Only One World

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Only if the world's poor, preindustrial nations restart their industrial revolutions will they be able to eradicate poverty and stabilize population growth, in Piel's judgment. To aid in this task, the chairman emeritus of Scientific American urges the wealthy, industrialized nations to support massive economic aid and technology transfer to the Third World. His careful, scientific discussion of ozone depletion, acid rain and other damage to the biosphere and its ecosystems leads him to make various policy recommendations, which include intensive research into solar and other alternative forms of energy. This levelheaded developmental primer includes a country-by-country survey of what is needed to trigger economic growth. Piel's pragmatic vision for a new partnership between rich and poor nations makes urgent reading for policymakers, economists, politicians, environmentalists and concerned citizens. Illustrations. (May)

Library Journal

Distributed to delegates at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Only One World contributes to the debate on the crises of poverty and the environment. Piel is publisher of Scientific American and with quiet eloquence presents an impressive array of scientific, social, and economic detail on these crises. He argues for greater economic development to limit Third World population growth, enhance the quality of life, and achieve environmental stability. However, some of his data are either dated or grossly exaggerated (Piel's figures on annual tropical forest losses exceed by a factor of 25 those of other authorities), while little reference is made to Third World thinking and realities. The book should be used in conjunction with others, such as Paul Harrison's The Third Revolution ( LJ 6/15/92). Recommended for larger libraries. Previewed in ``Sources for Sustaining the Earth,'' LJ 5/15/92, p. 116-17.-- Bill Rau, Takoma Park, Md.

Booknews

The founder of Scientific American examines how natural and social systems have interacted to shape the course of human development and environmental impact--and then makes recommendations that connect the eradication of poverty to the planet's future. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)