Book Description

with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development

"An understanding of the business value to be gained from efficient use of natural resources is an important first step toward sustainability: toward building a world in which resources are managed to meet the needs of all people now and in the future. I hope all business leaders will read this book and take its message to heart." -- Jonathan Lash, President, World Resources Institute

Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, many companies have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their activities and of how good environmental practices can provide a competitive advantage. The term "eco-efficiency" describes business activities that create economic value while reducing ecological impact and resource use. This book describes the principles of eco-efficiency and presents case studies of a number of international companies, including 3M and the Dow Chemical Company. It also discusses the value of partnerships--with other companies, business associations, communities, regulators, and environmental and other non-governmental groups. In the conclusion, the authors argue that business must change to become eco-efficient and that governments need to change the conditions under which business operates, including tax and regulatory regimes, to make them more conducive to eco-efficiency. Livio D. DeSimone, CEO of 3M, and Frank Popoff, Chairman of the Dow Chemical Company, wrote the book with the World business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The WBSCD is a global organization that acts as business's advocate on issues related to the environment and sustainable development. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Highly Recommended!
Their environmental passion is heartfelt, but the authors of Eco-Efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development are no tree huggers. Livio D. DeSimone is chairman and chief executive officer of 3M and Frank Popoff is chairman of Dow Chemical. The co-authors' status as corporate titans lends credibility to their positions. The planet's fragile ecology is in danger of being destroyed by its inhabitants and large corporations bear much of the responsibility for saving the environment, they write. This isn't a screed, though. Rather, it's a reasoned guide to making your company more profitable and more environmentally friendly at the same time. The "eco" in their favorite buzzword, eco-efficiency, refers to both economics and the ecology. By examining their processes, companies can reduce waste that's costly financially and ecologically, they argue. Due to its measured, balanced analysis of the relationship between business and the environment, we at getAbstract strongly recommend this book to all executives and students, especially those who have a real concern for the environment, but find themselves frustrated at the strident tone of many environmentalists.

Thorough, but one sided.
Eco-efficiency provides a thorough diagnosis of what is necessary for business to grow and become more economically and ecologically efficient in a changing world, as well as providing arguments for how governments haveto allow open markets to promote sustainable development.However theviews are one sided, barely addressing legitimate arguments.Also, it isdifficult to trust the athors who are both CEOs of companies nothistorically known for 'green' efficiency.And, if you can't trust themessenger, how can you trust the message?

A must to every business manager
A must to every business manager which is not yet familiar with the concept and practice of eco-efficiency. ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Invaluable Book
An invaluable book. Daunting in scope, the research and organization contained in "Earth at a Crossroads" are extremely impressive.

"Earth at a Crossroads" gives readers the choice of two alternative paths to the future - one of unsustainable competitionwhichwe are currently following, or one of global partnership based onequitable and sustainable economic and social development.

Chapter afterchapter, Harmut Bossel provides concrete and attainable plans of action forthose concerned enough to act. Far and away one of the better books onsustainable development available and an invaluable reference for anyoneinterested in acting to bring about a sustainable future. ... Read more

Book Description

Timescapes of Modernity focuses on time to facilitate a deeper understanding of the interactions between environmental, economic, political and socio-cultural concerns. Thinking of the environment as a timescape allows us to see the hazards of the industrial way of life in a new light. Barbara Adam argues that environmental hazards are inescapably tied to the successes of the industrial way of life, global markets and economic growth, large-scale production of food, the speed of transport and communication, the 24 hour society, and even democratic politics. Using examples including the aftermaths of Chernobyl and the treatment of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopath (BSE), Adam dislodges taken-for-granted assumptions about environmental change and provides innovative new strategies to deal with some of the most severe environmental hazards of our time. ... Read more

Book Description

One of the most important challenges facing civilization is how its natural resources will be used and protected. Too often polarization and litigation cause results with which no one is truly satisfied. Enemies are made, lines are drawn and both people and the environment are degraded.Resolving Environmental Conflict explains the transformative approach toward facilitation. It shows how to help parties empower themselves to define the issues and decide the settlement on their own terms and on their own time through better understanding of one another's perspectives.The transformative approach allows a conflict's outcome to be decided solely by the participants even though resolution may not take place for some months after facilitation is complete. Inherent in the solution is a shared vision for the community without which sustainability is not possible.Beyond shared vision, this book examines notions of development, sustainability, and community and the synergism of ecology, culture and economic needs that promote a healthy environment enriching the lives of all its inhabitants. ... Read more

Book Description

A bold corporate and environmental history, Green Empire examines the intersection of one of the most ambitious players in Florida's real estate market with the state's last frontier--the quiet natural spaces of the Panhandle.

