Just when you thought there was nothing new in environmental thinking, David Owen comes along with a new perspective- what if cities were the solution, not the problem to our environmental woes?
With humor and research, Owen, shoots down some of the environmental movements sacred cows and takes some wind out of the sails of some of its heroes. For example, how green is Amory Lovins' Rocky Mountain Institute? Sure it is built with the latest green products and runs on solar energy- but how much carbon and green house gas is produced by all the employees who have to drive to the middle of nowhere to work there?
Owens point, that density can produce the greatest environmental gains without relying on fancy new technology.
This book is interesting because it is not just another preaching to the choir tome. It makes you think about the direction of the environmental movement and champions a shift in thinking that makes sense. And its a fun read!