State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures - From Consumerism to Sustainability

State of the World

by The Worldwatch Institute, Linda Starke

For society to thrive long into the future, we must move beyond our unsustainable consumer culture to one that respects environmental realities. In 'State of the World 2010', the Worldwatch Institute's award-winning research team reveals not only how human societies can make this shift but also how people around the world have already started to nurture a new culture of sustainability. Chapters present innovative solutions to global environmental problems, focusing on institutions that are the principal engineers of culture, such as governments, the media, and religious organizations. Written in clear, concise language, with easy-to-read charts and tables, 'State of the World' presents a view of our changing world that we, and our leaders, cannot afford to ignore.

Genres: Sustainability, Environment, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many voices speaking out about climate change and its impact on our planet. There are many advocates for solutions through such approaches as renewable energy technologies, green building, and hybrid vehicles. Receiving less attention are those who question the cultural values from which the demand for energy arises. State of the World 2010 – Transforming Cultures takes on this challenge. It addresses the nature of consumerism and shows us how the unending need for more results in a reduced quality of life devoid of the dignity and richness of relationship that give meaning to human existence. It shows how highly paid marketing experts fuel the insatiable appetite for goods upon which the world economy is based and how the current measures of wellbeing, such as GNP, are inadequate indicators of quality of life. For these reasons, State of the World 2010 – Transforming Cultures, is a must read. Humans will never make choices that require us to sacrifice that upon which we believe our happiness is based. It is only when we come to realize that what we are seeking from our illimitable consumption fails to provide satisfaction that we will direct our attention to creating new models for living that lead to a more meaningful existence. This book inspired me to become involved with the project as a volunteer.

[Erik Assadourian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I directed this edited volume. However, working with 60 authors, I learned a tremendous amount. Dozens of underutilized strategies to create a sustainable society are discussed here in 26 articles and 23 boxes. Lots of information, case studies, and I hope laid out in a very accessible manner. I hope you agree!

[Xander Fraum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a personal a significant book for me. It hit me at a time that I needed it to.

[Chris Griger · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is a conglomeration of many shorter articles, the quality and my interest varied a fair amount from one to the next. Many of the articles highlight stresses placed on the world of a purely growth economy and offer a variety of ideas for solutions to these. Since many of these are about changing cultures, it studies various cultures and how their views mesh with a sustainable lifestyle and how some of these may be integrated into our consumer culture.

The book also covers the consumer culture that we live in, how marketing has changed our priorities away from striving towards a better quality of life.

In the end, this was a very interesting book to read. It asks a lot of societies and opening the cultures up for change. It also shows that for many things, simply educating people on issues is not sufficient (I find this extremely frustrating), but having a media that presents personal stories is much more powerful than simply the facts.

In the end, we're still living in a consumer culture and things cost money, so I'm not sure how I can break out of this. Sure, I can consume less than I have been, try to grow more of my own food and get it from local farmers, not replace stuff as much or buy things that I don't need - but this will just be me (and it's probably still unsustainable). I probably need to do more to influence other people to see things the same way, but this is something that I'll need to work on.

[Amyrose2712 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting topic to cover, however I I felt that they could have gone in to more detail and have given more solutions to how to change the mind set of the world. However, I do realize it "Transforming Cultures.." is a difficult and extremely broad subject to tackle. My interest waxed and waned throughout the reading . I would, however, suggest to anyone that would like a broad view of the problems we face and some ways to solve them, that this book is worth a read. Personally, I just hoped to gain more insight on how to change the world. I suppose that was probably asking a little much.

[Mark Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, half-read really. Some interesting articles and ideas, but lacks the intellectual chutzpah of writers such as George Monbiot. A bit wishy-washy and dreamy in places, and contains a lot of the same environmental themes from a decade ago.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an intern at The Worldwatch Institute. This book will be released January 2010, but I read the free preview edition that is available now for download at http://bit.ly/PreviewSOW2010

[Judith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not great. Some chapters more interesting than others. Not sure who would read it.

[Ronald Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading this Text for class in my college... A bit liberal and contradictory... I'll have to go back some time and read the articles that were not assigned for the class.

[Petri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently reading the French version, this is a must read !

[Piotr Smolnicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad but the papers included were too briefly and too general - sometimes too similar.

[Katariina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book for everyone.

[Lili Shang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for high school seniors or before.