Book Description

By retaining a strong focus on policy and real-world issues, Environmental Economics and Management: Theory, Policy and Applications, provides an applied, practical approach to environmental economic theory accessible to students with minimal or more advanced economic exposure.The text has a modular structure, which not only organizes the presentation, but also provides a format that allows instructors flexibility and preference in designing material for the course.The presentation does not compromise economic theoretical concepts, but it does complement economic theory with timely, real-world applications. This text is intended to give undergraduate and MBA students a clear perspective of the relationship between market activity and the environment.The text integrates the business perspective in the development of environmental decision-making - a vantage point often overlooked in more conventional treatments. The general approach uses economic analytical tools such as market models, benefit-cost analysis, and risk analysis to assess environmental problems and to evaluate policy solutions. ... Read more

Book Description

Trade and environment issues are achieving ever-greater prominence in the WTO. This timely volume contains key papers on this important and highly contentious issue. There is a natural linkage between trade and environment through the use of policy instruments. But when does more trade help or hurt the environment? There is clash between the market-opening principles of free trade, as reflected in the WTO, and the environmental quality and market regulating instincts of environmentalists. This volume examines the conceptual issues involved, as well as the manner in which the subject has been handled by the WTO. It will be an invaluable source of reference for students and researchers alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Valuing the Earth collects more than twenty classic and recent essays that broaden economic thinking by setting the economy in its proper ecological and ethical context. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Treasure Chest--The Originals Plus the Current Masters

This is one of three books that I bought for review with the intent of selecting one for broad pro-bono distribution. Although I chose "For the Common Good" and I recommend "Ecological Economics" as the one book to buy if you buy only one (see my reviews of those books at their own pages), this book is a treasure chest of original and current thinking that should certainly be in your hands if you can afford all three books. As another reviewer has noted, it finally re-publishes some of the hard to get original thinkers from the steady-state economics era of the 1970's. However, it does so with an ample leavening of 1990's authorship, and hence could reasonably be regarded as a first-class "readings" complement to the text book ("Ecological Economics").

There is a chart on page 20 of this book that is quite extraordinary. Titled "The ends-means spectrum", it brilliantly runs down from the top: Religion and Ethics as guidelines to ultimate and intermediate ends of humanity; to the middle Political Economy as a means of managing the factors of production to specific political ends; to the bottom: Technics and Physics as the "ultimate" foundation or "ground truth" of flow-entropy-matter-energy that must constrain political and religious ends.

This book, in which Kenneth N. Townsend is the second contributing editor-author, blends practical, political, economic, and theological writings, over several decades, in a most pleasing manner. E. F. Schumacher's "Buddhist Economics" jumped out at me, reminding me that our predominantly Protestant corporate capitalist ethos is very far removed from the realities that guide and repress billions around the Earth, all of whom have fewer options than we do. With that thought in mind, I strongly recommend William Greider's "The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to a Moral Economy" as a very current complement to any of the books that Dr. Daly has helped bring into the marketplace of ideas.

Long-awaited essay collection for the ecological economist
For the advanced student of the discipline of ecological economics this essay-collection provides a handfull of the most influential classics of the field, of which many has been hard to come by for years. The essays by Garrett Hardin, Herman Daly, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen and Paul and Anne Ehrlich are among the most frequently cited essays of the field - and for good reasons.

VTE is an example of scholarship that is rare in its field.
As a citizen who is concerned about the health of the environment, I was enlightened by the essays in the first section of this book. The authors leave little room for doubt that the Earth can sustain a finite population, and for a finite length of time. Without any of the hysterical rhetoric which so often characterizes the political debate on this topic, these scholars demonstrate the fact that our existence on this, the eastern shore of Eden, is ephemeral. As a student of economics, I was impressed by the lucid exploration of free-enterprise, steady-states, and market forces in the third section. This section is home to some of the best essays in the book: T. H. Tietenberg's exposition of free-market solutions to the pollution problem as well as Ken Townsend's expert discussion of the ecological problems facing the nations of the former communist world are as important as they are timely. But, the most important respect in which I was struck by this book was as a human being. It is in the second section that Daly and Townsend--with the help of such friends as C. S. Lewis and E. F. Schumacher--address the important issue of morality. Are humans obligated to preserve something off this planet for future generations? How much consumption should we engage in? Does our economic system promote an ungodly destruction of the world in which we live. The reader should not come to this volume without a willingness to challenge his own deeply held notions about the state of the environment or the economy's role in creating that state. Neither should a reader open this book if he is searching for easy solutions to our environmental problems. Those readers with the courage to think, however, will not be dissatisfied. ... Read more