Since the Great Depression, the St. Joe Company (formerly the St. Joe Paper Company) has been Florida's largest landowner, a forestry and transportation conglomerate whose influence has been commensurate with its holdings. The company owns nearly one million acres, mainly in northwestern Florida, where undeveloped coastal and riverside landscapes boast some of the state's most scenic and ecologically diverse areas.

For 60 years, the company focused on growing trees, turning them into paper, and managing its ancillary businesses. In the late 1990s, the company shifted directions: it sold its paper mill, changed its name, and launched a concerted drive to turn its natural-resource assets into greater profits. Today the St. Joe Company is a critical and fiscally powerful force in the real-estate development of northwest Florida, with access to the most influential people in government. Poised to reshape the rural Panhandle, the company and its subsidiaries have the potential to permanently and drastically alter the landscape, environment, and economic foundation of the region.

Based on hundreds of sources--including company executives, board members, and investors as well as outside observers--this factual and balanced history describes the St. Joe Company from the days of its founders to the workings and dealings of its present-day heirs. For all readers concerned with land use and growth management, particularly those with an interest in Florida's fragile wildlife and natural resources, this book will generate important debate about an often-overlooked part of the state and will invite public scrutiny of its largest landowner. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Extremely well written and balanced
As an investor in residential rental property primarily in Destin, Florida I wanted to learn about the explosive growth in the Panama City Beach area. My research led me to a web site of West Bay County's growth plans and the tremendous influence of St Joe on the entire area. I wanted to learn more and was delighted to see that the Green Empire had recently been published. The book is extremely well written, and provides a balanced approach in addressing the economic, environmental and political issues involved in developing this area. The book is a textbook on environmental planning, political processes and macro econonomic issues, but a real "page turner" as well. It is in part a detective story as well as a primer for those interested in learning more about and participating in the dynamic growth of this new Florida frontier.

Green Empire is a great read
The authors of Green Empire have done the people of the Florida Panhandle a great service. This thoughful and engaging book offers insights about one of Florida's most powerful companies--the St. Joe Company--and the way developers achieve their ends. The authors have clearly done their research. The book is filled with interesting facts about the history of the development of northwest Florida, beginning at the turn of the century. The book also provides a look at the influencial people--Alfred DuPont and Ed Ball, in particular--behind this development. Anyone who has witnessed an area's natural beauty give way to urbanization and development will appreciate the work the authors put into this book to shed light on how this happens. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Over a Barrel: A Simple Guide to the Oil Shortage is meant as a concise summary of the urgent oil shortage issue, written to be read by everyone of high school age or older.It provides a balanced and factual picture of the medium-to-long range role of oil in supplying the world’s energy needs, as well as an understanding of the many technical and social implications of the alternatives to oil.

A foundation in understanding energy is provided by the early chapters on energy concepts, history, uses, and sources.Emphasis is given to the special energy requirements of the transportation industries that are 97% dependent on oil-based fuels.

Then, the focus shifts to understanding oil.World supply and demand for oil is carefully explained, showing that we have used about half the oil that nature took over 100 million years to create and that oil production will begin to decline soon.These chapters show that the rising world demand will create a permanent and increasing shortage of oil and that the Middle East has over 60% of the oil reserves.

Oil alternatives are reviewed with the alarming conclusion that we don’t know which of them can overcome their many technical and social issues to fill some of the gap that will be created by declining oil production.The case for more and better organized research and development of alternatives to oil is made.

The book explores life in a world with declining oil and no alternatives – an unpleasant life.Suggestions are then given for actions to be taken by the reader to support R&D efforts and for fuel conservation to extend the time we have to accomplish the identification and building of industries for alternatives to oil. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What the energy crisis is about and what to expect
Over the Barrel presents the world energy situation---past,present, and future, in very readable, logical terms.Being a housewife with no connections to the energy industry, my eyes were opened to the critical status of our oil supply, and the complications and expense of the alternatives.

Quick and to the Point
This short concise book hits the nail right on the head.The supply (production) of oil in the world can no longer keep pace with demand.Sharply rising prices signal the second half of the 200 year "Oil Age" as we begin the descent of Hubbert's Peak.

The future of civilization is in great jeopardy.Read all about this most serious subject in OVER A BARREL: A Simple Guide to Oil Shortage.

