Eartheasy Book Review:

Ignition: What You Can Do to Fight Global Warming and Spark a Movement

by Jonathan Isham, Sissel Waage, with an Introduction by Bill McKibben

"To avoid catastrophe in our generation, we need to start changing fundamentally the way the whole world produces and consumes energy in less than eight years. We cannot wait for Washington."

The debate over the existence and causes of climate change has gradually given way to a change, albeit reluctant, in looking at how our modern lifestyles impact the environment and ultimately our quality of life. In North America, the focus seems to be shifting towards ways we can adjust our lifestyles and consumer habits to mitigate the looming threat of global warming. More and more we are hearing "What can I do?"

Ignition, a new book by Jonathan Isham and Sissel Waage, addresses this question with the much needed macroscopic view: a fundamental evolution in our values as a society is required to reverse current trends.

A collection of essays from some of the brightest minds of the environmental movement serve as a guide to help shape our thinking for the century ahead. Notable thinkers like Bill McKibben and Gus Speth, as well as young activists, draw on direct experience in grassroots organization, education, law, and social leadership. While their approaches are various, from building coalitions to win political battles to rallying shareholders to change corporate behavior, they share a common theme - our fears can be the wellspring of change.

Chapters range from the philosophical to the practical, a free-range of information to help kick-start the green revolution. Although diverse in point of view, a consistency of style engages, rather than daunts, the reader. Success stories help kindle optimism and serve as inspiration, and a collection of web resources and references provide the reader with the tools to follow-through with personal action.

While Ignition offers practical strategies we can use to address climate change, it is especially a good primer for students and new organizers and activists.

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About the Authors

Jonathan Isham is Luce Professor of International Environmental Economics in the Department of Economics and Program in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, Vermont.

Sissel Waage is an independent consultant who works on environmental and social aspects of sustainability issues in North America, Europe, and Africa.