Book Description

The use of economic modeling techniques in industrial ecology research provides distinct advantages over the customary approach, which focuses on the physical description of material flows. The thirteen chapters of Economics of Industrial Ecology integrate the natural science and technological dimensions of industrial ecology with a rigorous economic approach and by doing so contribute to the advancement of this emerging field. Using a variety of modeling techniques (including econometric, partial and general equilibrium, and input-output models) and applying them to a wide range of materials, economic sectors, and countries, these studies analyze the driving forces behind material flows and structural changes in order to offer guidance for economically and socially feasible policy solutions.

After a survey of concepts and relevant research that provides a useful background for the chapters that follow, the book presents historical analyses of structural change from statistical and decomposition approaches; a range of models that predict structural change on the national and regional scale under different policy scenarios; two models that can be used to analyze waste management and recycling operations; and, adopting the perspective of local scale, an analysis of the dynamics of eco-industrial parks in Denmark and the Netherlands. The book concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of an economic approach to industrial ecology. ... Read more

Book Description

Since the appearance of the first edition in 1990, Planning Local Economic Development has become the foundation for an entire generation of planners and academics teaching planning. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Third Edition continues to explore the theories of local economic development and address the dilemmas communities face. Blakely and Bradshaw investigate planning processes, analytical techniques, business and human resource development, as well as high-technology economic development strategies. Written by academics with many years of regional and city planning experience, this book will prove invaluable to professors of economic development, urban studies, and public administration. Economic development specialists in local and municipal government, as well as nonprofit organizations, will also find this an essential reference.

New to this Edition:

• Case studies, illustrations, and exercises demonstrate how each theory can be employed in a real-world setting
• Sample resource materials facilitate the development and design of program plans
• New arguments for implementing local economic development initiatives
• Thoroughly updated to reflect the financial boom of the 1990s and subsequent collapse, the policies of the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, and the aftermath of September 11

Reviews (1)

Exposes Over-Population Myth
For a non-fiction, it was good reading. This wasthe first book to show me why "overpopulation "is not a problem. ... Read more

Book Description

Lester Brown, "the guru of the global environmental movement" (The Telegraph of Calcutta), argues that, like the Sumerian and Mayan civilizations, our economy is fast destroying its environmental support systems, threatening future generations. The challenge is to restructure the global economy, replacing our fossil fuel-based, automobile-centered, throwaway economy with a new one that is environmentally sustainable. Brown outlines his vision of the new economy. It will be powered not with fossil fuels but with solar and wind energy. Its urban transport systems will be centered not around the automobile but around light rail and the bicycle. It will not be a throwaway economy but will be a reuse/recycle economy with a stable population. And building this new economy represents the greatest investment opportunity in history. There is no middle ground. Either we build an economy that is environmentally sustainable or stay with our existing economy until environmental deterioration leads to economic decline. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Profoundly Important Book
If money were no object, I would mail copies of Lester Brown's "Eco-Economy" and Paul Hawken's "Natural Capitalism" to every CEO, country leader, and business school dean on the planet. Eco-Economy is a well-researched, balanced, detailed portrayal of where the world is today ecologically, and where the world could be in the future, depending on the choices we make (or fail to make) when it comes to managing our fragile and taxed natural environmnent.
Brown makes his case clear: it is now time for ecologists to team up with economists to ensure that the prices we pay for all goods and services "tell the ecological truth". One of the most critical examples is the price we pay in North America for gasoline: the pump price has never reflected the total true costs that are borne by members of society and by the natutal environment. Until governments impose gasoline taxes that reflect those total true costs, the fossil fuel resource will continue to be undervalued and wasted.
To read Eco-Economy is to go on an emotional roller coaster ride. The earlier chapters accurately describe the perilous state of many ecological systems, such as life-sustaining aquifers being depleted or contaminated, and irreversible soil erosion due to the removal of trees. I found these chapters well worth reading, but very disturbing. What is good news for the reader and, more important, good news for the planet, is that Brown offers numerous examples of how we can (technically, at least; if we could now just muster the required political will) stop or even reverse our erstwhile environmentally damaging behaviour -- in other words, "how to get there from here".
Brown identifies sustainability-related opportunities and responsibilities for all key sectors of the human race: government leaders, business CEOs, NGOs, academics. Further, Brown reminds us that lone individuals can make a difference, too: the publishing of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring represented a much-needed "threshold" that prompted the world to re-think its use of DDT. Thus, for those of us who do not run a government or a company, we have the power of the pen on our side, and we can choose to exercise that power.

