The Natural Step Story: Seeding a Quiet Revolution

by Karl-Henrik Robert

It may be unlikely that a Swedish karate champion, family man, and cancer scientist could be at the center of developing a systems approach to life on Earth that could revolutionize the way humans operate in the world, but this is the story of just the idea, and the man behind it. As a cancer specialist, Karl-Henrik Robèrt faced a stream of parents who would sacrifice anything to save their children. Yet that same selflessness did not seem to extend to saving the environment. For debate on how to achieve sustainability was divided, with no agreement on universal principles. But Robèrt's experience convinced him that consensus on how to meet the most basic requirements of life should be possible. Thus began a long process of consultation among scientists and others that eventually led to the definition of four system conditions essential for the maintenance of life on conditions that have now been agreed upon world-wide and encapsulated as The Natural Step framework. Supported by the King of Sweden, Robèrt's original ideas were mailed to every household in Sweden. Exported around the world, they were elaborated, refined and eventually adopted by companies like IKEA and McDonald's, and business leaders such as Ray Anderson, CEO of US carpet company Interface, and Paul Hawken, successful entrepreneur and author who later headed the US Natural Step organization. Dramatic, visionary and inspiring, The Natural Step Story will appeal to all with a passion for sustainability including business leaders, academics, journalists, activists, and students. Karl-Henrik Robèrt is a cancer scientist and Professor of Resource Theory at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Having initiated The Natural Step movement in 1989, he was awarded the Green Cross Award for International leadership in 1999, and the Blue Planet Prize (the 'environment Nobel') in 2000.

Genres: Sustainability

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Robin Canaday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of personal narratives because I like to know where the writers is coming from rather than trying to read between the lines of a book that attempts to present merely facts. This book is a personal narrative of Dr. Karl-Hendrik and his adventures in pursuing sustainability. He tells his story and doesn't neglect to include the meat of the matter. Good book.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does a better job of explaining The Natural Step Framework than any of the other books I've read about TNS, and puts it firmly in the Swedish context.

[Carlo Battisti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the framework that could save the world, if we are aware of that and work to implement it. And it is 26 years old ... Thanks K.H.Robèrt and @TheNaturalStep #COP21