In 1972, the book “Limits to Growth” was published. It argued that unchecked consumption and economic growth on our finite planet was leading the Earth towards ‘overshoot’ of its carrying capacity, followed by disaster.
In 2004 an updated edition was published; “Limits to Growth: The 30 Year Update“. Analysis of data gathered over the time since the first edition showed that the original models appeared to be realistic. Oil industry expert Matthew Simmons was quoted on the cover of the 2004 edition:
“It is time for the world to re-read Limits to Growth! The message of 1972 is more real and relevant in 2004, and we wasted 30 valuable years of action by misreading the message of the first book.”
Praise for the Limits to Growth: The 30 Year Update
Suggested further reading:
Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy - www.steadystate.org/
“CASSE is the foremost organization in advancing the precepts of the steady state economy to citizens and policy makers – an indispensable resource.” ~ Herman Daly
The New Economics Foundation - Economics as if people and the planet mattered. www.neweconomics.org/
NewScientist article on the Limits to Growth, 7th January 2012
Outside Insights – Qualitative Growth - The Institute of Chartered Accountants (Fritjof Capra and Hazel Henderson), 10/2009
Prosperity without Growth - Sustainable Development Commission (Tim Jackson), 2009
350.org – “350.org is an international campaign that’s building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis–the solutions that science and justice demand.” ~ 350.org www.350.org/
The Royal Society guide to climate change issues. Updated 30 September 2010. http://royalsociety.org/policy/publications/2010/climate-change-summary-science/
National Research Council of the National Academy of Science, 2011 report on climate change: Climate Stabilization Targets Emissions, Concentrations and Impacts over Decades to Millennia
Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas www.peakoil.net/ “The term Peak Oil refers to the maximum rate of the production of oil in any area under consideration, recognising that it is a finite natural resource, subject to depletion.”
Discussion forum about peak oil and energy issues www.theoildrum.com
The Energy Bulletin - A clearinghouse of information concerning the peak in global energy such as oil and gas
The Hirsch report on the peaking of world oil production, February 2005 www.netl.doe.gov/publications/others/pdf/Oil_Peaking_NETL.pdf
The International Society for Ecological Economics
Professor Charles A.S. Hall Originator of the concept of Energy Returned on Energy Invested (EROEI)