A convincing vision of a sustainable society
Lester Brown, Chairman of the Worldwatch Institute, which is known for the high quality of its reports, presents his vision of an environmentally sustainable economy - an eco-economy. The purpose of his book is to show that we have no alternative to restructuring the economy if we want economic progress, to describe with some degree of confidence what the eco-economy will look like and to outline a strategy of how to get there in the time available.

After cataloguing the grim decline in the planet's ability to carry on with business as usual, and pointing out that mismanagement is destroying forests, rangelands, fisheries and croplands, - the four eco-systems that supply our food and, except for minerals, all our raw materials - Eco-Economy provides hope that the solutions are within our reach, affordable and can lead to new employment opportunities and a higher standard of living.

An economy is sustainable only if it respects the principles of ecology; if it does not, it will decline and eventually collapse; there is no middle ground. Relying on distorted market signals to guide investment decisions is a recipe for disaster. We need a change in mind set similar to that when our ancestors accepted that the earth revolves around the sun.

Twenty five years ago the concept of environmentally sustainable development - restoring carbon balances, stabilizing population and water tables, conserving forests, soils and plant/animal diversity - was introduced but not one country is progressing satisfactorily on all fronts. Nonetheless glimpses of the eco-economy are visible. Many countries have stabilized their population - the first requirement for a sustainable future, - banned construction of coal-fired power plants or nonrefillable beverage containers, reforested, and encouraged use of bicycles. These are all facets of building a sustainable economy in marked contrast to the fossil-fuel-based, automobile-centered, throwaway economy of today.

Perhaps the most profound change will occur in the energy field where wind-generated energy at a cost as low as four cents per watt is likely to be a major source of energy for the foreseeable future. By electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen during slack times we have the means of storing wind energy and, in due course, of transporting it through defunct oil and gas pipe lines. Use of natural gas will keep expanding for the present as it is an ideal fuel for the transition from a carbon-based economy to one based on hydrogen. Together, electricity and hydrogen can meet all the needs of a modern society. Other renewable sources of energy will play a lesser role. During the 1990s photovoltaic sales increased by an average of 20% per year, climbing by 43% in 2000, while the capacity of geothermal increased by 4% and hydro by 2%. Energy conservation and efficiency is still the best investment we can make with such items as compact fluorescent lamps having a very rapid pay back. The United States could meet the Kyoto protocol by 2010 simply by moving to Europe's energy efficiency levels, which in turn are not yet taking full advantage of the state of the art technologies.

The second major change will occur in materials handling. Failure to adopt a comprehensive recycling program has resulted in removing New York City's 12,000 ton daily output of garbage in a fleet of vehicles 15 km long, on the 900 km round trip. A simple measure like recycling paper would shorten the convoy by 4.5kms. Metals are a major problem as their mining and processing are environmentally destructive and energy intensive. Redesigning the materials economy to be compatible with the eco-system includes such measures as easy disassembly for recycling, reducing waste generation, banning throw away beverage containers, improved methods of manufacturing, clustering factories so that waste from one acts as an input to another, legislation requiring a minimum percentage of recycled material and setting a zero emissions goal. Most worrying of all is China's rapid rise in standard of living and the world's inability to support a western standard of living with a western way of doing business. As an example if annual paper use in China were to rise to US levels, it would need more paper than the world currently produces. Mr. Brown describes ways to do the same job using far less raw material.

In similar fashion the book deals with agriculture and food, forest products, cities, population stabilization, and leadership.

This book has helped me in two ways. First, I lacked a grand and convincing vision of what a sustainable society might look like and the second was that in a period of such rapid change I feared that an investment today might turn out to be a white elephant tomorrow. I believe that the future painted by Lester Brown is not only possible but is almost bound to happen if each of us do our part, as much is already being put in place. I can adopt his vision as my vision feeling much more confident in my actions and that I can leave a better world to my children and grandchildren.

