Environmentally Sustainable Growth: A Pragmatic Approach

We must shift towards a sustainable economic system that promotes economic growth while protecting the environment. Steven Cohen offers a positive vision of a renewable resource-based economy and outlines steps to achieve it through public policy and infrastructure initiatives. The book emphasizes the importance of changing politics, advocacy, and communication to make sustainability appealing to a wide range of people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The transition towards a more sustainable economic system while ensuring continued economic growth is a complex and challenging task. This book offers a positive vision of an environmentally sustainable future and provides a roadmap for achieving it. Steven Cohen, the author, explores the causes of environmental degradation and examines what sustainability looks like in practice. He outlines realistic paths toward a renewable resource-based economy, demonstrating that the shift to sustainability is already underway in many respects.

Cohen describes a range of public policy and infrastructure initiatives that can encourage cleaner production in the private sector and consumption in everyday life. He argues that the politics, advocacy, and communication around environmental protection must change to emphasize successes, reduce scare tactics, and make sustainable lifestyles and careers attractive to a wide range of people.

The book portrays an appealing and equitable future that assures quality of life while protecting the planet. Environmentally Sustainable Growth is a comprehensive resource that brings together insights from many disciplines, spanning the latest scholarship and practical experience. It is useful for students and courses, as well as practitioners, managers, analysts, activists, and scholars whose work incorporates environmental sustainability.

To achieve the transition towards a more sustainable economic system, several key steps can be taken. Firstly, it is important to prioritize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, and to invest in the infrastructure needed to support their development. This includes building new power plants, expanding transmission lines, and promoting energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

Secondly, sustainable agriculture practices should be adopted to reduce the environmental impact of food production. This includes reducing food waste, promoting organic farming, and adopting precision agriculture techniques to optimize resource use.

Thirdly, waste management and recycling should be improved to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. This includes implementing recycling programs, promoting waste-to-energy solutions, and developing sustainable waste disposal methods.

Fourthly, sustainable transportation options should be promoted, such as public transportation, electric vehicles, and cycling. This includes investing in infrastructure for these modes of transportation, promoting carpooling and ride-sharing, and reducing traffic congestion.

Fifthly, sustainable urban planning should be implemented to reduce the environmental impact of cities. This includes promoting walkable neighborhoods, developing green spaces, and implementing sustainable building practices.

Finally, it is important to address the issue of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through policies such as carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, and energy efficiency standards.

In conclusion, the transition towards a more sustainable economic system while ensuring continued economic growth is a complex and challenging task. However, by prioritizing renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, recycling, sustainable transportation, and addressing climate change, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 237 x 160 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231208642