Tapestry Press
The Bridge at the Edge of the World
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Tapestry Press
The Bridge at the Edge of the World
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The Bridge at the Edge of the World by James Gustave Speth, printed in 2008 by Yale University Press. 295p. Having worked in Jimmy Carter’s administration, Gus Speth now serves as Dean of the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University. His impressive knowledge of the issues confronting humanity provides a foundation on which this book is built. He begins with graphs that immediately reveal the trends from 1750 to 2000 in 16 measures of human impacts on Earth. Measures as diverse as the number of motor vehicles, the volume of water use, the number of species extinctions, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration all produce a curve rising exponentially. With quotes from at least a dozen books on aspects of our economy, he dissects capitalism and the constant push for economic growth. He recognizes that environmental resources limit growth. He recognizes that economic growth cannot continue in our future. He argues that it should shift to growth in societal features that increase human welfare, such as medical care, green energy production, etc. He provides a critique of the strategies and the results achieved by environmental organizations. Too many compromises and the money of corporations fighting regulations have given us weak regulatory agencies and processes. He shares the surveys that show that beyond a minimal level increased income does not increase happiness. This holds true in the majority of countries. In a lucid, complete account, Prof. Speth describes where we are now. Written August 27, 2010 Back to Book Reviews
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