Sustainability Science

by Bert J. M. De Vries

Sustainable development is becoming the guiding principle for the 21st century. This textbook – based on the author's course and rigorously class-tested by his students – provides an introduction into patterns of past and present (un)sustainable development and into the emergence of the notion of sustainable development. It systematically surveys the key concepts, models and findings of the various scientific disciplines with respect to the major sustainability energy, nature, agro-food and resource systems, and economic growth. System analysis and modelling is introduced and used as an integrating tool. Stories and worldviews are used to connect the quantitative and the qualitative and to offer the reader an understanding of relevant trends and events in context. Sustainability Science is an ideal textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses in sustainable development and in environmental and resource science and policy.

605 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Yannick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is exceptionally good in explaining sustainability issues from a profound system science point of view. I do not think that the other few low rankings I have seen here do the book justice. Yes it can demand some focus and effort from you to really understand what De Vries argues but it is worth it. Essentially it is a holistic modern science view on society, economy, culture etc. Only critique: He did often not take the time to really explain the equations he uses and I think here it loses ,unfortunately, some teaching-quality.

[Emily Culver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of all the areas of sustainability. Could be a drag to get through at points and some things were explained too quickly for someone with no background. Fine for a general introduction but doesn't leave you with a ton of knowledge in any area.

[Matthew Noe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot of complicated feelings about the approach this text takes. On the one hand, there are clear calls in it to think beyond scientific lenses (a lot of Tao Te Ching quotes and poetry for example). On the other hand, it reinforces the idea of sustainability as a "development" project in ways that can't be ignored. I'm also frustrated by the editing of it.

Not a bad textbook by any means, but it needs supplementation (and the course I read this for lacked enough of that).

[danielle; ▵ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chock full of typos.