In Bangkok one evening at 9pm all television stations focused on a huge electricity meter while the announcer asked everyone to switch off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances. Everyone was amazed to see the meter wind down enough to switch out two power stations. We have to remember that building a sustainable economy requires both major structural changes in addition to billions of small actions world wide.

A societal "how to"
This is a very thorough and readable analysis of why we need to move decisively toward sustainability and how to do so at a societal level. It is written for the general reader, contains a wealth of sometimes quite startling facts (the ore processed to produce a pair of gold wedding rings would fill a hole 10 feet long, 6 feet wide and 6 feet deep!) and gives more attention to what needs to be done and how to do it than to describing what is wrong.
It is a book for the citizen, the student and for use in political dialogue rather than for business people seeking to improve the sustainability of their operations, (for which see Hawken, Robèrt, Nattrass and others).
The book has three purposes. The first is to make the case that we have no alternative to restructuring the economy if we want economic progress to continue in the decades ahead. The second is to describe not only the broad structure of the eco-economy, but some of its details. And the third is to outline a strategy for getting from here to there in the time available.
It sketches the need to move to an eco-economy based on renewable energy and an approach to materials use that mirrors the natural cyclical processes. It also reinforces the systemic nature of change, involving deep changes in societal attitudes, linked to cooperation between government, community and business.
Chapter 4 The Shape of the Eco-Economy offers some interesting predictions about the industries and professions that are likely to expand, and to act as drivers in the move towards sustainability. This is in support of his point that, far from the move being a threat to our economic health, it offers vast opportunities for investment and for true economic development.

Eco-Economy
Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth by Lester Brown is a novel that discusses the relationship of economics and the environment. Brown examines how we must achieve an environmentally sound economic system for which mutualism can occur. This mutualism is a very important concept for if we expect to use our resources wisely, we need to benefit both the economic and environmental aspects of the equation.

In the first section of the book, Brown relays the message of how people are ruining the environment through the idea of maximizing profits and trying to clean up after them instead of just avoiding the degradation of the environment all together.

Secondly, Brown interprets how an eco-economy would benefit as well as work in our world today. This makes me think of the billions of dollars Bush just proposed to spend on the study of hydrogen-powered cars of the future. Of course Bush's reasons were of different origin for doing this, but that's another story. With this grant directed toward hydrogen powered cars, our ecosystem can sigh a little relief for this is a good way for people to recognize the problem who were not formerly aware of it.

The third section of the book touches on how we as a society are to take the first step in turning our economy into an eco-economy. He highlights this by declaring that the tax system needs a makeover. This basically means that taxes must be raised on those activities that harm the environment substantially. This is a great way to send a message to polluters that change is in need, and that our world needs help before it is too late.

My interpretation of this book is that we need an economic system that is able to conserve/protect our depleting natural resources while at the same time solve the problem of our economy loosing precious biodiversity and resources. There obviously is not a reasonable solution our there yet that we can agree on. There are many ideas, but no solutions as of now. If we ever intend to change this environmental crisis as well as fix the recession, change is in need, and fast.

No-Nonsense Approach to a Very Serious Issue
The book deserves every single star rating it has. It's well redacted, the ideas are well put by the author, and it's easily accesible for those who don't have a science/environment/economics background. All the ideas and conclusions are superbly supported, and the book leads the reader to unavoidable conclusions about what to do with our environment. This book's is so relvant to today's economy/ecology, then the author goes further and puts forth a workable framework to both, save the economy and humnaity. Very good book indeed. ... Read more

Book Description

Foreword by Ray Kurzweil, author, The Age of Spiritual Machines

"Virtual humans" may seem like something out of science fiction, but they are already here. Companies use them as website hosts, individuals use them aspersonal assistants, and people interact with them in computer games, educational applications, and many other arenas. The possibilities are limitless, butthe most amazing thing is that anyone can create a "V-human" from scratch. Virtual Humans gives not just start-to-finish instructions for designinga charming synthetic person, but also a CD-ROM containing the tools and techniques to make it real. Readers will learn how to:

* create their own authentic and engaging personalities * apply VH technology to business and individual projects * add synthetic voices and realistic faces to virtual humans * use personality psychology and humor in character design * design advanced emotion expression engines

This book-and-CD package is the first of its kind and a landmark on a par with the first build-your-own-Web-site products. Readers will be among the firstto create ultra-realistic, versatile V-human personalities, and will start well ahead of what is soon to be a tidal wave of worldwide interest. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good read, even for non-techies!
Let me say two things first: I have no intention of creating my own V-person any time soon, and, unline the author, I don't look forward to the day when virtual humans make up a good part of my life.

