Synopsis of Surviving Civilization’s Collapse:
Why do we humans sometimes make decisions that are sensible and constructive, while at other times our decisions endanger our civilization and our very lives? Surviving Civilization’s Collapse reviews constructive actions that helped civilizations in Japan and the tiny island of Tikopia survive for millennia, while poorly conceived ones on Easter Island and elsewhere led to their civilization’s collapse. Unwise decisions that we’ve made in the past—and are still making—are resulting in over-population, climate change, food and water shortages and more. These problems will lead to the deaths of millions, even billions of us from starvation, mass migrations, and rising sea-levels. Our brains are 98.4% genetically the same as that of chimpanzees; are we clever enough to avoid rushing over the precipice of collapse like proverbial lemmings? Or can we improve our decision-making and provide ourselves with parachutes that will soften our landing at the bottom? It’s time to think! This book offers Canadians some suggestions.
What readers are saying about this book:
This much-needed book is a gold mine of careful research, clear-eyed analysis and practical recommendations.
Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law, University of British Columbia.
An engaging and uplifting read! This book is well researched and provides comprehensive and humorous strategies for navigating society’s uncertain (and sometimes gloomy) future. I highly recommend it to students in the humanities or anyone looking for ways to create a more sustainable future.
Caitlin Doherty, Undergraduate Student, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C.
And independently from Caitlin’s high-school teacher dad:
Surviving Civilizations Collapse is the type of text high school Social-Studies that teachers dream of. It’s accessible and engaging but never condescending or simplistic. While it can be read in an afternoon, I expect it will spark many hours of discussion and debate in my classes.
Kirk Doherty, High school teacher, Victoria, BC.
This short, credible and readable navigational guide takes us through the stormy waters we're entering to a safer harbour in coming decades. How do we survive our collapsing institutions and environment with a soft landing? First, acknowledge it is happening; second, strengthen our democracy. How do we accomplish this? Read the book!
Briony Penn, Canadian author and environmental activist.
