This is the home page of our overview of Lester Brown's World on the Edge, chapters 8 through 13. Brown packs much into the policy prescriptions that he proposes. We will cover some of the highlights here. Brown serves as a policy analyst who strictly avoids the political controversies that his remedies imply. Brown implores political leaders to support a grass-roots effort to achieve his goals.
Earth Policy Home |
|
|---|---|
Lester Brown's method: survey of status of topic; discussion of best practices; and conclusion. |
There is much packed into these chapters, so we will examine the main points only. Brown provides policy analysis, provides survey data, identifies what works, and points to actions accessible to individuals and within civil society. |
Note the chapter titles and subtitles: do a quick overview |
Do a quick scan and then pause to consider the whole package. Then add details and depth. |
The interdependence is daunting. |
Brown shows that the topics interconnect, a good thing to learn. This is complex stuff and therefore challenging. Important stuff, too |
Refer back to the agenda setting in Part I. |
In the first part of his book, Brown lays out a daunting global agenda. |
Recall Brown's goals |
1.Cut CO2 emissions by 80% by 2020. 2.Stabilize population at or below 8 billion by 2040. 3.Eradicate poverty. 4.Restore earth’s natural systems: forests, soils, aquifers, fisheries. |
Keep in mind an implicit principle, attributed to economist Kenneth Boulding: "If it exists, it's possible." |
By identifying best practices, Brown challenges us to replicate what works. He specifies actions and policies, explains how to implement, and even provides a reasonable budget estimate. |
Theme #1: population, nations and failed states, social needs and behavior |
Three themes encapsulate the policy discussion in Brown. This is the social theme covered in chapters 11, 12, and 13. |
Theme #2: energy and global warming |
Energy and global warming loom large, so are broken out in chapters 8 and 9. See notes for energy demand and energy supply. |
Theme #3: natural systems, including water, food, forests, water |
Many ecological topics rolled up here. They interconnect. See chapter 10. |
Conclusion: Mobilization |
Brown's chapter 13 summarizes his case and extolls a great but swift mobilization based on grass-roots activism and political leadership ---the former has coalesced but not the leadership. |