Must Read
The oil shortage is already having an impact on our way of life, this is a very timely study written by an expert, a must read for all. ... Read more

Book Description

Financial Reporting of Environmental Liabilities and Risks is a complete guide to developing the underlying business systems to successfully report environmental matters in audited financial statements and reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). It sets forth relevant reporting and internal control standards and discusses important issues affecting reporting entities, accountants, lawyers, and environmental professionals. ... Read more

Book Description

Following a comprehensive overview by the editors, this volume’s expert contributors provide detailed discussion of important legal, ecological and social issues associated with coastal resource management, as well as the most significant challenges confronting land use planners and resource managers in coastal communities. Using an interdisciplinary approach to perplexing questions surrounding the issue of development versus protection, the volume presents a broad approach to coastal issues involving private rights and public trust. Part I: The Law and Coastal Environments provides background information on the more recent federal and state lawsuits, statutes and regulations that impact coastal environments. In Part II: Ecological Consequences for Coastal Development, scientists discuss threats posed by elevated nitrogen levels and heavy metal contamination in coastal waters, followed by descriptions of the impact of development on habitats essential to estuarine-dependent fish and migratory shorebirds. In Part III: Private Use, Public Trust and Coastal Protection the authors explore ways to balance private use of the coast with public rights of access and preservation. They discuss the concept of stewardship by both public and private landowners, factors affecting environmental values in coastal communities, and facilitation of enlightened public policies for growth management and resource protection.Appropriate for courses pertaining to coastal ecology, coastal management or land-use planning, this book will also appeal to a diverse audience of economists, concerned citizens, environmental lawyers and policymakers. ... Read more

Book Description

Water is vital to social and economic development whilst both arable land and water are scarce. Managing water is highly capital intensive, and capital is also scarce. Simultaneously, there are environmental consequences to any intervention in the water cycle whilst the economy depends on the environment. Therefore, for an integrated catchment, economic analyses must be undertaken on the analysis of the impacts of the proposed scheme upon the catchment as a whole.

This book starts with the Dublin declaration for defining sustainable water management and sets out the economic framework needed to support the implementation of its requirements. The book is divided into two parts: the theory and applications. The theory side sets out the nature of choice and decision-making, considering social and policy issues for water and resource management. The applications side provides the tools for the economic evaluation of water needs, the use of economic instruments and cost-benefit analysis.

Handbook of Water Economics: principles and practice:

• Adopts an integrated approach to managing land-water interactions.

• Includes good practice guidelines for each method along with a comparative summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

• Illustrates techniques with real applications from projects in Egypt, South Africa, China and the United Kingdom.

• Includes case studies on water availability, sewerage and wastewater treatment, tradable permits, , flooding, and hydrometric data.

• Incorporates other aspects of water management, including law, sociology, psychology, development studies and market research.

• Is orientated to practical application.

Book Description

The Precautionary Principle is widely seen as fundamental to successful policies for sustainability. It has been cited in international courts and trade disputes between the US and the EU, and invoked in an growing range of political debates. Understanding what it can and cannot achieve is therefore crucial.

This volume looks back over the last century to examine the role the Principle played or could have played, in a range of major and avoidable public disasters. Among the studies it examines are: asbestos and asbestosis, BSE in cattle, CFCs and the depletion of stratospheric ozone, the pollution of the Great Lakes in America, the collapse of Atlantic fish stocks, PCBs, etc., for all of which there is good information on the science, the health and environmental impacts, and the costs and benefits.

From detailed investigation of how each disaster unfolded, what the impacts were and what measures were adopted, the authors draw lessons and establish criteria that could help to minimize the health and environmental risks of future technological, economic and policy innovations.

The result is an absorbing, informative and valuable book for all those from lawyers and policy-makers, to researchers and students needing to understand or apply the Principle. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A thorough and useful book
The book takes a matter-of-fact approach to the subject, getting contributors to give detailed answers to four key questions on specific hazards that were subsequently addressed, starting with when was the first credible scientific warning of potential harm. It's not a light read, and an understanding of the scientific method, chemistry, and statistics will prove invaluable.

The book received a warm welcome in the scientific press, and the quality of the writing shows why. Where there is doubt in research, the book discusses it honestly. It also shows why problems frequently aren't addressed until after financial or health damage has been done, for example the compound (government) system failures that caused the BSE crisis in the UK. Of note is what has been omitted: the low-hanging fruit of (say) second-hand smoking, thalidomide, DDT, and lead in petrol would have made a separate book.

Another of the questions asked of the contributors concerns costs versus benefits -- for example, there is a discussion of whether the health (and, ultimately, financial) problems of asbestos were offset by the safety benefits, employment opportunities and so on. Combined with an unbiased and non-accusatory tone throughout the book, it makes an invaluable contribution to a field overrepresented by polemics.

The empowerment of bureaucracy
The precautionary principle (PP in short) has become a scientific and political instrument attracting a host of organisations and individuals giving their viewpoints adding to the international discussion. Indeed, how to deal with environmental and human health risks is not a simple matter. Science and technology carry both real benefits and real risks. And a 'better be safe than sorry' strategy -as a translation what precaution is- seems the wisest thing to do.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) adds to this discussion by looking into the past. Always a good thing to think historically about risks and technology. The presentation of those historical examples of technology gone wrong leaves one wondering, however, whether or not the scientific representation is up to par.

