Global possible : resources, development, and the new century

Can the world reverse current deterioration of re sources and the environment, while at the same time promoting a better quality of life for all? Ex perts in various areas of environmental research and policy here offer a broad overview of the state of the world's threatened resources and drawing on evidence from recent experiences in many countries, propose realistic and politically practical corrective measures.

The essays, written by such authorities as Robert Dorfman, Amulya K.N. Reddy, Stephen Schneider, Roger Revelle, and Janos Hrabovszky, range from discussions on the environmental im plications of present economic trends to ways in which we can improve energy, efficiency in trans portation, housing, industry, and agriculture; from evaluations of mechanisms that would con trol atmospheric pollution on an international level to the contribution of mariculture to the ocean's productive potential. Describing the ef fects their recommended changes might have on high-income, middle-income, and poor coun tries, the authors conclude by analyzing obstacles to implementing their agenda, proposing institu tional changes, crosscutting reforms, methods for compensating losers or distributing gains, and ways of generating political and popular support.

These essays formed the basis for discussion by international experts at the influential Global Possible Conference, sponsored by the World Re sources Institute in May 1984.