Table of Contents

Preface ix

1 On the Edge 3

I A Deteriorating Foundation

2 Falling Water Tables and Shrinking Harvests 21

3 Eroding Soils and Expanding Deserts 34

4 Rising Temperatures, Melting Ice, and Food Security 45

II The Consequences

5 The Emerging Politics of Food Scarcity 59

6 Environmental Refugees: The Rising Tide 72

7 Mounting Stresses, Failing States 84

III The Response: Plan B

8 Building an Energy-Efficient Global Economy 99

9 Harnessing Wind, Solar, and Geothermal Energy 116

10 Restoring the Economy's Natural Support Systems 136

11 Eradicating Poverty, Stabilizing Population, and Rescuing Failing States 151

12 Feeding Eight Billion 165

IV Watching The Clock

13 Saving Civilization 183

Additional Resources 203

Index 211

Acknowledgments 233

About the Author 239