Clearly it is not. However, not to the layman. One needs to be aware of all the scientific ins and outs to spot the possible biases. One example I myself am quite familiar with is the antibiotic case discussed by the EEA (chapter 9 in the downlodable version). Blatant omissions from the scientific discussion (leaving out essential scientific literature) spurs the authors of this chapter to a banal and trivial conclusion (p. 98 of the downloadable version):

'As the risks involved are of uncertain magnitude, the decisions on risk management are particularly difficult. The risk can obviously not be excluded with certainty, nor can it be de-termined as acceptable. In a climate of uncertainty it is preferable to show caution. In this situation decision-making needs to involve precaution, particularly when it is unacceptable, inhuman and unethical to wait for ultimate proof, when human fatalities could be involved.'

Of course this conclusion can be drawn for any case, not just this one. Moreover no amount of scientific research will ever result in certainty. The conclusion presented here in the EEA report is not in need of any scientific deliberation. It could do well without ten pages of scientific reviewing, whether or not biased in nature. Furthermore, the authors revert to the fallacy of an appeal to motives in place of support. They regard not invoking the PP as unacceptable, inhuman and unethical. Of course this is beside the point as it has very little to do with the scientific discourse at hand.

This brings me to the philosophical side of the issue. Any type of human action or inaction is fraught with uncertainty and therefore prone to the PP. So how to chose? The problem is that risks of one kind or another are on all sides of regulatory choices, and it is therefore impossible to avoid running afoul of the principle. The PP promotes irrational behaviour by the assumption that regulating target risks (the historical examples presented in the EEA study) is overall beneficial ánd that the costs of risk avoidance with only the specific target risks in view can be met on any scale -which is clearly not the case. Moreover, this asymmetry is enhanced by the fact that those who invoke the PP -the policymakers- do not need to adhere to it themselves despite the fact that any human intervention holds uncertainties for the future.

The EEA treats the PP as though it were an exogenous panacea for environmental and social ills. In other words: market risks warrants governmental regulation. But government regulation is not an exogenous solution to environmental risks; it is itself an endogenous and fallible human activity, and as such it can create risks. Risks that are as real as the risks of market (economic) activities: care can cure but care can also cripple.

The odd thing is that no discussion what so ever is presented by the EEA on the problems of the PP. Not a single reference to the ever growing scientific literature highly critical of the PP. Whichever side one choses, within the scientific discourse one has to deal with scientific criticism from both sides.

My conclusion therefore must be that the EEA did not so much present a scientific piece of work on this issue but made a political statement on how to deal with risk. It is part of the 'ecological critique' of the Western World which Anna Bramwell described so well in her 'Ecology in the twentieth century'. The PP fits well with a misanthropic view of progress combined with a relativistic perspective on science. Therefore the PP empowers bureaucracy as the scientific check and balances are side-tracked in its implementation. Indeed a recipe for increasing social and political struggles and stagnating economies. ... Read more

Book Description

Japan, Germany, the United States, and the Race for Environmental Technology ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wake-up call for industry!
Authors Curtis Moore and Alan Miller provide a wake-up call for industrialists who have yet to respond to the rise in the number of new markets for environmental technologies. Geared to inspire and catalyze U.S. entrepreneurs, the book offers insight to any business interested in the growing market. Environmental technologies range from consumer to industrial products. The authors write that: "Two of the largest markets are for machines which consume the vast majority of the world's energy and generate most of its pollution as well: motor vehicles and electric power plants." Increasingly stringent vehicular emissions testing, such as in Mexico, create a market for new products. Writing about Japan's investment in air quality improvement in Mexico City, the authors conclude that altruism alone is not a sufficient explanation. "The benefit to Japan is access to enormous markets for pollution control equipment," the authors write, pointing to $246 million which Japan budgeted in 1993 for its international energy programs. The authors are well-regarded in the public policy arena. Moore served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works. Miller currently is the director of the Maryland-based Center for Global Change. Numerous illustrations of successful business practices help guide the reader to understanding the forces at work. AT &T, for example, foresaw the approaching worldwide ban on CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and developed its own substitutes for ozone-destroying chemicals. Environmental protection can be beneficial to the economy. Nations which have spearheaded their own environmental safeguards now have the technologies to sell abroad. Green Gold provides the framework for understanding how countries and businesses can work together to protect both the environment and the economy. ... Read more

Book Description

World population is predicted to increase by a third by the year 2025. Approximately seventy percent of global abstracted water is used in farming and therefore the economics of irrigation are becoming increasingly important in sustainable development.Water for Agriculture is essential reading for those professionals involved in the planning of water resources and for advanced students studying this topic of agriculture development studies, economics, engineering, environmental science, hyrdology and planning courses. ... Read more

Book Description

A real-life thriller about the corporate takeover of our most basic resource.

