Victim of Success
Civilization at Risk

Humans are the most successful species ever to have occupied planet Earth - and the most destructive. We are putting the planet under enormous pressure. This title explains author's vision of sustainable living, but argues that we should not be fooled into thinking that a sustainable world will be Utopia.

Part 3 argues that we are teetering on the edge, close to the point at which human society enters a period of terminal decline. The author explains his vision of sustainable living, but then argues that we should not be fooled into thinking that a sustainable world will be Utopia. A sustainable society will still reflect human nature. Choosing to live sustainably requires that we adopt a different attitude, but we cannot change the way we are. All people will not suddenly become kind and caring. A sustainable world will have countries and regions that are beacons of success but also others that are sinks of despair. To shift to a sustainable lifestyle, and insist that other people do the same, will require robust and resolute action despite these difficulties. In the final chapter, Peter asks the question whether those with power and influence today are villains or heroes. They will go down in history as villains if they ignore the problems we face. On the other hand, they can be acclaimed as heroes if they accept the need for change and start the process of altering society. He argues that his generation must make the choice.

Foreword Preface Introduction
PART 1 OUR SUCCESS Chapter 1: One Earth, One Chance Chapter 2: Survival Chapter 3: The Selfishness of Human Nature Chapter 4: Choices Chapter 5: Breaking the Stalemate Chapter 6: Climate Change Hits Home Chapter 7: The Boom before the Bust Chapter 8: Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel Chapter 9: The Collapse of Civilization
PART 2 CHANGING DIRECTION Chapter 10: Altering the Future Chapter 11: Show Respect for the Earth Chapter 12: Stop Breeding
Chapter 13: The Three-Way Balancing Act Chapter 14: Plan to Ban Fossil Fuel Chapter 15: Melting the Wings of Icarus Chapter 16: Cities for People Chapter 17: Harness the Power of Community Chapter 18: No Compromise over Food Chapter 19: Rescue Poseidon Chapter 20: Support Real Change
PART 3 THE FUTURE Chapter 21: Living Sustainably Chapter 22: Fight for the Future Chapter 23: My Generation: Villains or Heroes?