Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
How to Create a Stable Society
by Zac Goldsmith
published by: Atlantic Books, London 2009
Paperback 200 pages
ISBN 978 1 84887 095 6
Price: £8.99
The Earth's natural resources are running out and that at a rather faster pace than we have imagined and if we are to stave off the consequences of climate change, as well as Peak Oil and peak almost everything else, we must drastically and dramatically rethink the way we consume them and the way we do things.
The longer we delay and dillydally, the more we are at the mercy of the events rather than in control of them and the harsher will be the eventual adjustments that we will have to make.
Zac Goldsmith in his book demonstrates that there is an alternative: we must strive to create a constant economy.
A constant economy is one in which resources are values, not wasted; where food is grown sustainably and locally and where goods are built and made to last and to be repairable. It is a system which operates on a human level and above all is one that recognizes Nature's limits. It is a system much like what Fritz Schumacher advocated already some 40 years or more ago in his book “Small is Beautiful: Economy as if People Mattered”. So what took us so long?
Goldsmith's original and iportant book combines a deep understanding of economics and environmental science to show that viable solutions to climate change, and to overcoming the peak this and the peak that, are within our reach.
This book is a “must read” book for all if only for the section on GM foods from page 50 onwards, but other parts are also important to be read and know by the people.
“Constant Economy” should be made compulsory reading for each and every politicians and maybe not just in the UK.
When Caroline Lucas wrote in the Guardian that the book is “A compelling read, inspiring in its positive, solution-orientated focus... The solutions to the environmental crisis exist, and all that it requires is the political will to implement them,” she is ever so right and the latter statement is also the sentiments that the Zac Goldsmith expresses in the book, by, at the same time, giving voters a toolbox with which to work.
Zac Goldsmith is the kind of bold, environment-first politician that this country, and indeed the world, has been crying out for for years and his no nonsense approach and easy style of writing as an author – and I also know that he is a great and compelling speaker – is engaging.
Zac Goldsmith really knows his stuff and he writes with clarity, sincerity and passion. This is a thoughtful, refreshing and compelling read and one that can be recommended without any hesitation.
Dare I suggest it: “Zac Goldsmith for Prime Minister”...
© 2011
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