In a shocking exposé, Blue Gold shows why, as the vice president of the World Bank has pronounced, "The wars of the next century will be about water."

Increasingly, transnational corporations are plotting to control the world's dwindling water supply. In England and France, where water has already been privatized, rates have soared and water shortages have been severe. The major bottled-water companies—Perrier, Evian, Naya, and now Coca-Cola and PepsiCo—head one of the fastest growing and least regulated industries, buying up fresh water rights and drying up crucial reserves. Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke, two of the most active opponents to this trend, show how the corporate giants act in their own interest and how, contrary to received wisdom, water flows uphill to the wealthy who can afford it.

The consumption of water doubles every twenty years—more than twice the rate of the increase in human population. Blue Goldcaptures in striking detail the forces behind the depletion of the world's fresh water, and the human and ecological impacts it entails. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

SOCIALIST VIEW OF WATER
Blue Gold is extremely easy reading replete with abundant data and reasons why private corporations should not be allowed to provide public services. While there is no doubt that private enterprise has failed in some cases and has been guilty of unseemly business practices, the authors completely ignore the dismal failure and inability of government to develop and manage water supplies. Santa Fe, New Mexico, for example, convinced their citizens that the Sangre de Cristo water company was poorly run and the water was too expensive. Since they took it over, service has been downhill and costs have been uphill. Readers are urged to use google to determine the Santa Fe water woes. The book provides a specious look at the Walkerton, Ontario affair, a publicly run water system, by saying the E. Coli outbreak was the fault of a private laboratory because they only reported what the government required. Other examples of poorly run public systems are too numerous to mention including Dar es Salam, Nairobi, Cochabamba and many others.

The book is a pleasant and informative read but must be read with the understanding that the authors are completely opposed to any private involvement in the production and distribution of water. They make the mistake of equating the operation of a water system with the ownership of the resource. They make the mistake or would like the reader to believe that the cost of water is actually the cost of water. It is not. When we refer to the cost of water it is really the annualized amortation of the capital infrastructure cost and the annual operation and maintenance cost. There are very few situations where the water is sold as a resources, San Diego, El Paso, and San Antonio being a few recent examples. So to say water is like oil is misdirection.

The authors also would lead readers to believe that bottled water is bad. In actual fact, bottling companies are held to the same standard as municipal systems for water quality.

The authors are strongly opposed to the bulk water export from Canada or from anywhere else. Those who propose such schemes could not make their proposals unless there were an uneven distribution of water on earth and their proposals are sometimes received favorably by governments such as Israel in their proposal to temporarily import 50 million cubic meters for 10 years until their desalination plants are up and running.

Pirating our Water Supply
Blue Gold's a book to let you know more about where your water in America is going. Can we stop this theft of our most valuable resource. A study reports huge corporations seeking control of the world's water supply. These involve giant European corporations in collaboration with the World Bank. Together increasingly taking control of public water supplies with tragic results. a report 'The Water Barons' says that by 2002 private water companies were operating in 56 countries and 2 territories. This rose from a dozen in 1990. Companies that are expanding control are Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux and Vivendi Environment of France, Thomas Water by RWEAG of Germany, Suar of France and United Utilities of England working with Bechtel Co. of the United States. All of these have worked closely with the World Bank. They lobby aggressively for legislation and trade laws to require cities to privatize their water. A recent update is that these companies continue in their acquisition to control water companies in the Northeastern U.S. region.

In major cities around the world, they persuade governments to sign long-term contracts with major private water companies. The concern, is that a handful of private companies could soon control a tremendous bulk of the world's most vital resource. Are water barons providing a good product? One certain city in the U.S. cancelled it's water contract because of complaints of poor service and unsanitary water conditions. In other countries and poorer countries were unable to pay huge water bills were forced to drink from disease-ridden lakes and streams resulting the spread of deadly epidemic outbreaks such as chlorea. In regions of the U.S. where ground water isn't enough to support domestic and fire protection water needs. It's necessary to develop alternative sources of water. The water crisis is worldwide. Many countries are facing a severe shortage. Some will run out of water by the year 2011. Can we find alternative ways to conserve our greatest resource. And, in the meantime can we stop the railroading of public water to greedy giant corporate barons. This book is a eye-opener. Another good reading on this subject is, 'Cadillac Desert.'

