The twentieth century saw unprecedented growth in population, energy consumption, and food production. As the population shifted from rural to urban, the impact of humans on the environment increased dramatically.
The twenty-first century ushered in an era of declines, in a number of crucial parameters: Global oil, natural gas, and coal extraction Yearly grain harvests Climate stability Population Economic growth Fresh water Minerals and ores, such as copper and platinum
To adapt to this profoundly different world, we must begin now to make radical changes to our attitudes, behaviors, and expectations.
Peak Everything addresses many of the cultural, psychological, and practical changes we will have to make as nature rapidly dictates our new limits. This latest book from Richard Heinberg, author of three of the most important books on Peak Oil, touches on the most important aspects of the human condition at this unique moment in time.
A combination of wry commentary and sober forecasting on subjects as diverse as farming and industrial design, this book tells how we might make the transition from the Age of Excess to the Era of Modesty with grace and satisfaction, while preserving the best of our collective achievements. A must-read for individuals, business leaders, and policymakers who are serious about effecting real change.
“With Peak Everything, Richard Heinberg is once again on the cutting edge. We are all indebted to him for helping us understand our 21st century world.”
–Lester Brown, President, Earth Policy Institute and author of Plan B. 2.0, Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble
“There are few harder questions than the ones Richard Heinberg takes on in Peak Everything… More than anyone I’ve encountered, Heinberg has an answer to the most fundamental question of all, How shall we go on from here? Reading this, I can believe there is hope that we can.”
–Sharon Astyk, farmer, author/publisher of the blog Causabon’s Book
“If humans survive the ongoing catastrophe that is this culture, it will be in great measure due to people like Richard Heinberg… This book should be required reading at all high schools and colleges, for all activists, and for all policy-makers.”
–Derrick Jensen, author of Endgame
“This is his his most integrated report from the social, economic, and ecological contraction now unfolding, which he delivers with mindfulness, compassion, and a view to humanity’s strengths.”
–Chellis Glendinning, Ph.D., author of My Name Is Chellis and I’m in Recovery from Western Civilization
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