So why do I give Peter Plantec's book five stars? Because in taking us on a tour of the technology of virtual humans, he makes us take a thorough look at ourselves. In his unusually engaging and humorous style, Plantec confronts us with the chemistry of our own minds and, by doing so, explores what being human really is. I expected a crusty scientific treatise; I got an eminently readable text that made me smile while learning.

A Slab of Mind Sushi
I just received my pre-ordered copy of Virtual Humans and have devoured it like a slab of fine ahi. I have waited years for Plantec to fully divulge his wisdom in this arena and this book was well worth the wait.

Virtual humans is a visionary tour of a technology which is already making its mark and is certain to have a profound impact on how humans interact with the world of bits. Plantec accomplishes this without any of the over reaching fantasy and wishful thinking of many futurists, yet spells out the dramatic effects virtual humans will soon have on our lives. Plantec explores not only the technological implications, but the moral and societal ramifications of this emerging field. With a fascinating tour of the history of all the streams which have come together, Plantec delivers a road map of the virtual future.

Or does he?

Virtual Humans is really a detailed technical manual for using this technology to build and design virtual characters. To those already proficient at coding v-people, Plantec adds layers of wisdom on how to make them funny, engaging and, in short, human. He delivers the tech detail and highly usable techniques without falling into the tech manual automaton mode which keeps most of us from ever RTFM (Reading the .. Manual).

Oh really.

Virtual Humans is actually a profound look into our own minds. We discover how personalities differ, what motivates them and how they express themselves. Anyone who reads this book without making discoveries about their own character and personality and those of others, may need to seek Plantec's help on a professional basis.

So which is it?

The answer is all of the above. Plantec has managed to deliver a usable and readable tech manual, a visionary peek at the future and an engaging examination of the human psyche. His quirky but charming wit pervades and makes this book an excellent read for anyone interested in humanity, virtual or otherwise.

Thanks Peter....

Peter is leading the way to future interfaces
Peter Plantec serves as a mentor for anyone pursuing user interfaces of the future. Finally the technology has caught up with Peter's visions for palatable interfaces the average person can use by presenting the critical issues that must be addressed for anthropomorphic interfaces that will allow the man in the street to leverage the power of computers in everyday life. Not only does he provide the mentoring required to address personality and emotions required in such interfaces, he provides the tool kits included on the CDROM to quickly bring those interfaces to life so you can see the vision for yourself. Peter's forum, that compliments the book for users to communicate today and participate with he and his fellow pioneers, actually makes this a living and evolving vehicle to allow everyone to assist in pushing this frontier faster than it would if left to its own devices. Anyone working in re-inventing the internet user interface, since speech recognition is here today, and provides a hands free computing environment where everyday people can talk to synthetic characters and have them intelligently respond, is missing a huge opportunity to bootstrap themselves forward if they don't purchase this book. A must read!

Great concept...poor execution
The book is great introduction to the concept of virtual humans...BUT the included software is so buggy as to be totally useless. To give the author credit he has addressed this through his yahoo community...over and over, and still there is no version that reliably installs.

Buy the book for the concepts, through the CD away and save yourself the heartburn.

A good introduction
This book immediately caught my attention at the bookstore.

It takes us beyond computer animation into the realm of AI programming of virtual humans - or androids. At least in a rudimentary sense. The next step once you have a functional AI brain with a personality would be to put it into a physical robot.

The book itself is an interesting introduction to this growing area of research. If you are into animation and AI you should find it of great interest. ... Read more

Book Description

Violent conflict can spell catastrophe for developing countries and their neighbors, stunting and even reversing the course of economic growth. Recent World Bank research on the causes of conflict and civil war finds that the countries most likely to be blighted by conflict are those whose economies depend heavily on natural resources. Natural Resources and Violent Conflict: Options and Actions first explains the links between resource dependence conflict and then considers what can be done to help reduce the risk of civil war in these nations.

