Preface -- Ozone depletion : saving our skins -- Greenhouse gases : Kigali shows success is still possible -- Smog : huddled masses yearning to breathe free -- Lead : a metal's heavy price -- Pesticides : taming persistent weapons of war -- Climate change : time to seize the day.
Summary:
"In this convincing book, MIT climate scientist Susan Solomon argues against the hopeless passivity we too often feel when confronted with dire predictions about the future of our planet. Her antidote is to provide the inside story of past environmental victories, to extract from this neglected history the essential elements of what works, and to show that we have not just the popular will but the specific means to save the planet. In each case, she demonstrates the path to success begins with researchers and activists who make an environmental problem--smog, DDT, ozone depletion, lead, climate change--both perceptible and personal. Lawmakers, diplomats, and international agencies then take up the cause. But real change takes place when legislation and regulation lead to "technology-forcing," in tandem with consumer pressure, which co-ops manufacturers of environmentally sensitive products, turning presumed culprits into allies. It's not just polemics; it's also pragmatism. The heroes in these stories range from angry mothers; to gangs turned social activists; to upset Long Island bird watchers; to iconoclastic scientists (often women); to brilliant legislative craftsmen, among whom the almost forgotten Edmund Muskie stands supreme. Solomon's fundamental message is that doom and gloom get us nowhere, and idealism will only take us so far. As she ably demonstrates, healing the planet is a long game, won not only with marches and soul-stirring speeches, but with pragmatic maneuvering that moves beyond moral suasion to apply economic pressure and regulatory action which signals to industry the imperative to innovate and compete. Solomon's authoritative point of view is an inspiration, a reality check, a road map, and a dose of optimism that can lead to sustained commitment from all stake holders. Healing our Planet is Solvable. Solomon shows how"-- Provided by publisher. "A compelling and pragmatic argument: solutions to yesterday's environmental problems reveal today's path forward. We solved planet-threatening problems before, Susan Solomon argues, and we can do it again. Solomon knows firsthand what those solutions entail. She first gained international fame as the leader of an expedition to Antarctica in 1986, making discoveries that were key to healing the damaged ozone layer. She saw a path-from scientific and public awareness to political engagement, international agreement, industry involvement, and effective action. Solomon, an atmospheric scientist and award-winning author, connects this career-defining triumph to the inside stories of other past environmental victories-against ozone depletion, smog, pesticides, and lead-to extract the essential elements of what makes change possible. The path to success begins when an environmental problem becomes both personal and perceptible to the general public. Lawmakers, diplomats, industries, and international agencies respond to popular momentum, and effective change takes place in tandem with consumer pressure when legislation and regulation yield practical solutions. Healing the planet is a long game won not by fear and panic, but with pragmatic maneuvering fueled by public, economic, and regulatory pressure.Solvable is a book for anyone who has ever despaired about the climate crisis. As Solomon reminds us, doom and gloom get us nowhere, and idealism will only take us so far. The heroes in these stories range from angry mothers to gang members turned social activists, to upset Long Island bird watchers, to iconoclastic scientists (often women), to brilliant legislative craftsmen. Solomon's authoritative point of view is an inspiration, a reality check, a road map, and a much-needed dose of realism. The problems facing our planet are Solvable. Solomon shows us how"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.