The Principles of Sustainability

by Simon Dresner

At a time of increasingly rapid environmental deterioration, sustainability is the most important issue facing the world today. Can we create a sustainable society? What would that mean? How should we go about doing it? How can we bring about such a profound change in the way things are organized? This book tackles these questions directly. It goes beyond rhetoric about "sustainable development" to explain the deeper issues in a way that is accessible and interesting to the non-specialist reader. It covers the development of the concept of sustainability within its broader historical context; the contemporary debates about what sustainability implies and how to achieve it; and the obstacles to reaching the goal and prospects for overcoming them.

This book will be invaluable to students, academics and activists concerned with the topics of sustainability and sustainable development.

Genres: Sustainability

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kristian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be called “The Philosophy of Sustainability.” It is about principles as in "these are my moral principles" as opposed to scientific principles …
Interesting and in-depth analysis of different philosophical arguments and trains of thought that help build a fairly solid sustainability argument, or at least a strong point-of-view. More about discussion of different historical and philosophical viewpoints than any solid set of principles, but I found it immensely interesting and rewarding to read. If you start reading it knowing it is a philosophy book as opposed to a pragmatic, action-able "this is how we make things sustainable" book, you too will find it rewarding.

[Kandachamy Vijayakumaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long ago I read the first edition of this book. This edition is an updated one with several relevant facts. It was refreshing experience to re-read the book. A must read and a starting point for anyone venturing into sustainability studies.

[Frankrrrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must