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The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma

If I were asked by a visitor from outer space for the best information on the history and ecology of life on Earth, I’d offer this book. Deservedly short-listed for the 2010 Writers’ Trust Non-Fiction Prize, The Ptarmigan’s Dilemma covers all the bases, bridging the authors’ decades of research into animal ecology and their many engaging encounters with animals. From Alternatives Journal 37.3: EcoBooks, published May 2011
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The Bridge at the End of the World

The Bridge at the End of the World
James Gustave Speth.
At the end of his career as a litigator, academic and veritable environmental prophet, Gus Speth has reached a disturbing conclusion: “All we have to do to ruin the planet is to keep doing exactly what we’re doing today.” The environmental movement, he argues, is swimming upstream – limited by our cloistered approach to change and a failure to address the systemic failures of a myopic economic system. Passing the torch to the next generation, he offers a thoughtful analysis of these systemic challenges and outlines the necessary steps for transformative change. The Bridge at the Edge of the World is essential reading for those preparing to make the crossing. Continue reading The Bridge at the End of the World

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Resilient Cities: Responding to Peak Oil and Climate Change

Resilient Cities: Responding to Peak Oil and Climate Change
Peter Newman, Timothy Beatley and Heather Boyer, Washington, DC: Island Press, 2009, 166 pages.

Yogi Berra’s famous line, “The future ain’t what it used to be,” certainly rings true for decision makers and citizens concerned with the well-being of urban areas.

Resilient Cities, written by sustainability researchers Peter Newman, Timothy Beatley and Heather Boyer, describes a future in which peak oil and climate change will mean the end of many familiar signs of affluence. We will have to give up urban sprawl, transportation systems organized around personal motor vehicles, our dependence on global trade (especially in food) and, more generally, our ability … [Click here to read more!] Continue reading Resilient Cities: Responding to Peak Oil and Climate Change

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The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience

The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience
Rob Hopkins
White River Junction, Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 2008, 240 pages.

At last, here is a book about our common future that we don’t have to be afraid to read. Written by “transition movement” founder Rob Hopkins, The Transition Handbook offers an inspiring and practical blueprint for community-based action in response to the challenges of climate change and … [Click here to read more!] Continue reading The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience