The State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures From Consumerism to Sustainability.
The Worldwatch Institute has recently published the new State of the World Report, which includes writings from 60 authors, commenting on various topics from design to social movements. I particularly like the section on the role that media plays in promoting consumerism that is not sustainable and how media and entertainment encourages a lack of accountability to ourselves, to each other and to our planet.
The ‘Building the Cities of the Future’ Chapter by Peter Newman from Curtin University is an inspirational piece highlighting the examples of two sustainable cities, Vauban and Hanover in Germany. Newman explains how both of these places have transformed and reduced their impact on the planet. Newman writes about the reliance that modern cities have on fossil fuels and how it has been proven in Vauban and Hanover that eco-cities can be both green and economically viable.
Every year the Worldwatch State of the World Report provides an insightful view into the issues that we are facing and the sustainability solutions that could help advert us from disastrous environmental outcomes, Transforming Cultures From Consumerism to Sustainability is no different. I recommend it for anyone interested in sustainability and our planet.
Collectively we still live every day as though we are not connected to the planet, that we are somehow exempt from this web of life, we live as though the resources we are consuming are endless and renewable. If we don’t shift away from our individualised and consumerist attitude, toward a more holistic view of our relationship to the planet and each other, I am not sure there will be a future for us or the other creatures that we share this incredible planet with.
You can purchase or find free portions of the SOW 2010 Report here
