Josephson, Paul R. Resources under regimes; technology, environment, and the state.

JOSEPHSON, Paul R. Resources under regimes; technology, environment, and the state. Harvard Univ. Press. 269p. notes. index. c2005. 067402243-2. $16.95. SA

This environmental policy book looks at the issue of how different types of governments affect the use and misuse of our natural resources. It also looks at the history of governmental policy on nature, from the use of dams for irrigation to deforestation for farming; and how science and technology often seem to mandate governmental policy, looking at issues such as the disposal of radioactive waste by both the US and the USSR and the different impact of "coercive" governments and democratic ones. Beyond individual governments, globalization has increased man's desire to achieve progress, often at the cost of destroying our environment. Josephson says that we must consider "the place of science and engineering both as root causes and as solutions to the world's ongoing environmental crisis," and we must assume a worldview when we try to solve our environmental problems. Science and technology have allowed us to achieve economic wealth, at least in some countries, even while destroying our quality of life through air and water pollution and the depletion of resources. Josephson is the director of the Program in Science, Technology and Society at Colby College and his book is a worthy addition to a senior high school library as it brings together political science, history and environmental policy in an academically sophisticated style. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.