The Post Carbon Reader: Managing the 21st Century's Sustainability Crises - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0970950063 ISBN 13: 9780970950062

Publisher: Watershed Media, 2010

Synopsis

In the 20th century, cheap and abundant energy brought previously unimaginable advances in health, wealth, and technology, and fed an explosion in population and consumption. But this growth came at an incredible cost. Climate change, peak oil, freshwater depletion, species extinction, and a host of economic and social problems now challenge us as never before. The Post Carbon Reader features articles by some of the world's most provocative thinkers on the key drivers shaping this new century, from renewable energy and urban agriculture to social justice and systems resilience. This unprecedented collection takes a hard-nosed look at the interconnected threats of our global sustainability quandary--as well as the most promising responses. The Post Carbon Reader is a valuable resource for policymakers, college classrooms, and concerned citizens.

WINNER MAY 2011: GOLD MEDAL Independent Publisher Book Award in Environment/Ecology/Nature category.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

"For a comprehensive, integrated overview of the relationship between the human species and its planetary home circa 2010, look no further. The Post Carbon Reader is an invaluable primer, resource, and textbook. This is what you need to know--period."--Lester R. Brown, President of Earth Policy Institute and author of Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization

"The one thing certain about the 21st century is that it will be an era filled with colossal changes: shifting ecosystems, a billion more humans on the planet, at least 2 degrees of climate change, and the displacement of tens if not hundreds of millions of people during that period. The Post Carbon Reader offers an important overview of these changes and a plethora of ideas of how we can cope with them: from strengthening community colleges and planning resilient towns to relocalizing agriculture and creating your own personal preparation strategy (never a bad idea). With many leading sustainability thinkers peppering the pages of this tome and providing many valuable insights, The Post Carbon Reader is definitely worth the read."--Erik Assadourian, Senior Fellow, Worldwatch Institute and Project Director of State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism To Sustainability

"This is one of the best readers that I have seen in my 48 years as a university professor. The articles were well-written, up to date, and contained some extremely valuable information. I suggested to the students that they keep the book for future reference, instead of selling it back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. I plan to use it again next year when I teach Environmental Sociology."--Al Williams, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska

"I use various portions of The Post Carbon Reader in all my classes, and I reference it in my public presentations. I also note to all my undergrads doing senior projects, and graduate and doctoral students, that they need to read The Post Carbon Reader"-- Bob Scarfo, Associate Professor, Washington State University, Spokane

"I used quite a few chapters from The Post Carbon Reader. I very much appreciate its forward-thinking orientation as students in Environmental Studies classes too often get overwhelmed with all the facts about how we've messed up the environment. The Reader allows students to see that there are visionary thinkers trying not only to construct blueprints of what a post-carbon society might look like, but also the roadmaps for how to get there. I'll definitely use it again."-- Stephen Zavestoski, Associate Professor, Sociology and Environmental Studies, University of San Francisco

"A terrific collection of essays. Definitely on my 'highly recommended' book list."-- Karen Litfin, Department of Political Science, University of Washington, Seattle

"I've used the book with students, as it's simply the best single-volume reader that offers both background and cutting-edge thinking about issues that are crucial to the future of civilization."-- Eric Zencey, Visiting Associate Professor of Historical and Political Studies at SUNY Empire State College

About the Author

Richard Heinberg is Senior Fellow in Residence at Post Carbon Institute and the author of nine books, including The Party's Over and Peak Everything. Daniel Lerch is the author of Post Carbon Cities.

About this edition

• Publisher: Watershed Media
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0970950063
• ISBN 13: 9780970950062
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 523
• Editor: Heinberg Richard, Lerch Daniel