There are many hopeful indications that a shift toward sustainability is beginning. But there are also discouraging signs that large political and economic institutions will resist change in that direction. Therefore much depends upon the public coming to understand the situation, taking personal steps, and demanding action from local and national governments.

by Richard Heinberg

Richard Heinberg, a journalist and educator, is a member of the core faculty of New College of California, where he teaches a program on Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Community. This article is adapted from his soon-to-be-released book, The Party’s Over: Oil, War, and the Fate of Industrial Societies (New Society Publishers, March 2003).

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