The Struggle for Accountability: The World Bank, NGOs, and Grassroots Movements (Global Environmental Accord: Strategies for Sustainability and Institutional Innovation)

Book Description

After a history of funding environmentally costly megaprojects, the World Bank now claims that it is trying to become a leading force for sustainable development. For more than a decade, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and grassroots movements have formed transnational coalitions to reform the World Bank and the governments that it funds. The Struggle for Accountability assesses the efforts of these groups to make the World Bank more publicly accountable.

The book is organized into four parts. Part I describes the NGOs and grassroots movements that are the book's central focus. Part II presents case studies of four projects that provoked the emergence of transnational advocacy coalitions: Indonesia's Kedung Ombo dam, the Mt. Apo geothermal plant in the Philippines, Brazil's Planaforo Amazon development project, and the remarkable campaign of Ecuador's indigenous people to influence national economic policy that led to their participation in the design of a development loan. Part III looks at the origins and politics of reform in four areas of broader World Bank policy: the rights of indigenous peoples, involuntary resettlement, water resources, and the World Bank's institutional reforms that are supposed to encourage public accountability. In the last section, the editors discuss issues of accountability within transnational coalitions and assess the impact of advocacy campaigns on World Bank projects and policies.

Contributors: L. David Brown, Jane G. Covey, Jonathan A. Fox, Andrew Gray, Margaret E. Keck, Deborah Moore, Antoinette Royo, Augustinus Rumansara, Leonard Sklar, Kay Treakle, Lori Udall, David A. Wirth.

The Struggle for Accountability: The World Bank, NGOs, and Grassroots Movements (Global Environmental Accord: Strategies for Sustainability and Institutional Innovation)

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The Struggle for Accountability: The World Bank, NGOs, and Grassroots Movements (Global Environmental Accord: Strategies for Sustainability and Institutional Innovation)
The MIT Press
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQH0E4

Book Description

This collection of original essays offers a selection of contemporary scholarship intended to help define an agenda for future research in the field of international trade and finance. Written to honor Peter B. Kenen and to explore his work, the volume is divided into three parts: international trade theory, international monetary theory, and applied policy analysis. Also included is an essay by Paul Krugman assessing Kenen's lifetime of scholarly achievements.

Book Description

This powerful, interactive CD-ROM contains a complete lexicon of life science terminology. Conveniently assembled on an easy-to-use CD-ROM are components such as a glossary of common biological roots, prefixes, and suffixes (Word Parts); a categorized glossary of common biological terms; and a section describing the classification system.

Book Description

Earth System Analysis for Sustainability uses an integrated systems approach to provide a panoramic view of planetary dynamics since the inception of life some four billion years ago and to identify principles for responsible management of the global environment in the future. Perceiving our planet as a single entity with hypercomplex, often unpredictable behavior, the authors use Earth system analysis to study global changes past and future. They explore the question of whether the unprecedented human-originated changes transforming the ecosphere today will end a 10,000-year period of climate stability.

The book presents the complete story of the inseparably intertwined evolution of life and matter on Earth, focusing on four major topics: long-term geosphere-biosphere interaction and the possibility of using extrasolar planets to test various geophysical hypotheses; the Quaternary Earth System's modes of operation; current planetary dynamics under human pressure; and transition to global sustainability. Written by leading figures in the disciplines of geology, climatology, evolution, biogeochemistry, macroeconomics, and institutions theory, Earth System Analysis for Sustainability analyzes the driving forces behind global change and uses this knowledge to propose principles to propose principles for global stewardship.

Earth System Analysis: Integrating Science for Sustainability

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Earth System Analysis: Integrating Science for Sustainability

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Renewable Energy | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

As humanity approaches the 3rd millennium, the sustainability of our present way of life becomes more and more questionable. New paradigms for the long-term coevolution of nature and civilization are urgently needed in order to avoid intolerable and irreversible modifications of our planetary environment. Earth System Analysis is a new scientific enterprise that tries to perceive the earth as a whole, a unique system which is to be analyzed with methods ranging from nonlinear dynamics to macroeconomic modelling. This book, resulting from an international symposium organized by the Potsdam Institute, has 2 aims: first, to integrate contributions from leading researchers and scholars from around the world to provide a multifaceted perspective of what Earth System Analysis is all about, and second, to outline the scope of the scientific challenge and elaborate the general formalism for a well-defined transdisciplinary discourse on this most fascinating issue.

