Victim of Success: Civilization at Risk - Rilegato

Peter J. McManners

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0955736919 ISBN 13: 9780955736919

Casa editrice: Susta Press, 2009

Riassunto

Humans are the most successful species ever to have occupied planet Earth - and the most destructive. We are putting the planet under enormous pressure. For the ecosystem to survive intact human society must change direction. Part 1 consists of ten short chapters outlining the future for humanity on its current course. It is predicted that the world will enter another period of economic growth. This boom will then end as three issues come to a head at the same time: climate change, population growth and the end of oil. There will be no easy escape from the collapse of civilisation that is likely to follow. Part 2 explains and describes real measures to change direction. These do not arise from the idealism of the green movement but from a clear-eyed analysis of a selfish world. Tough choices have to be made. For example: stop breeding, ban fossil fuel and take action that virtually destroys the current aviation industry. As we start to build a better society we must harness the power of community, insist that we do not compromise over food quality and eliminate the throw-away society. Above all we must build cities for people, not cars. Part 3 argues that we are teetering on the edge, close to the point at which human society enters a period of terminal decline. The author explains his vision of sustainable living, but then argues that we should not be fooled into thinking that a sustainable world will be Utopia. A sustainable society will still reflect human nature. Choosing to live sustainably requires that we adopt a different attitude, but we cannot change the way we are. All people will not suddenly become kind and caring. A sustainable world will have countries and regions that are beacons of success but also others that are sinks of despair. To shift to a sustainable lifestyle, and insist that other people do the same, will require robust and resolute action despite these difficulties. In the final chapter, Peter asks the question whether those with power and influence today are villains or heroes. They will go down in history as villains if they ignore the problems we face. On the other hand, they can be acclaimed as heroes if they accept the need for change and start the process of altering society. He argues that his generation must make the choice.

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Informazioni sull'autore

Peter McManners's first book, Adapt and Thrive, was published in 2008 while he was living in Finland. The Finnish newspaper Etela-Suomen Sanomat said 'Governments and businesses who are currently unable to see beyond the current political term/share price will oppose this book, but in twenty years they will be quoting it as the Bible for Survival ...' Victim of Success, published this October, is his second book. It will be followed by his third, Green Outcomes in a Real World, to be published by Gower Books in May 2010. Peter McManners writes a monthly column for Sustainable Business magazine, and a weekly blog at www.petermcmanners.com

Dettagli dell'edizione

• Editore: Susta Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 2009
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0955736919
• ISBN 13: 9780955736919
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 282
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile
• Persona responsabile: non disponibile