Contemporary capitalism and a habitable planet cannot coexist. That is the core message of
The Bridge at the Edge of the World, by Gus Speth, a prominent environmentalist who, in this book, has turned sharply critical of the U.S. environmental movement. . . . This book is an extremely probing and thoughtful diagnosis of the root causes of planetary distress.-Ross Gelbspan,
Washington Post Book WorldWith candor, cadence and clarity, Speth presents a compelling case for prompt action, making this book a must-read on the subject. Protecting the environment needs not just an overhaul of institutions, but of values and mindsets, he says. . . . He argues that we must now choose between two paths: one leading to destruction, the other to a bridge that would help us cross to safety. Like an evangelist, Speth draws not just on facts, but anecdotes, quotes, even poetry to make his point.-Le-Min Lim,
Chicago TribuneSpeth laments the tortuously slow pace of environmental activism in the face of the near-calamitous decline of species, soils, forests and oceans, and the dangerous advance of global warming. . . . But the challenges are too grave to wait for a new president. Speth's book makes it abundantly clear: Start ourselves, while (hopefully) there's still time.-Neal Peirce,
Washington Post Writers GroupContemporary capitalism and a habitable planet cannot coexist. . . . This book is an extremely probing and thoughtful diagnosis of the root causes of planetary distress.-Ross Gelbspan,
Washington Post Book WorldWith candor, cadence and clarity, Speth presents a compelling case for prompt action, making this book a must-read. . . . Like an evangelist, Speth draws not just on facts, but anecdotes, quotes, even poetry to make his point.-Le-Min Lim,
Chicago TribuneA highly respected environmental leader, Speth has come to the conclusion that our capitalist market economy depends on growth in material production at levels that cannot continue without destroying the earth's natural support system. His book makes a strong case for redefining the aims of the economy; but the path forward, especially as developing nations aspire to Western standards of living, is far from clear. He believes the environmental movement as well as the government is failing to lead the way to essential change.-Leslie Carothers,
Wall Street Journal With candor, cadence and clarity, Speth presents a compelling case for prompt action, making this book a must-read on the subject.-Bloomberg News
James Gustav Speth . . . leads us to a bridge at the edge of the world-an epic transformation of the way we live, produce, and consume. This is a fantastic, highly topical and potentially important book. It should widely be read, and translated into other languages.-Udo E. Simonis,
Environmental Information + Environmental PolicyWhen someone as well placed as James Gustave Speth speaks out, you have to listen. . . . A masterly, uncompromising analysis and critique of where we are right now, a must-read.-Liz Elise,
New ScientistAn important message from such an influential and mainstream figure in the environmental movement. . . . Speth's importance is to bring the relationship between capitalism and climate change into mainstream debate, where it should stay.-Paul Gillespie
, Irish TimesSpeth clearly demonstrates his mastery of the subject in this publication, which is well researched and written, providing a wealth of relevant references. It makes highly recommended and compelling reading for all those with a serious interest in the environment and the future of planet Earth, especially for existing and potential chartered environmentalists.-Alan Stainer,
Materials World. . . a wealth of information and insight on the full spectrum of the environmental, economic, political, social and psychological challenges that we face ... the most condensed, comprehensive and convincing book of its kind . . . the one that I would like to throw at every politician and every corporate leader ... clarifying, reinforcing and supportive.-John Whitmore, Resurgence, No. 253
Selected as a Top 5 Environment Book in New England by the
Boston GlobeSelected as one of the best books of 2008 by the Washington Post in the Nature & The Environment category
Finalist for the 2009 Orion Book Award, given by The Orion Society
Speth is a maestro-conducting a mighty chorus of voices from a dozen disciplines all of which are calling for transformative change before it is too late. The result is the most compelling plea we have for changing our lives and our politics. And it is a compelling case indeed.-Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Honest, insightful, and courageous. Dean Speth draws on his formidable experience and wisdom to ask why we are failing to preserve a habitable Earth. His conclusions are cogent, revolutionary, and essential.-David W. Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics, Oberlin College. Author of Design on the Edge and Earth in Mind
When a figure as eminent and mainstream as Gus Speth issues a warning this strong and profound, the world should take real notice. This is an eloquent, accurate, and no-holds-barred brief for change large enough to matter.-Bill McKibben, author, Deep Economy and The Bill McKibben Reader
An extremely important book both for what it says and for who is saying it. The steady transformation of a solid, pragmatic, progressive negotiator into a 'radical and unrealistic' oracle concerned with the fundamental nature of modern economies is an important event.-Richard Norgaard, University of California, Berkeley
One can scarcely choose a more important or timely subject than this one. Speth writes about it with passion and conviction, and a touch of humor.-J. R. McNeill, Georgetown University