Addresses Threats to Our Most Valuable Global Resource
This was a great book that highlights the current threats to our global water supply. This book was particularly thorough in the analysis of the privatization of water resources. It explains the international institutions that prop up global water companies. I was very impressed with the extensive research that the authors must have put into this book - they used many examples of water issues from around the world. This book is a great introductory book for someone interested in becoming more knowledgable in water issues. It is also a great book for the general public to help them to understand more about a resource they probably take for granted. Don't buy bottled water! It is environmentally wasteful of resources and economically unjustifiable. It contributes funds to private companies and helps to support global water corporations!

Threats to Blue Gold
There are not many surprises in BLUE GOLD. The primary message of Maud Barlow and Tony Clarke's book echoes the Blue Planet Project, a global campaign to assert the universal right to water, of which Barlow is one of the international leaders. It is the 'battle against the corporate world' - here in particular the 'theft of the world's water'. Of course, it is not so much a 'theft' of water - the world's water supply has been more or less stable since the beginning of time - rather the increasing control by a small group of multinationals over the water's allocation to the peoples of this planet.

Consequently, the strength of the book is in its coverage of the multi-national corporations, the 'Global Water Lords', and the exposure of their expanding power over water delivery and processing systems around the globe. Initiatives to privatize water delivery at a national level probably started with Napoleon III in France in the middle of the 19th century. At that time, governments were usually in charge of water management. Since then privatization has spread from France to the rest of the world. Today, Barlow and Clarke maintain, some 10 corporate players dominate the global water industry. Two French companies hold the lion's share. Most of these major players are multi-utility providers, which increase their hold on the water resources of countries and regions. Once a government opens a door to privatization of any of the water related services, such as water delivery or waste management, it abandons its right to take back control at any stage even if water user groups complain about bad or no service or the company does not live up to the contract. The rules and regulations of the WTO see to that, the authors claim. Although the percentage of national water systems controlled by multi-national corporations at the present time is small, Barlow and Clarke want to warn of the trend and its implication.

Examples are described where things have gone wrong: poor quality of project implementation resulted in water pollution and environmental damage, and/or communities and local business lost the water supply altogether. In these instances corporate water suppliers maintained their profit margin through cutting back in previously promised investments and/or increasing consumer rates. The latter was implemented without any regard to the capacity of the poor to pay. As a result, they could be cut off from the service.

Barlow and Clarke's analysis of the progression of the global water crisis and its origins is less satisfactory. A reader unfamiliar with complex topic of water might find the tour d'horizon overwhelming. The review of the diversity of root causes at local, national and regional levels is superficial and tends to present generalizations where concrete examples would have been more meaningful. The tendency to paint a black and white picture with big business as the main villain sidelines other major reasons for water crises around the world. Agriculture is only mentioned in passing, although some 70% of all water resources are used by agriculture: agribusiness and millions of small-scale and mid-size farmers across industrialized and developing countries. Implementing water conservation methods (through improved irrigation, drought tolerant crops, etc) could lead to substantial water resource savings.

Recent initiatives against global corporate water control highlighted in the section 'Fightback' are selective, emphasizing well-known international as well as North American cases. The approach is usually confrontational with clearly identified opposing sides. Examples of constructive multi-stakeholder collaboration efforts in many parts of the world which attempt to tackle water scarcity are not given enough recognition.
The 'Way Forward' spells out fundamental principles and recommends a series of standards that should be included in any agreement of public-private partnerships in the water delivery sphere. These include the involvement of water users in the planning of the systems, local stewardship and watershed protection, strengthen water preservation and reclaiming of polluted water systems. Underlying all these standards is the recognition of water as an essential part of life and the right of all beings to water whatever their social or economic status. A call for capacity building and education of consumers, communities, government officials and private sector actors at all levels should be added.

BLUE GOLD is an easy read, maybe for some too easy considering the seriousness of the topic. It covers very important ground, often in an overview fashion that tends to generalize and take a black and white stand. Although it is obvious that the authors did comprehensive research in preparation of the book, it shows a certain lack of thoroughness by not providing citation references (footnotes), adequate source listings and a bibliography or reading list.

Blue Gold
Compared with Marc Reisner's Cadillac Desert or Marq de Villiers Water I found Blue Gold to be relatively poorly researched, presenting only the authors' point-of-view rather than a thoughtful analysis of the world water situation. The authors failed to convince me that "public" (government) control of water distribution would be better than private control; after all, the government in the U.S. has a very poor record of equitable distribution, especially through Bureau of Reclamation projects. A private distribution system modeled after our natural gas distribution system, with a regulatory board setting prices and two-tier pricing (cheap baseline rates plus higher rates for use above baseline amounts) could perhaps work, but was not discussed by the authors.
I think, also, that the editing was somewhat poor: Does California factory-farm runoff really leak into the Ogallala aquifer (p. 34)? Did the FBI really order reservoir gates closed in Klamath Falls (p.65)?
Overall, I think better books are available that discuss the water issue in a less biased manner. ... Read more

Book Description

Comforting terms such as "sustainable development" and "green production" frame environmental debate by stressing technology (not green enough), economic growth (not enough in the right places), and population (too large). Concern about consumption emerges, if at all, in benign ways--as calls for green purchasing or more recycling, or for small changes in production processes. Many academics, policymakers, and journalists, in fact, accept the economists view of consumption as nothing less than the purpose of the economy. Yet many people have a troubled, intuitive understanding that tinkering at the margins of production and purchasing will not put society on an ecologically and socially sustainable path.

