Earth at a Crossroads: Paths to a Sustainable Future / Edition 1

by Hartmut Bossel

Overview

We are fast becoming a global society. Flagging economies and social problems, environmental pollution and ecological destruction are burdens that fall on the shoulders of our international community. As we stand on the threshold of the twenty-first century, we search for cooperative answers to take us through the next millennium, and are confronted with the task of establishing a future that is both environmentally and socially sustainable. Earth at a Crossroads offers an integrated view for the development of human society within the natural environment on which it depends for support. The book stresses the dynamic and interconnected nature of feedback processes, traces possible future paths of societal development and their impacts, determines their sustainability, and points at necessary changes. Two alternative visions of the future are presented: Path A resulting from continuation of current trends, and a contrasting Path B that would result from adhering to principles of sustainability and protection of the natural system in the interests of future generations. This book will become an important reference in the discussion of global society's path into the next millennium. It will be a valuable read for anyone looking forward to a healthier world, and a well-thumbed resource for environmental scientists and policy-makers. Hartmut Bossel received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of California at Berkeley. He is the author of ten books and over 300 papers. His research includes studies of agricultural policy for the German Bundestag.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521639958
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/25/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	356
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

Part I. Concepts and Tools: 1. Mapping the future; 2. Riverbeds of the future; 3. Understanding dynamics; 4. Assessing progress; Part II. Two Visions of the Future: 5. Infrastructure; 6. Economic system; 7. Social system; 8. Individual development; 9. Government; 10. Environment, resources, future; Part III. From Vision to Action: 11. World views and principles; 12. Agenda for change; Epilogue; Further reading; Notes; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Bossel's two scenarios summarize a lot of wisdom and lay out two stark choices, with both of which we are all familiar, in some part of our souls...[F]or the audience of aware, concerned people, futurists, environmentalists, business people, journalists, academics, this book will be considered a classic. It will stimulate much-needed debate and a few rebuttals. It will be considered a 'must-read.'" Professor Donella H. Meadows, Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, and lead author of Limits to Growth and Beyond Limits.

"Explores alternative future paths of development for humankind and outlines the steps that must be taken to get onto a sustainable path." Journal of Economic Literature

"Bossel offers us some real insights into the predictament humankind has gotten itself into. His tepid conclusions, nevertheless, turn this all into a peculiar, perplexing, and safe little excercise in prognostication." George F. Delaurier, The Boston Book Review

From the Publisher