Earth Systems Analysis for Sustainability

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Earth Systems Analysis for Sustainability
HJ Schnellnhuber
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQS4IK

Book Description

This book describes the phenomena that arise from the interaction between quantum systems and their environment. Since the first edition appeared in 1996, the concepts of decoherence have become firmly established experimentally and are now widely used in the literature. Its major consequences are the emergence of "classicality", superselection rules, the border line between microscopic and macroscopic behavior, the emergence of classical spacetime, and the appearance of quantum jumps.

Most of the new developments in this rapidly evolving field are discussed in this second edition: chaos theory, quantum information, neuroscience, primordial fluctuations in cosmology, black holes and string theory, experimental tests, and interpretational issues. While the major part of the book is concerned with environmental decoherence derived from a universal Schrödinger equation, later chapters address complementary or competing approaches, such as consistent histories, open system dynamics, algebraic methods, and collapse models.

Book Description

'To the English, I am "shocking"...What's more, French, which is disgusting; republican, which is abominable; exiled, which is repulsive; defeated, which is infamous. To top it all off, a poet...' Victor Hugo dominated literary life in France for over half a century, pouring forth novels, poems, plays, and other writings with unflagging zest and vitality. Here, for the first time in English, all aspects of his work are represented within a single volume. Famous scenes from the novels Notre-Dame, Les Miserables, and The Toilers of the Sea are included, as well as excerpts from his intimate diaries, poems of love and loss, and scathing denunciations of the political establishment. All the chosen passages are self-contained and can be enjoyed without any previous knowledge of Hugo's work. Much of the material is appearing in English for the first time, and most of it has never before been annotated thoroughly in any language.

The Essential Victor Hugo (Oxford World's Classics)

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The Essential Victor Hugo (Oxford World's Classics)
E. H. Blackmore, A. M. Blackmore Victor Hugo
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKGFX2

Book Description

The massive, three-volume Picturesque Atlas of Australia was first published in Sydney in 1886. Its publication was one of the most significant cultural projects in 19th-century Australia. Writers, artists, academics, and politicians came together to prepare a book of unprecedented grandeur and ambition, and a publishing company was established to publish it. The 700 engravings on steel and wood contained in the Picturesque Atlas were among the finest engravings to be found anywhere in the world at this time.

Tuiavii's Way : A South Sea Chief's Comments on Western Society
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Tuiavii or Scheurman's way?

Tuiavii's Way

Tuiavii's Way

A treasure for the student of anthropology

Need to wake up and smell the coffee?

Tuiavii's Way : A South Sea Chief's Comments on Western Society
Tuiavii , and Erich Scheurmann
Manufacturer: Legacy Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
Civilization & Culture | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
Cultural | Anthropology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present (P.S.)

ASIN: 0968246907

Book Description

Tuiavii, a Samoan chief, traveled to Europe at the turn of the 20th century and wrote a commentary condemning the very foundations of Western society. Today, at the dawn of the millenium, his words promise to cast a spell over a new generation of readers. By looking at ourselves through Tuiavii's eyes we are saddened by the loss of simplicity and humanity in our society. Yet each page, filled with Tuiavii's insight, brings us a step closer to the truth and, ultimately, to understanding ourselves. Masterfully translated; with a cultural and literary perspective by Peter C. Cavelti.

Customer Reviews:

Tuiavii or Scheurman's way?.......2007-01-02

I read this book long ago, as a teenager. Back then it already seemed to me that what I was reading were not the words of a Samoan chief, but of Scheurman himslef using the chief as a mouthpiece for his criticism of civilization. If you examine it closely, you will even be reminded of Gulliver's Travels by satirist Jonathan Swift. Reading it again now, my impression is still the same. As is the case with another famous "Noble Savage" discourse (Chief Seattle's), "Tuiavii's Way" is almost certainly the work of a Western critic of civilization rather than a non-Western perspective.

