climate change big-picture sustainability food energy water consumerism & economy policy organizations tales of success
“As we peer into society’s future, we — you and I, and our government — must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow.”— Dwight D. Eisenhower
At the core of The Crossroads Project is rigorous science. But of course not everyone (in fact, hardly anyone) is capable of reading the primary scientific literature. Further, it is the point of this project that the science alone is incapable of presenting a comprehensive picture of these issues.
We in The Crossroads Project certainly don’t claim to have all of the answers; these are complex issues, with complex solutions. But while no one is possessed of the complete solution, not knowing everything is not the same as not knowing anything. A great deal of work has been done, by sincere and dedicated people from all walks, laying the groundwork for a sustainable society. We do know — through science — the nature of these problems, and the directions along which the solutions lie. Realizing a path that moves in these directions, of course, is what we must come together to accomplish as a society. To do so, we cannot shy away from intellectually honest dialogue; quite the contrary, we must demand such dialogue.
We in The Crossroads Project certainly don’t claim to have all of the answers; these are complex issues, with complex solutions. But while no one is possessed of the complete solution, not knowing everything is not the same as not knowing anything. A great deal of work has been done, by sincere and dedicated people from all walks, laying the groundwork for a sustainable society. We do know — through science — the nature of these problems, and the directions along which the solutions lie. Realizing a path that moves in these directions, of course, is what we must come together to accomplish as a society. To do so, we cannot shy away from intellectually honest dialogue; quite the contrary, we must demand such dialogue.
Listed here is a collection of diverse resources that presents visions of our world worth considering. Some of these resources — such as the Earth Policy Institute and the Rocky Mountain Institute, are research-based institutions, dealing in rigorous science. Others, including many of the documentary films, like The Crossroads Project, are themselves artistic endeavors — efforts to communicate the science of these topics through information, imagery and story telling.
It is our hope that the resources listed here will serve as a starting point in forming your own understanding of the issues of sustainability and global climate change. We regard these resources not as a gospel or immutable canon, but as stepping stones, guiding your exploration of these topics — a personal exploration that will lead leading you to your own best understanding.
It is our hope that the resources listed here will serve as a starting point in forming your own understanding of the issues of sustainability and global climate change. We regard these resources not as a gospel or immutable canon, but as stepping stones, guiding your exploration of these topics — a personal exploration that will lead leading you to your own best understanding.
Acquiring a genuine understanding of the scope of Humanity’s sustainability dilemma — the comprehensive nature of the rising crises and their solutions — requires a big-picture view. The endeavor requires weaving together issues of food, water, energy, population, consumerism, and economy. Consequently, we have provided a collection of resources roughly broken down into these categories. Understand though, each topic must be considered in the context of the others.
All of this takes time.
But a few words of warning — and encouragement: Once you begin on this road, you may find it difficult to stop. In fact, you many find it difficult to come up for air. As you explore the resources listed here, and follow them to new resources, you may find it helpful — and healthful — to take some time to ponder the information — to let it percolate. Take notes. You will quickly begin to see the interconnectedness of the issues, and the solutions.
Finally, to help get you started, the videos, films, books and articles that we believe are a good place to start are marked with a ( ** ) double asterik.
All of this takes time.
But a few words of warning — and encouragement: Once you begin on this road, you may find it difficult to stop. In fact, you many find it difficult to come up for air. As you explore the resources listed here, and follow them to new resources, you may find it helpful — and healthful — to take some time to ponder the information — to let it percolate. Take notes. You will quickly begin to see the interconnectedness of the issues, and the solutions.
Finally, to help get you started, the videos, films, books and articles that we believe are a good place to start are marked with a ( ** ) double asterik.
