This is the home page of our overview of Lester Brown's Part II, Plan B, chapters 7 through 10. Brown packs much into the policy prescriptions that he proposes. We will cover some of the highlights here. Brown serves as a policy analyst who strictly avoids the political controversies that I suspect he wishes to avoid.
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Lester Brown's method: survey of status of topic; discussion of best practices; and conclusion. |
There is much packed into these chapters, so we will examine the main points only. Brown provides policy analysis, provides survey data, identifies what works, and points to actions accessible to individuals and within civil society. |
Note the chapter titles and subtitles: do a quick overview |
Do a quick scan and then pause to consider the whole package. Then add details and depth. |
The interdependence is daunting. |
Brown shows that the topics interconnect, a good thing to learn. This is complex stuff and therefore challenging. Important stuff, too |
Refer back to the agenda setting in Part I |
In the first part of his book, Brown lays out a daunting global agenda. |
Keep in mind an implicit principle, attributed to economist Kenneth Boulding: "If it exists, it's possible." |
By identifying best practices, Brown challenges us to replicate what works. He specifies actions and policies, explains how to implement, and even provides a reasonable budget estimate. |
Theme #1: population, nations, social needs and behavior |
Three themes encapsulate the policy discussion in Brown. This is the social theme covered in chapters 6, 7, and 9. |
Theme #2: energy and global warming |
Energy and global warming loom large, so are broken out. See notes for Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. |
Theme #3: natural systems, including water, food, forests, water |
Many ecological topics rolled up here. They interconnect. |
Conclusion: Mobilization |
Brown's chapter 10 summarizes his case and extolls a great but swift mobilization. |