Confronting Consumption places consumption at the center of debate by conceptualizing "the consumption problem" and documenting diverse efforts to confront it. In Part 1, the book frames consumption as a problem of political and ecological economy, emphasizing core concepts of individualization and commoditization. Part 2 develops the idea of distancing and examines transnational chains of consumption in the context of economic globalization. Part 3 describes citizen action through local currencies, home power, voluntary simplicity, ad-busting, and product certification. Together, the chapters propose "cautious consuming" and "better producing" as an activist and policy response to environmental problems. The book concludes that confronting consumption must become a driving focus of contemporary environmental scholarship and activism. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best Book in Global Environmental Affairs
This award-winning book ("The Best Book in Global Environmental Affairs" according to the International Studies Association) offers an accessible and engaging analysis of the 800 pound gorilla in the living room that environmentalists find difficult to talk about with force: overconsumption. The early portion of the book documents the problem; the middle chunk offers a set of mental lenses for making sense of our quandry; and the final chapters offer real-life stories of actors and movements (the voluntary simplicity movement, for example, and the home power and local currency movements too) challenging the upward escalating trajectory of the consumption of "stuff."

What's especially helpful about the book -- in addition to its "something for everyone" flavor -- is that it moves beyond simplistic prescriptions to "squash advertising" or "buy recycled products." Indeed, it is rather skeptical of these measures, which it tends to view as diversionary activities meant to take our eye off the underlying forces at war with the planet. Instead, it offers strategies for coming together collectively to challenge broader powers and structures that make it so difficult for people worried about the future of the planet to live more with less. ... Read more

Book Description

In this invaluable introduction to the major post-Second World War theories of Third World development, Peter Preston takes as his focus the strategies used to analyze change in the Third World and examines the ways in which different conceptions of the nature of change have led to different lines of policy advice. In doing so, the author demonstrates how the various contemporary approaches to development draw upon strategies of enquiry which are lodged deep within the intellectual traditions of the modern world. The author's approach is based on the premise that the reader can only fully grasp the live issues and debates surrounding development through an understanding of the linkages with the broader frameworks of social theory.The volume is organized into four major sections:An introduction to the nature of social scientific analysis;A review of the work of the major social scientific figures of the nineteenth century and their impacts in the twentieth;A comprehensive discussion of the post-Second World War theories of Third World development;A prospective study of the current debates within the field of development theory about global structures and agent responses.Development Theory is designed to appeal to students across a wide range of disciplines, who are taking courses dealing with aspects of development. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The most important book in contemporary America
Maybe One by Bill McKibben

The importance of this book to the near future of the United States is hard to exaggerate. It is a must for every young American, and everyone who cares about the quality of human life and of the environment.

McKibben's premise is this: if large numbers of people choose to limit their families to one child, the maximum population of the United States will be lower by a critical amount.

Most environmental thinkers recognize the central role of population growth in environment issues, including in this country. The United States is the third most populous country in the world, and the fastest growing industrialized nation. Bill McKibben has the courage to tell the truth: the only way to limit population growth is to choose small families. Deciding how many children to have, like it or not, is more than a private decision. It is very much a decision that will effect the quality of life of all Americans over the next 100 years.

McKibben gently demolishes long-held beliefs in the poor adjustment of only children. He also argues against legislated population control, though one might make the case that such measures may become necessary if voluntary family limits fail.

McKibben's relaxed, peppy style makes this book accessible to everyone, and his topic is the most important one for contemporary America.

Necessary and about time
Maybe One is an important book that is sure to ruffle a lot of feathers. Bill McKibben's background might for some evoke a walking contradiction and, indeed, his argument for single-child families could perpetuate that image. However, I prefer to view McKibben and his "argument" as complex, not easily lumped into a neat category, and willing to be unpopular--compelling qualities in both books and people. I have recommended (highly) this book to friends who, like my husband and me, have determined to raise an only child and whose decision has been met with disbelief or disdain. I have also praised it to people in my life who have been unsupportive of our decision to have one child. So if McKibben had simply taken on the role of only-child cheerleader, I must admit that I would be first in line to buy Maybe One if only for a validation of my own life choice. But McKibben is not in the easy business of validation. His scientific, historically grounded appro! ach is first and foremost about irrefutable consequence, whether the reader has ten children, one, or none at all.

