ABSTRACT

The culmination of over three decades of writing by environmental scientist and writer Haydn Washington, this book examines the global environmental crisis and its solutions.

Many of us know that something is wrong with our world, that it is wounded. At the same time, we often don’t know why things have gone wrong – or what can be done. Framing the discussion around three central predicaments – the ecological, the social, and the economic – Washington provides background as to why each of these are in crisis and presents steps that individuals can personally take to heal the world. Urging the reader to accept the reality of our problems, he explores practical solutions for change such as the transition to renewable energy, rejection of climate denial and the championing of appropriate technology, as well as a readjustment in ethical approaches. The book also contains 19 ‘solution boxes’ by distinguished environmental scholars.

With a focus on positive, personal solutions, this book is an essential read for students and scholars of environmental science and environmental philosophy, and for all those keen to heal the world and contribute towards a sustainable future.

chapter |5 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|23 pages

Our predicament

Why we need to heal the world

chapter 2|16 pages

A healing worldview and ethics

chapter 3|23 pages

Reality, limits, denial and growthism

chapter 4|19 pages

The tragedy of overpopulation denial

chapter 5|20 pages

Transforming society’s assumptions

chapter 7|12 pages

Reinvent and rejuvenate yourself

Reject hubris

chapter 8|17 pages

Be in place, don’t own it

chapter 9|18 pages

Listen and wonder

chapter 10|17 pages

Is collapse coming?

chapter |6 pages

Conclusion

Healing our world

chapter |7 pages

Ideas for educational exercises