Although strategies to prevent global warming - such
as by conserving energy, relying on solar and wind
power, and reducing motor vehicle use - are well-known,
societies have proved unable to implement these measures
with the necessary speed. They have also been unwilling
to confront underlying issues such as overconsumption,
overpopulation, inequity, and dysfunctional political
systems. Political and social obstacles have prevented
the adoption of improved technologies, which would
provide only a partial solution in any case if the
fundamental causes of greenhouse gas emissions aren't
addressed. Climate Change and Social Ecology takes a new
approach to the climate crisis, portraying global
warming as a challenge of rapid social evolution. This
book argues that, in order to address this impending
catastrophe and bring about more sustainable
development, we must focus on improving social ecology -
our values, mind-sets, and social organization.Steps to
do this include institutional reforms to improve
democracy, educational strategies to encourage public
understanding of complex issues, and measures to prevent
corporations and the wealthy from shaping societies in
other directions instead. This book presents a
captivating vision of how to help social systems evolve
toward sustainability and explores the social
transformations needed for dealing with the climate
crisis in the long term. It reviews the climate change
strategies considered to date, presents a detailed
description of a future sustainable society, and
analyzes how this vision might be realized through more
conscious public nurturing of our social systems. This
interdisciplinary volume provides a compelling rethink
of the climate crisis. Authoritative and accessible, it
will be of great interest to anyone concerned about
climate change and sustainability challenges and is
essential reading for students, professionals, and
general readers alike. |
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