Sustainability: All That Matters

Book excerpt: Sustainability: All That Matters, by award-winning writer and campaigner Chris Goodall argues that building a sustainable society is perhaps the greatest test that the world has ever faced. Today's generation has borrowed from the future by grabbing prosperity now and imposing the cost on the next generation. In this startling and informative book, which will appeal to both students and general readers, Goodall provides the first coherent new explanation of what sustainability actually is. Goodall then goes onto explore nine key sustainability challenges, applying the theory of sustainability to look at food, travel, clothing, electricity, heating and cooling, paper and cardboard, construction, consumer electronics, and air travel. This accessible and concise book will appeal to both students and general readers, giving a challenging and thought-provoking introduction to sustainability - and what matters most about it.