In this collection of previously unpublished essays by experts in the field, contributors consider the risks of corruption, secessionist movements, and rebel financing. They also consider the roles played by government, the development community, and the country’s population and propose an agenda for global action. Focusing on what we can do collectively to diminish the likelihood of civil war, contributors to this volume suggest practical approaches and policies that could be adopted by the international community—from financial and resource reporting procedures to commodity tracking systems and enforcement techniques, including sanctions, certification requirements, and aid conditionality.

A fascinating look at the results of important new World Bank research, this book represents an important addition to the dialogue on development ... Read more

Book Description

In State of the World 2004, the Worldwatch Institute's award-winning research team focuses on consumption, pointing to the many ways in which our consumption habits drive ecological and social deterioration, as well as how these habits can be redirected to reinforce environmental and social goals. As always, State of the World 2004 provides government officials, journalists, professors, students, and concerned citizens with a comprehensive analysis of the global environmental problems we face along with detailed descriptions of practical, innovative solutions—like charting the most environmentally sound path to a hydrogen-fueled economy, or accelerating the rapidly growing conversion of farmers worldwide to organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

Written in clear and concise language, with easy-to-read charts and tables, State of the World 2004 presents a view of our changing world that we, and our leaders, cannot afford to ignore. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Food for thoughts.
Although I like the extended reading list provided by angry-bear and agree that SOTW 2004 provides mostly facts than solutions, I wouldn't say that it is disappointing. On the contrary, this is what the series is all about. Facts are the food for thoughts, and I dare to say that every reader of SOTW has her/his own ways of facing the challenge.

The reasons are simple. The dire facts prompt us to think, to act, rather than simply to sit back in distress.

In case you haven't heard about other publications by Worldwatch Institute, please visit http://www.worldwatch.org.

The State of Consumption Today (Minus Real Alternatives)
Although reading them can be a bit depressing, annual WWI reports are always worth while, because unlike any other institute out there, they seek a comprehensive understanding of humanity's impact on the environment. This year, the format has changed a little. Instead of providing the usual litany of statistics outlining the global eco-crisis (fisheries collapsing, forests shrinking, rangelands deteriorating, soils eroding, species obliterated, temperatures rising, rivers running dry, water tables falling, ozone depletion expanding, more destructive storms brewing, polar ice caps melting, sea level rising, etc.), the focus is consumption - which makes sense, because if you know what the term eco-crisis means, and you want to do something to stop it, you are more than likely a consumer. As usual, the scholarship is excellent. Unfortunately, it lacks serious discussion of alternatives for individuals seeking do more than reduce, reuse, recycle and support green energy initiatives. In other words, as with all State of the World reports, it is only useful as a scholarly reference - or, to put it another way, not very useful. If you have already come to believe there is in fact a fundamental problem with the way industrial civilization works, I would recommend one of four books, depending on your outlook: (1) DERRICK JENSEN'S next book (due for release sometime this year) (2) PERMACUTLURE: Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability, by David Holmgren (3) Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Planet or (4) ECOVILLAGE LIVING: Restoring the Earth and Her People, by Hildur Jackson Karen Svensson. The first book, which will no doubt be as insightful as transformative as Jensen's earlier work, will address the issue of bringing down civilization. The second book utilizes system's theory and design science in an effort empower ordinary people to create their own permanent and sustainable communities. The third book, rather consumer-oriented and reformist in nature, offers radical advice on reducing your ecological footprint. The fourth book profiles various ecovillages all over the world and provides lots of practical advice for people seeking to join or start their own. If you are like me, you will no doubt read them all - and then some - but if you are just looking for a global eco-almanac on consumer trends, the State of the World 2004 will do. Of particular import were the sections on computers and cell phones, which detail the human health (cancers, miscarriages and birth defects) and environmental impacts (ground, air and water pollution) of the two industries. I've got blood on my hands for just posting this review. ... Read more

Book Description

Written in refreshingly accessible prose, Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update is a long anticipated revival of some of the original voices in the growing chorus of sustainability. Limits to Growth: The 30 Year Update is a work of stunning intelligence that will expose for humanity the hazy but critical line between human growth and human development. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Humanity Needs to Wake Up: We Are Devastating the Planet
This is a thorough, scientific account of what mankind is doing ecologically to the planet. There are many charts, graphs and research studies proving that the planet is in danger.

Mankind has already gone past the level of sustainability. It's not a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN the planet will not be able to sustain humanity at the current population level and standard of living.

