Adapt and Thrive
The Sustainable Revolution

Mankind is caught in a self-made trap. The conflict between conventional economics and the growing realisation that we need to save our planet is irreconcilable. A revolution is required.

Globalisation is sucking resources from the Earth at an increasing rate, driving many industrial activities to places of lowest environmental and social standards; whilst the policy of sustainability is seeking to persuade people, organisations and corporations to behave responsibly towards social issues and the environment. Our current mechanisms of capitalism cannot handle these diverging forces. The established order of how we run society is set to be overthrown and the business landscape reconfigured.

Out of this, a new reality will emerge, based on selfish determination to construct successful, sustainable societies. In this book a wide range of issues are examined; from climate change, energy and agriculture to transportation, manufacturing and urban living. Predictions as to how society will evolve are linked with innovative proposals to ensure that our future will be sustainable.

Adapt and Thrive charts a way forward at variance with many of the ways that have become deeply entrenched in the developed world. It is disturbing in outlining the problems, inspiring in showing a route towards a sustainable society and surprising in the role foreseen for business as the primary agent for change.


Peter McManners is a Visiting Executive Fellow of Henley Management College, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, member of the Institute of Directors, member of the Centre for Alternative Technology and member of the Green Economics Institute.

Predictions as to how society will evolve are linked with innovative proposals to ensure that our future will be sustainable and profitable for those who lead the adaptation. There are huge opportunities which can be exploited by companies with vision and agility. Part 3 shows the way to force the pace of change. Improving our capital markets and extending our economics can focus society on better social provision and protection of the environment. Business can do more than merely survive the transition, but can thrive on the opportunities which arise. Forcing the pace of change is not only vital because the health of our planet is at risk, but also because there are profits to be made from saving the world.

Preface Overview
PART 1 - THE COMING OF THE SUSTAINABLE REVOLUTION Chapter 1: Adapt or Die Chapter 2: Striving for a Sustainable World Chapter 3: Our Globalized World Chapter 4: The Sustainable Revolution PART 2 - ISSUES AND OUTCOMES Chapter 5: The World's Natural Systems and Society Chapter 6: Climate Change Chapter 7: Balancing Energy Sources and Needs Chapter 8: The Energy Crunch Chapter 9: The Insatiable Appetite of Transportation Chapter 10: Icarus Air Chapter 11: Healthy, Cohesive Urban Communities Chapter 12: Putting King Car in Its Place
Chapter 13: Global Manufacturing Renaissance
Chapter 14: Our Thirst for Water Chapter 15: Safe, Sustainable Agriculture Chapter 16: Dealing with Waste PART 3 - SURVIVE AND THRIVE: FORCING THE PACE OF CHANGE Chapter 17: The Leaders of the Revolution Chapter 18: Mobilizing Business
Chapter 19: Capital Markets and the Power of Ownership Chapter 20: Social Economics Chapter 21: Environmental Economics Chapter 22: Adaptation Laboratories Chapter 23: Profiting from the Transition Chapter 24: A Shared Destiny