What makes the modern world work? The answer to this deceptively simple question lies in four "grand transitions" of civilization - in populations, agriculture, energy, and economics - which have transformed the way we live.
Societies that have undergone all four transitions emerge
into an era of radically different population dynamics, food surpluses (and waste), abundant energy use, and expanding economic opportunities. Simultaneously, in other parts of the world, hundreds of millions remain largely untouched by these developments.
Through erudite storytelling,
Vaclav Smil investigates the fascinating and complex interactions of these transitions. He argues that the moral imperative to share modernity's benefits has become more acute with increasing economic inequality, but addressing this imbalance would make it exceedingly difficult to implement the
changes necessary for the long-term preservation of the environment. Thus, managing the fifth transition - environmental changes from natural-resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and global warming - will determine the success or eventual failure of the grand transitions that have made the world
we live in today.
1. EPOCHAL TRANSITIONS
2. POPULATIONS
3. AGRICULTURES AND DIETS
4. ENERGIES
5. ECONOMIES
6. ENVIRONMENT
7. OUTCOMES AND OUTLOOKS
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Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. The author of more than 40 books, he conducts interdisciplinary research in energy, environmental and population change, food production and nutrition, technical innovation, risk assessment, and public policy. He
has worked globally as a consultant and frequently delivers invited talks at conferences and workshops throughout the world.
Making Sense - Margot Northey
Threats - David P. Barash
The Future of the Professions - Richard Susskind and Daniel Susskind
Sustainability - Paul B. Thompson and Patricia E. Norris
Rules for a Flat World - Gillian K. Hadfield
