Could spending be virtuous and thrift bad? Left-wing economic and cultural historian James Livingston thinks so. He suggests -- taking on the 19th century Populists, the Frankfurt School, and current economic orthodoxy along the way -- that consumption is good for social justice and the environment. Livingston argues that, in place of austerity and frugality, investment should be socialized, wages increased, and the workweek shortened.

Global warming is upon us and, without question, immediate action needs to be taken. But should we be asking ourselves who might stand to profit from this moment of crisis?  In an essay prepared for the COP 15 climate meeting, historian Iain Boal addresses the perils of catastrophism and green capitalism.