James Howard Kunstler
Atlantic, pb $30
Global warming has become increasingly prominent in our social consciousness in the past year and, as always, this brings an excess of literature to choose from. With this book, Kunstler cuts through the chaff by adopting a broader analysis of the impending dangers that our careless lust for progress has created. The author examines not only the phenomenon of global warming, but also the rise of such factors as famine and disease, water shortages and the resulting geopolitical conflicts, and the misleading myths surrounding alternative energy sources. The consequence of these disregarded dilemmas will manifest itself in the Long Emergency, the ultimate trial of our species where we must swallow our pride, accept the inefficiencies of our current policies, and adopt changes that put sustainability at the forefront in order to survive.
December 2006