In this Book
- Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change
- Book
- 1980
- Published by: University of Illinois Press
A calm but unflinching realist, Catton suggests that we cannot stop this wave - for we have already overshot the Earth's capacity to support so huge a load. He contradicts those scientists, engineers, and technocrats who continue to write optimistically about energy alternatives. Catton asserts that the technological panaceas proposed by those who would harvest from the seas, harness the winds, and farm the deserts are ignoring the fundamental premise that "the principals of ecology apply to all living things." These principles tell us that, within a finite system, economic expansion is not irreversible and population growth cannot continue indefinitely. If we disregard these facts, our sagging American Dream will soon shatter completely.
Table of Contents
- Title Page, Copyright Page
- pp. i-vi
- 1 Our Need for a New Perspective
- pp. 3-14
- 2 The Tragic Story of Human Success
- pp. 17-35
- 5 The End of Exuberance
- pp. 77-92
- IV. Toward Ecological Understanding
- pp. 93-94
- 6 The Processes That Matter
- pp. 95-114
- 7 Succession and Restoration
- pp. 115-125
- 8 Ecological Causes of Unwelcome Change
- pp. 126-142
- 9 Nature and the Nature of Man
- pp. 143-156
- 10 Industrialization: Prelude to Collapse
- pp. 157-180
- V. Resistance and Change
- pp. 181-182
- 11 Faith versus Fact
- pp. 183-198
- 12 Life under Pressure
- pp. 199-210
- VI. Living with the New Reality
- pp. 211-212
- 13 Backing into the Future
- pp. 213-226
- 14 Turning Around
- pp. 227-243
- 15 Facing the Future Wisely
- pp. 244-270
Additional Information
Copyright
1980