This book explains about the earth's resources and how we are overusing them. Also about the byproducts of our use of these resources and the pollution it causes. Many examples are given of how people can change their ways of production and resource use.

It is disturbing to think what humans are doing to the planet and what the future will be if we don't change our ways. This book gives the big picture of what is happening ecologically to the planet and what needs to be done NOW to stop the devastation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A worthy addition to the tree-hugger's bookshelf
What a joy to see that this book is back in print! When our nature book discussion group chose it as a monthly selection several years ago, we had to scramble to find copies. I was one of the lucky ones who got one, read it all, and underlined a whole slew of passages for later reference.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Man is everywhere a disturbing agent. Wherever he plants his foot, the harmonies of nature are turned to discords." (George Perkins Marsh, 1864)

"Environment is to the would-be cultured man what air is to the animal -- it is the breath of life." (Benton MacKaye, 1928)

"When you have reached the edge of an abyss ... the only progressive move you can make is to step backward." (David R. Brower, 1977)

Then the compiler adds his answer to the question "Why do we love wilderness?" by giving seven reasons: scientific value, spiritual values, aesthetic value, heritage value, psychological value, cultural value, and intrinsic value. His explanations make this selection the one I most often pass on to other people. (Roderick Frazier Nash, 1988)

My advice is to buy this book as a present for your favorite environmentalist friend. Sure, you could go instead with _The Quotable Nature Lover_, a Nature Conservancy book edited by John A. Murray. But _American Environmentalism_ puts those kinds of quotes back into context; the editor not only provides full text but also explains what was going on at the time of its writing. Selections are arranged chronologically and are short enough to hold anyone's interest. And we're not talking just Thoreau, Muir, Carson and Leopold here, as the excerpts above show. There are names you might not recognize at first glance. Amateur environmentalists can use this compilation as a starting point for further reading, as full citations are always provided. Though it's not entirely current (1989) this book is still useful.

Give it to a graduating senior, or to anyone else who has the potential to save the planet. They'll be inspired.

A good reader
This isn't the type of book someone could pick up and get a good view of the American Environmental movement. It does well in teaching about past movements but ignores modern movements like Environmental Justice and the controversy surrounding Market Based Incentives. It is a good book for teaching if coupled with extra material as it is very readable and interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

Authoritative, comprehensive, accessible—the definitive guide to a new approach in environmental policy Emissions Trading: Environmental Policy’s New Approach presents the work of an outstanding group of contributors on the successes and limitations of this new and exciting incentive-based tool for reducing environmental pollutants. By including the comments of emitters, regulators, public interest group representatives, and academics, the book reveals the criticisms, disagreements, and growing resolution of numerous environmental questions, including:

• Can markets be used to correct market environmental failure?
• Will decentralized decisions by emitters produce an improvement in air quality?
• Can this approach realize significant control cost savings?
• Can emissions trading be monitored and enforced effectively at a reduced cost?
• Will affected groups support this dramatic innovation?

Book Description

The author skillfully links the theory and practice of ergonomics in industrial environments using illuminating case studies taken directly from his own workplace. Pulat's authoritative up-to-date work offers comprehensive material on physical ergonomics, updated statistics for cumulative trauma disorders, and a revised NIOSH lifting equation. End-of- chapter exercises provide project-oriented problems and cases for future research and applications, and thoroughly researched appendices support the relevant chapters with extensive design data. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A practical guide
Book approachs the subjects in a more practical and information giving manner. I made used it in my studies very effectively. ... Read more

Book Description

Although considerable progress has been made in improving environmental quality in parts of the United States, many localities have yet to meet federal air and water quality standards and many hazardous-waste sites remain to be cleaned up. At the international level, the U.S. and other countries continue to face critical environmental problems. As a contribution to the literature on public policy and to help educate students about natural resource issues, this book identifies the likely "hot spots" of environmental policy and presents alternative and often opposing points of view on the major controversies that are likely to be with us well into the next century. Among the topics covered are comparative risk assessment; market incentives in environmental regulation; environmental justice; public versus private management of public lands; international trade and sustainable development; and the relationship between national security and environmental protection. ... Read more

