice
Ability to participate in political decisions affecting one's life.
Peace & Justice
Freedom from violence and access to fair legal systems.
Network & Information
Access to information, communication, and digital connectivity.