The Principles of Sustainability

by Simon Dresner

At a time of increasingly rapid environmental deterioration and climate change, sustainability is one of the most important issues facing the world. Can we create a sustainable society? What would that mean? How should we set about doing it? How can we bring about such a profound change in the way things are organized? This text tackles these questions directly. It historical development of the concept of sustainability; contemporary debates about how to achieve it; and obstacles and the prospects for overcoming them. This new fully revised edition covers the latest on the climate change front, particularly the advances in scientific understanding and political awareness of climate change. Other updates include more recent economic analyses, particularly the Stern Report, and the global shift away from faith in markets over the past five years.

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