Book Description

Is local economic development a "zero-sum game"? How do we know that "but for the incentives" the development would not have occurred? How important is "quality of life" in location decisions and local economic development? Is industry targeting a viable economic development strategy? This book tackles these and many other significant questionsùfrom more than one perspective. Dilemmas of Urban Economic Development assesses the "state of the art" of the field of urban economic development. Each chapter addresses a particularly pertinent issue in economic development. Following each chapter are commentariesùone written by an academic addressing research methodology and the other by a practitioner addressing both the question and the evidence. The chapters are concluded with the author of each chapter responding directly to the issues raised by the commentators. The result is a productive dialogue between academics, practitioners, and citizens concerned with economic development. ... Read more

Book Description

Although sustainability efforts in business are still a work in progress, it is increasingly clear that key elements of a new generation of enterprises will be radically different from those of our contemporary modern industrial economy. The core distinctions between what currently exists and what is being created are communicated in this book through the compelling metaphor of Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi.

This collection, developed from The Natural Step’s conference on Sustainability and Innovation in 2002, provides radical ideas for generating a new perspective on the dynamics of business systems. ‘Ants’ symbolise the lessons to be learned from nature and the dependence of individual beings on broader, complex systems. ‘Galileo’ embodies brilliance in perceiving and proving that the current paradigm is flawed. ‘Gandhi’ exemplifies exceptional compassion in fighting for fundamental change.

All of these attributes are increasingly relevant in a world where, globally, we are experiencing both a steady decline in life-supporting resources and rising demands. Recognition of these challenges is sparking innovation within the private sector where the first glimmers of systemic change can be seen. The book examines the emergence of 21st-century enterprises that recognise their reliance on broad social and ecological systems (‘ants’), incorporate sparks of genius rooted in rigorous analyses (‘Galileo’), and acknowledge the importance of compassion and determination within any endeavour (‘Gandhi’).

With contributions from Ray Anderson, Gretchen Daily, Karl-Henrik Robèrt, Alois Flatz, Allen White and many more, the book illustrates that pioneering companies recognise that new opportunities emerge from recognising the broader systems on which all businesses rely. Efforts to work with ecological and social dynamics of vibrancy and resilience offer a new space for innovation. Companies are stepping into this space and exploring innovative approaches to developing sustainability-focused products, operations and strategies. These sustainability-inspired business efforts are considering new ways to address human needs and desires. The most promising approaches are based on systems thinking and recognition of the linkages between ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ effects of actions. Understanding the undesired ‘downstream’ impacts of a firm’s practices draws attention ‘upstream’. This assessment highlights the most expedient approach: to design these impacts out of enterprises from the very start.

The book is divided into five sections to present a set of theories emerging about sustainability and its application to: business strategy and operations; financial-sector practices; accountability and reporting drivers; and organisational change pathways. Together, these sections illustrate the current range of sustainability theories and applications.

Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi will be essential reading for both academics looking for robust teaching material, practitioners looking for inspiration and the general reader interested in exploring the state of the art in the realignment of 21st-century business. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Helping Business Contribute to a Thriving Society for All
Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi is one of the most informative, comprehensive and inspiring works on how business and industry must think and can act to help create a healthy, just and sustainable society worldwide. It is the first book to link business decision-making and strategies for action to a framework and set of scientific principles that can lead to true sustainability. Masterfully written and based on solid theory backed up by impressive case studies, Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi is a 'must-read' for decision-makers in industry, government, and civil society and should be required reading in all business, economics, and engineering education.

Just what the doctor ordered
Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi is just what the doctor ordered: smart, detailed, in-the-trenches case studies of how companies align sustainability with business success, along with the scientific and societal rationale that amplify these initiatives‚ importance. There may be no better set of principles to guide today's companies through tomorrow's challenging markets. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive overview of the supply and demand picture for natural resources globally.

Many analysts now believe that a tightening of natural resources (oil, gas, grains, metals) is opening the door to tremendous investment opportunity. Roland Jansen provides a fully up-to-date examination of investing and trading in natural resources through prudent, realistic, yet profitable means, including stocks, futures, and mutual funds.

Roland A. Jansen (Liechtenstein & the Netherlands) is Director of LLB Fondsleitung AG, the fund management company of Liechtensteinische Landesbank. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Keep buying energy: Oil has already doubled in price .
"Profits from Natural Resources" appeared in the book stores in November 1998, when nobody paid attention to commodities and oil was trading at $ 10 a barrel. Now oil has doubled in price and natural resources as an investment sector has been sofar one of the hottest and best performing sectors of 1999. Say no more ! ... Read more