First published 2013
Conservation ecologist Eric Sanderson examines how oil, automobiles, and suburban sprawl created the American dream in the twentieth century, then transformed into forces undermining American quality of life. Sanderson argues that oil dependence drives military conflicts, economic downturns, and environmental catastrophes. Cars drain household budgets while trapping Americans in traffic. Sprawling suburbs consume agricultural land and lock communities into patterns that demand more driving and fossil fuel consumption. The author draws from natural history, architectural principles, chemistry, and political analysis to trace how Americans have related to their environment across time. He demonstrates how this relationship has determined past outcomes and will shape future possibilities. Sanderson provides specific recommendations for breaking free from destructive cycles. Maps, charts, and visual data throughout the book support his case that Americans can build sustainable prosperity, health, and freedom for coming generations.
Genres: environment, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: sustainability
691 pages · Kindle Edition · ABRAMS