Mankind at the Turning Point: The Second Report to the Club of Rome

by Mihajlo D. Mesarović, Eduard Pestel

Calls attention to the ways in which specific strategies for problem solving must be applied to the crisis in world development. Bibliogs

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 1974

Reviews

[Karen]

This was lent to me by a somewhat bonkers work colleague. Somewhat dry obviously but interesting in that the authors (in 1974) mention climate change as an upcoming danger, although the main focus of the book is overexploitation and uneven distribution of resources. They have four reccommendations - 1. A world consciousness must be developed through which every individual realizes their role as a member of a world community. 2. A new ethic in the use of material resources. 3. An attitute towards nature must be developed based on harmony rather than conquest. 4. We must develop a sense of identification with future generations if the human species is to survive. Plus ca change...

[(Author) Gould]

This book simply amazed me.
It had been written in 1974 and the "foresights" given are unbelievable.
Not only does it show where, when, how and why some things will take place on our planet, but also how we can prevent negative stuff from happening. It also goes on to show us how everything and everybody is affected by the outcome of certain decisions.
It actually helped me in understanding why some things do take place even when I don't understand why.
Now, don't think this is an easy read, it is "dry". Yet, I strongly recommend this book for those who wish to see our world do better for future generations. I'm glad I read it!

[Frank Ashe]

When I first read this I thought it was brilliant. Now I can see more of the flaws, none of which were fatal. But as we hurtle towards dangerous levels of global warming it is a pity the message of this book wasn't taken to heart back in the 1970s.

[jeffrey]

A sequel more readable than the original? Though still with pedantic and dry verbiage, an over-reliance on statistics, with ill-suited detailed graphs for a paperback format, this "Second Report" is yet a bit more user friendly than the "Limits to Growth".