Dozens of countries have decentralized at least part of their natural resource policies over the last two decades. Despite the length of time that these policy experiments have been in force, there is little agreement about their effectiveness. We argue that part of this ambivalence stems from three limitations of extant studies, suggesting that…

Ecological economics addresses the dangers of excluding nature from economic decisions. Discusses how traditional economic frameworks separate economic interests from environmental interests. Introduces some alternative ideas wherein environmental interests are incorporated into economic planning. (MCO)

Examines different approaches to environmental activism taken by Native Americans and Westerners as a result of their differing views of nature. Describes historical Western-Indian conflicts related to the preservation of bison in Yellowstone Park. Suggests that there is a growing acknowledgment in the scientific community of traditional…

Alternatives to fossil fuels as energy resources are discussed. Energy from the sun and other renewable resources are cited as the alternatives. Constructed is a practical energy scenario for the year 2030 that involves a 55-percent cut in carbon dioxide emissions, greatly improved energy efficiency, and an energy production system that relies…

The numerous and widespread problems associated with the automobile are discussed. Traffic congestion, air pollution, and oil dependence are some of the reasons why the use of alternative fuels is necessary. A proposal is made for a new transport environment where walking, bicycling, and public transportation are used to complement the use of the…

A social studies educator examines energy education and its place in the curriculum, discussing what should be taught, where, and by whom. Six recommendations are made. First, students must be made aware that sometime between now and the year 2000, world demand for oil and natural gas will actually exceed world supply. Life in the 21st Century…

Discusses how biomass in the form of fuelwood, crop residues, and animal dung can be converted into fuels such as biogas and ethanol to replace or supplement fossil fuels. Argues for future decentralized, integrated biomass energy development. (TW)

This paper predicts that microelectronic circuitry will have an impact on education comparable to that of the industrial revolution or the invention of the printing press. Present conditions influencing educational technology and trends are considered in light of five considerations: (1) recent redefinitions of what educational technology is; (2)…

This paper presents background on a non-hierarchical organizational perspective. In addition, it presents guidelines for using a non-hierarchical perspective to create generally acceptable forms of international organizations. The theory on which the non-hierarchical perspective is based maintains that a form of comprehensive global planning…

This Bulletin updates the story of world population presented in 1971, "Man's Population Predicament." Estimated at half a billion in 1650, world population reached 2 billion in 1930, 4 billion in 1975, and is projected to be about 6 billion in 2000. Most of today's rapid growth is occurring among people living in less developed…

Discusses the continual decline in the quality of the environment. Questions why this decline continues, considering the increased awareness of environmental problems by the general public. Concludes that those efforts have not been inadequate, but have been misdirected. Promotes increasing the relationships between economic and ecological…

Discussed is the idea that the use of fossil fuels could render Earth uninhabitable long before supplies of them are exhausted. Possible solutions to this problem are described and include a revolution in technology, worldwide economic strategies, and a change in the way people think. (KR)

This report discusses the need to provide people with disabilities with accessible opportunities for community contribution and to provide the individualized supports and assistance necessary to enable their participation. Two strategies are discussed for realizing these objectives: adequate individual funding controlled by people with…

Ecological constraints will soon bring economic growth to an abrupt end. Chapter 1 examines how the discourses of recent educational reform movements ignore the reality of ecological limits and are dominated by concerns of national and individual economic expansion that are impossible to sustain. Chapters 2 and 3 outline the philosophical history…

Problems in education have changed from those dealing with growth to the exigencies created by scarcity and retrenchment. The two major sources of scarcity, the long-range demographic changes in society and the changing energy situation, will permanently alter the style and standard of American life. Public education in the foreseeable future will…