AFTER AFFLUENZA: Energy Descent without Shopping Therapy – will it be so bad?

[Charlotte]

In a number of books psychologist Oliver James argues that placing too high a value on money, possessions, appearances and fame is bad for mental health. He shows how people who pursue these things are significantly more likely to suffer depression, anxiety and substance abuse (booze and drugs).

 3 years ago rapidly rising energy prices and the inability of people to service their debts shattered the economic boom. Now the economy is "recovering", but how long before rising energy prices choke this off  because of depleting energy supplies? Many people recognise already that  low consumption lifestyles are necessary to face up to our responsibilities  to our children given the threatening reality of climate change.

 Should we be gloomy about the threat to spend-spend-spend? As the shopping economy collapses can we live better, more authentic lives nevertheless, rising practically and emotionally to the challenges of energy descent,  leaving a better world for our children?

Speaker:  Oliver James (Psychologist and Author)

Venue Friends Meeting House, Clarendon Street, Nottingham

Thursday 4th March 2010 at 7.00pm