Tuiavii's Way.......2006-09-22

If you are apalled at the craziness of this world,if you are apalled at the way so many wars are fought in the name of religion,if you have had enough of modern materialism and if you are seeking a simple and pure philosophy then Tuiavii's Way is a "must read".In this translation by Peter Cavelti of a Samoan Chief's lectures to his people in the late 19th Century,you will be amazed at the clarity of thought that Tuiavii had .Everything he says is as valid today as it was then.You will find yourself nodding in agreement ,and at times chuckling ,as Tuiavii makes his observations regarding the behaviour,customs and living conditions of Europeans in the late 1800's.This book is easy reading.

Tuiavii's Way.......2003-03-08

Tuiavii's way is a timeless true story of a South sea Island Chief which captures simply and eloquently the basic truths of the aspects of progress and greed which cause human pain and suffering. Through Tuiavii's innocent yet dercerning eyes Peter offers a delightful and awakening translation of Tuiavii's stories of his travels, as told to his people after his journey to Europe 100 years ago. The story could have been told yesterday.It is the kind of book that you want to read out loud, both for it's insightfulness and for its simple, stark and humerous accounts and reflections of Tuiavii's meetings with the culture and lifestyle of western man. You will love this book and want to give it to all of your friends. When I first read it I was leading a retreat in Hawaii. One member of the group would pick it up and begin to read a few lines,then read it out loud, soon another member would do the same until we had to read it all out loud for everyone to hear the stories. Now a have several Tuiavii books around!!! Enjoy!!

A treasure for the student of anthropology.......2003-03-01

Tuiavii, a late 18th century Samoa Chief, traveled to Europe to understand the "Palolagi," or White Man. On his return to Samoa, he gives a series of speeches to his people on his observations. These speeches compose Tuiavii's Way. His observations are both humorous and insightful, contrasting two cultures that cannot be further apart. Whereas the White Man prefers his woman to have a pointed nose that looks like a shark's tooth, the Samoa prefers his woman to have a round nose. And whereas the White Man is obsessed with time and cannot do anything without money, the Samoa lives in the joy of the present moment, and his human relations are based on respect for a person's virtue and skill (not money). Tuiavii's Way is a "must read" for any student of comparative culture and anthropology. Above all, it is a really fun read.

Need to wake up and smell the coffee?.......2001-05-23

Cavelti's work here on Tuivaii's messages is nothing short of a backdrop for our own personal opportunity to "wake up and smell the coffee". Perhaps for those of us in our mid 40's it is a wonderful chance to evaluate who we really are, want to be, can be and/or don't want to become. Tuivaii's messages are really nothing so extraordinary other than simple truths and observations. Things that get harder and harder to do in our hectic lives.

I was fortunate enough to go trekking with Peter in Bhutan and got to know he and his wife as very special people. Not caught in the trappings of those of us with "city lives" they embodied a peace and spirit not often found. Peter gave me this book as a special gift after our many conversations about my frustrations with work life and the lack of harmony around time, things, and relationships. Peter and Carol are a living example that what Tuivaii has to teach can change lives. I'm working on it bit by bit, and have begun to read this book nightly before bed. I know it sounds hokey, but this work really IS cathartic. Not many books can arrest your attention with such clarity. Peter has done an excellent job with Tuivaii's thoughts and observations, and I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially the chapter on what is "time".

How the World Works: A Guide to Science's Greatest Discoveries
Average customer rating:

One of the best books I own

Filling gaps in your science knowledge

How the World Works: A Guide to Science's Greatest Discoveries
Boyce Rensberger
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books
Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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Life Itself: Exploring the Realm of the Living Cell

Instant Biology: From Single Cells to Human Beings, and Beyond

ASIN: 0688072933

Customer Reviews:

One of the best books I own.......2001-12-03

This book was a great find and makes a great gift. In this book are all the basics for those non-scientists among us (and who isn't?).

Filling gaps in your science knowledge.......2000-02-22

An extremely well written book introducing the average reader to what science is with an inspiring definition followed by a compact description of the major scientific theories with references to more detailed explanations that make up the bulk of the book. The terms frequently used in popular articles on scientific research are listed and explained with clarity of expression. The content is very well organised with cross-references to related topics integrating coverage of the major discoveries throughout the history of science, including short bibliographies of the most important scientists and their contributions, to make for captivating reading.

I read it to refresh my science knowledge and found that the elegant combination of historical perspective and technical lucidity made this book a joy to read and very enlightening. Would that all science writing be done that way! It would make an excellent reference book.

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