Argument Based on Fallacy
Why did I have to even give it one star? The problem that someone should point out is that McKibben's book has as its core basis a fallacious argument. The United States, like every other developed nation is not growing because of the rate of reproduction of its population but because of immigration. If he had chosen to focus on a way to slow population growth and improve economies in the developing nations and thereby probably reduce the rate of immigration his argument would be stronger but since he didn't it doesn't matter what he says because once the core reason for his book is proven wrong, why should we believe any other argument he wishes to make?

Do the math....
The idea presented in this book has to be the worst proposal ever to come out of the over-population myth. First of all if every family had only one child, the human race would eventually die out. (Example: 500 people make 250 couples, if each one had only 1 child, then the next generation would have only 250 children, making it possible to have only 125 couples.)

One point of contradiction is that the author professes his belief in Jesus Christ, but denies the first commandment given to man (multiply and replenish the earth).

The solution to all of the problems cited by over-population rumourists isn't population control, its better resource management.

Earth issues and broader thoughts on the only child
Bill McKibben has written a book that is not only much needed but a wake up call to those who care about the entire earth environment and what effect multi-child families have.

As the mother of one child, a son who is now raised and responsible and happy I am always looking for books that dispel the myths about only children being selfish, spoiled, maladjusted loners (the authors words). The author doesn't just talk theory. And he walks his talk, in sharing the personal choice and experience of having a vasectomy.

His work is thorough in showing how misplaced and out of context religious admonishments to go forth and multiply are. How we no longer need large families to work the farms much less the nine month school year. That we as a society need to rethink what children should be to society at large and get over the whole lug headed logic that as women we are not complete unless we reproduce and do so more than once. Or that real men are only the ones who create an heir, and usually a male one at that.

I also appreciated immensely his challenging people to stop seeing a child as a hobby and start looking at the child as an individual with rights and that an only child that is reared with a mindset of personal responsibility is the best future citizen. And the fact is as his work shows, is this. Todays family with more than one child is the very family who succumbs to guilt buying. Over consuming and children with poor health i.e.obesity and altruistic thought that is not embraced but if taught is done so out of guilt feelings.

the book is split into four sections. Part One: Family Part Two: Species Part Three: Nation Part Four: Self. And am so grateful the author has noted the works of Granville Stanley Hall who was born in 1844 and would go on to John Hopkins and do some earthshaking research as well as create the first research university in psychology. ... Read more

Book Description

In the absence of world government, effective national policy is essential to the success of international environmental initiatives. Yet research on global environmental cooperation has proceeded without models of policy change in developing countries, where most of the world's people, land, and species are found. In this book Paul Steinberg provides a theoretical framework to explain the domestic responses of developing countries to global environmental concerns. Drawing on extensive field research, he traces the evolution of public policies to protect biological diversity in Costa Rica and Bolivia over the past four decades, to understand how these countries emerged as leaders in tropical conservation and how international institutions might support similar outcomes in other countries.

Environmental Leadership in Developing Countries explodes the myth that developing countries are too preoccupied with short-term economic growth and material survival to devote attention to global environmental concerns. Instead it offers a nuanced account of complex, decades-long efforts to create effective institutions, and analyzes the relative roles of foreign and domestic actors in this process. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good but something was missing
I read the book. I agreed with all the points. I was properly impressed with his statistics and anecdotes. But overall I felt something was missing, although I can't put my finger on it. After reading this book, rather than feeling charged up to go and do something about it I felt rather ho-hum instead. I don't think the book is polemical enough. It doesn't offer clear cut guides on what needs to change. The threat is always vague, "We can't keep this up or someday we'll run out." His discussion of the necessity of growth left me unconvinced, even though I desperately wanted to be convinced. The book is an interesting read, but it was just lacking something that kept it from being amazing.

Brilliant and informative evaluation of the consumer society
Has it ever occurred to you that Americans go to shopping malls more often than they attend church or synagogue? Did you know that, directly or indirectly, we consume our own weight in basic resources EVERY DAY? Half a billion people--those who belong to the consumer society--use up almost all of the world's resources and create most of the pollution. This is one of those books that leaves a lasting impression upon the way you perceive the society you live in. This book is not only a smooth read, but is PACKED with carefully researched information in a most wonderful way. Durning backs up all his statements with solid facts. What else would you expect from a senior researcher at the Worldwatch Institute? And aside from the conscientious fact-checking, Durning has another Worldwatch habit: he not only presents complex problems in understandable ways, but also presents multi-pronged, workable solutions. Overall, a concise book chock full of careful thinking. ... Read more