Living Cities: An Urban Myth Government and Sustainability in Australia

(Paperback)

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Fundamental problems persist in the approach of western democracies to sustainability and the local environment. Economic growth and the local democratic process continue along traditional development pathways, largely dismissive of the impacts on the environment. The important political and social dilemma reflects a disengagement of the public with the social and political processes required to address the problem. The situation poses serious risks for the public, particularly future Australian generations. Current human behaviour and social decision-making make little sense. The work describes practical methods to address these problems and to help educators, the public, and government practitioners to get started on changes and to accelerate their rate of progress. The book, documented by reference from a wide range of literature, enables educators, students, government professionals and the community to consider and adapt appropriate aspects of the work to their specific needs.

Reviews

"...I found myself agreeing with many of the author's arguments about why our urban environments are in a mess. The book is also packed with detailed information about environmental issues in urban Australia. Open it at random and one will almost invariably strike a section containing useful information and/or sound ideas." -- Clive Forster, School of Geography, Population and Environmental Management, Finders University, in Journal of Regional Science, Vol. 47, No. 5, 2007.