Description
Book SynopsisFocuses on critical thinking and effective action for the future of our global agrifood system, based on an understanding of the system's historical roots. This book offers an analysis of the assumptions underlying different perspectives on problems related to food and agriculture around the world and a discussion of alternative solutions.
Trade Review"Cleveland's new book is essential reading for all who are interested in change, since understanding how we got into this mess is important for identifying ways to get out of it." -- Charles R. Clement Economic Botany "A welcome addition to the literature on agriculture and food systems and will give to all readers a chance to critically consider the importance of continuously asking questions, examining our empirical and value assumptions, and choosing robust indicators that can accurately reflect our goals for the agrifood system." Agriculture and Human Values
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations List of Tables Preface: A Personal History Acknowledgments Introduction PART I Agrifood Systems History and Future 1. Eating Stardust: Population, Food, and Agriculture on Planet Earth 2. Agricultural Revolutions 3. Thinking Critically about Sustainable Agrifood Systems 4. Sustainable Agrifood Systems: Three Emphases PART II Moving toward Sustainable Agrifood Systems: A Balancing Act 5. Managing Evolution: Plant Breeding and Biotechnology 6. Managing Agricultural Ecosystems: The Critical Role of Diversity 7. Managing People: The Common Property Option 8. The Big Solutions: Climate Change, Resource Cycles, and Diet 9. The Big Solutions: Localizing Agrifood Systems Appendix 1. Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols Appendix 2. Metric Units and Metric-English Unit Conversions Notes References Index
