Sustainability Principles and Practice

Achieving sustainability is the single most important challenge facing humanity, and yet few people realize it. If every student read this text the chances of civilization averting a collapse would be substantially improved. Paul Ehrlich, Stanford University, USA This book provides much needed and relevant information on the theory and practice of sustainability. It is comprehensive and useful with practical applications in a wide range of human endeavors. Stephen R. Kellert, Yale University, USA Everyone thinks they know what sustainability is, but few people truly understand it--and fewer still can explain it well. Robertson cuts through the greenwash and the cliches with a top-notch exploration of the topic in all its complexities. It's an enjoyable read that's both thoroughly grounded in science and steeped in wonder at our fascinating, fragile planet. Daniel Lerch, Post Carbon Institute, USA This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state of our earth systems and what we can do to positively impact change. The book can be used for both undergraduate and graduate education, and across a variety of disciplines. I learned something new at every turn of the page. Kevin Dooley, Arizona State University, USA Margaret Robertson has produced the closest thing yet to a comprehensive textbook on what is a crucial subject. The book provides a grounding in the key challenges while also communicating the potential solutions in a clear and positive fashion. It is equipped to become an essential go-to text for both students of sustainability and those working in the field. James Evans, University of Manchester, UK

Margaret Robertson is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and teaches at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, USA, where she coordinates the Sustainability degree program.

Part 1 Context 1. What Is Sustainability? 2. A Brief History of Sustainability 3. The Biosphere 4. The Human Sphere. Part 2 Issues and Solutions 5. Climate 6. Water 7. Ecosystems and Habitat 8. Pollution 9. Energy 10. Green Buildings and Sites 11. Livable Cities 12. Food 13. Products 14. Waste and Recycling Part 3 Becoming an Agent for Change 15. Working in Organizations Big and Small 16. Education 17. Working as Agents for Change