Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Brown LR. And Flavin C. (eds). 1999 State of the World 1999. Earthscan. ISBN 1 85383 594 3. pp xix +259. £12.95

This is the latest version of the popular environmental overview. Subtitled the special millennium edition, this volume breaks slightly with tradition to review the changes of the last 100 years. The aim was to produce a text which allowed some degree of informed speculation on the future. At the heart of this view is the unsustainable nature of the current economic model. The topics discussed are those which we can see as being crucial in the next century. Thus opening chapter focuses on the economy and the way it should be redesigned with a more sustainable goal in mind. This is followed by research on energy and materials - aspects of the built environment. Lest this should be taken as an urban text, subsequent chapters look at forests, oceans and biodiversity. Having studied both human environment and impact on the biosphere the final four chapters look at ways in which society can address its own problems. Topics here examine food supply, cities, conflict and sustainable societies. What is interesting in these final chapters is the inclusion of conflict alongside the more usual food/people/land examples. The point made in the chapter is that despite efforts for peace, this century has been the most violent known. That such destruction is linked with environmental degradation is acknowledged. Like the other chapters though, there is no easy answer given - merely an analysis of the subject and some ways in which it could be moved forward. In addition, a data disc is available giving most data from this and other Worldwatch publications. As always, the authors and editors have managed to produce a book of the highest quality. Data are relevant and current and the standard of writing continues to make it a suitable example of style for students. A minor criticism is the lack of illustrations - inclusion would help make the text more readable for lower senior school students. Leaving that aside, this remains one of the few standard texts all libraries should have.