The Optimistic Environmentalist: Progressing Towards a Greener Future

by David R. Boyd

Overview

A hopeful, inspiring, and honest take on the environment

Yes, the world faces substantial environmental challenges — climate change, pollution, and extinction. But the surprisingly good news is that we have solutions to these problems. In the past 50 years, a remarkable number of environmental problems have been solved, while substantial progress is ongoing on others.

The Optimistic Environmentalist chronicles these remarkable success stories. Endangered species — from bald eagles to gray whales — pulled back from the precipice of extinction. Thousands of new parks, protecting billions of hectares of land and water. The salvation of the ozone layer, vital to life on Earth. The exponential growth of renewable energy powered by wind, water, and sun. The race to be the greenest city in the world. Remarkable strides in cleaning up the air we breathe and the water we drink. The banning of dozens of the world’s most toxic chemicals. A circular economy where waste is a thing of the past. Past successes pave the way for even greater achievements in the future.

Providing a powerful antidote to environmental despair, this book inspires optimism, leading readers to take action and exemplifying how change can happen. A bright green future is not only possible, it’s within our grasp.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781770412385
Publisher:	ECW Press
Publication date:	08/01/2015
Edition description:	No Edition
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)

About the Author

David R. Boyd is an environmental lawyer, professor, and advocate for recognition of the right to live in a healthy environment. Boyd is the award-winning author of seven books and more than 100 articles and currently co-chairs Vancouver’s Greenest City initiative with Mayor Gregor Robertson. He lives on Pender Island, B.C. For more information, visit DavidRichardBoyd.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Importance of Being Optimistic xi

Part I The Big Picture

1 Nature's Comeback Stories 3

2 The Renewable Energy Revolution 25

3 The Circular Economy 51

Part II Healthy Environment, Healthy People

4 Cleaner Air 71

5 Saving the Ozone Layer 87

6 Taps, Toilets, and Farms 105

7 Global Detox 123

Part III The Built Environment

8 The Greenest City Decathlon 143

9 The Future of Buildings 159

10 Electrifying Transport 173

Conclusion: From Optimism to Action 187

Selected Bibliography 205

Acknowledgements 217

About the Author 219

Editorial Reviews

Is there hope for the future? Yes, as David Boyd brilliantly demonstrates, because of the energy and commitment of people who know the problems and take action to solve them. And because of the power of the human brain for good when it is in harmony with the human heart.” — Jane Goodall, PHD, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Institute of Peace

“A surprising, uplifting, and inspiring book. Boyd has assembled a dazzling array of success stories guaranteed to brighten your outlook about the future of this beautiful blue-green planet.” — Maude Barlow, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and author of Blue Future: Protecting Water for People and the Planet Forever

“Boyd, one of the real leaders of the Canadian environmental movement, provides an uplifting view of our collective accomplishments and the path forward.” — Tom Heinztman, co-founder of Bullfrog Power

“Boyd has a remarkable ability to educate and inspire the reader on the critical environmental issue of our time — while at the same time creating a page-turner of a book. Pick this up, read it, and lend it to a friend!” — Paul Richardson, CEO of Renewal Funds

“In The Optimistic Environmentalist, Boyd inspires hopefulness, particularly for young people.” — BC BookWorld

“Far from intimidating, his vision is electrifying and inspiring... This solidly researched and informative book is also a pleasure to read, especially in a world where bad news often drowns out the good.” — Publishers Weekly

“As someone who has teetered between trying to keep up with recycling, doing the small bits involved in keeping an environmentally friendly front yard, and resolutely not reading about global warming simply because there seems to be no hope of managing it, I appreciate the good news, all the more because it is so grounded. So, I’m in favor of The Optimistic Environmentalist as an argument for continuing.” — Fangirl Nation

“Boyd presents all this information well, and it’s a refreshing perspective. Environmentalists, students, and interested readers will find this accessible book a morale booster and a spur to become part of this great transition.” — Library Journal

“For anyone who is starting to feel beaten down and defeated by the magnitude of our planet’s green problems, this book definitely provides a much-needed fillip.” — Green Spirit

“Boyd offers hope and inspiration with The Optimistic Environmentalist, outlining progress that has been and is being made on the environmental front.” — David Suzuki Foundation

From the Publisher