A Big Fix

by Ian Lowe

'If civilisation is to survive, this century will have to see dramatic transformation, not just in technological capacity but also in our approach to the natural world - and to each other. The road we are travelling on now can only end in disaster.'- Ian Lowe The warnings from scientists are we cannot sustain our current levels of consumption and growth. We are depleting the Earth's natural resources, damaging its environmental systems and compromising social stability by allowing the gap to widen between rich and poor. In short, we are consuming the future. Unless we radically re-think the way we live, the attitudes that fostered our development will also be the source of our downfall. In A Big Fix, eminent scientist and environmentalist Ian Lowe tackles this crisis head on and points the way to a sustainable future. Incorporating the most recent data, he proposes fundamental changes to our values and institutions, offers far-reaching solutions and a vision of a healthier society - one that is humane, informed and ecologically minded.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ian Lowe is emeritus professor of science, technology and society at Griffith University and president of the Australian Conservation Foundation. He studied engineering and science at the University of New South Wales and earned his doctorate in physics from the University of York. In 1991 he gave the ABC’s Boyer Lectures. He is the author of many books, including A Big Fix and Living in the Hothouse.

Reviews

[David Risstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short and useful read that will help remind you of how to contribute to a better Australia and a world we can share with others and their potential future. Good on you Ian! I shared some time with Ian on ACF Council when he chaired it. An Australian gem of the other ten opal variety.

[Stringy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sharp and to the point. Lowe discusses the societal change that will have to be made if we want to do more than (merely!) solve the climate change problem, and aim for a truly sustainable society instead. Politics, economics and our social conscience will have to change in several ways. Lowe provides examples on where this has already been done in smaller ways, and draws a pathway between where we are now and where we want to be.

I'll admit to skimming the part on how climate change will affect Australia, since I'm already up-to-date on that. But it's a great summary for anyone who want to get the big picture on the Aussie situation quickly.

[Alisha Brook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title: A Big Fix
Series: -
Author: Ian Lowe
Genre: Educational
Rating: 2 stars

A very short text that offers some valuable information regarding current environmental issues and sustainability solutions.

Does not offer much in the way of definitions, which is definitely a big fault of the text and the reason why I have rated this so low.