[oowolf]

"OVERSHOOT: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change" by William R. Catton, Jr. University of Illinois, 1980

The classic textbook explaining basic ecology with numerous examples of carrying-capacity excesses. If our society truly wanted to bring up real human beings-instead of unthinking consumers-this book would be required reading. Essential for an understanding of the human predicament, this work elegantly sums up Ecologic Thought with a full bibliography including Garrett Hardin, Aldo Leopold, and many other, more obscure writers. Also includes a glossary defining terms such as drawdown, takeover, detritovore, phantom carrying capacity, ghost acreage, etc. A book that makes it possible to grasp the full, and harrowing, implications of resource depletion.

I consider anyone who doesn't possess the primary principles outlined in this book to be an ignoramus. It is tragic that this knowledge is not widely understood-and our continuing, insane, destructive, activity during the quarter century since 1980 is just more damning evidence of our collective inability to avert the coming catastrophe. Catton's use of the past tense in reference to the coming dieoff is an elegant touch that adds an element of pathos to what might be called the Doomer's Bible.

I cannot think of a more intelligent or important book. Absolutely essential.

[DomusAlbion]

This is an excellent book, if a bit dry and academic, but it is essential knowledge for helping one understand how we came to where we are and more importantly where we are going as a species. I’m a little more forgiving of those who may not have read this work than you, oowolf; it’s not the most accessible book and without a real awareness of the trouble we’re in, I can see how most people would not be motivated to read it.
I’m sure that most people on the PO board have not even approached it.
However, it has been in print for over 20 years so there must be a substantial group of people out there buying it.

[oowolf]

re: "ignoramus" I was raised to be nothing more than a factory-working, TV-watching, beer-swilling, walmart-shopping ignoramus. No one ever pulled me aside to inform me that I was the perfect detritovore. I had to discover how ignorant I was myself, and I guess I'm somewhat resentful and sarcastic especially when I encounter people who say things like "Growing one's own food is a waste of time 'cos I can buy spuds for 7 cents a pound."

[DomusAlbion]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('oowolf', 'r')e: "ignoramus" I was raised to be nothing more than a factory-working, TV-watching, beer-swilling, walmart-shopping ignoramus. No one ever pulled me aside to inform me that I was the perfect detritovore. I had to discover how ignorant I was myself, and I guess I'm somewhat resentful and sarcastic especially when I encounter people who say things like "Growing one's own food is a waste of time 'cos I can buy spuds for 7 cents a pound."

[Jack]

I agree - absolutely excellent.

It does refute the argument that we weren't warned. We just ignored the warning.

[wilburke]

I couldn't agree more with all that has been written in this post, with the possible exception that the importance of this book is perhaps understated. For anyone wanting to understand the gravity of our current situation, especially with regards to Peak Oil, this is an essential core reading, right up there with Hubbert's theories. Most other Peak Oil books derive their arguments from both Hubbert and Catton, and with only cursory explanations of those arguments so expertly constructed in "Overshoot." Absolutely, a must-read.

[MonteQuest]

Much of what I write on these forums is grounded in the basic concepts that Catton so eloquently outlined in his book. It has been prominent on my bookshelf for many years. A must read.

[cat]

Great book. I had to read it in college and it made a great impact on my world view. Interestingly, a Catholic university.

[seldom_seen]

That is a crucial book.

Very interesting and important concepts in that book. I like his description of machines as prosthetic devices

[MonteQuest]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Shannymara', ' ')
I wish everyone would read this book. I think it would preempt many of the frustrating debates around here, or at least inform them.

[mercurygirl]

I don't know if I dare read this, for fear of becoming more bitter and depressed than ever.

Why oh why didn't someone point this out to me twenty years ago? I would have had myself sterilized long ago, but now I have a child to worry about.

OK, will get the book and thanks.

[MonteQuest]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mercurygirl', 'I') don't know if I dare read this, for fear of becoming more bitter and depressed than ever.

Why oh why didn't someone point this out to me twenty years ago? I would have had myself sterilized long ago, but now I have a child to worry about.

OK, will get the book and thanks.

[PenultimateManStanding]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mercurygirl', 'I') don't know if I dare read this, for fear of becoming more bitter and depressed than ever.

Why oh why didn't someone point this out to me twenty years ago? I would have had myself sterilized long ago, but now I have a child to worry about.

OK, will get the book and thanks.

[CrudeAwakening]

What a great book. Puts humanity's situation into harsh perspective.

Best summarised as: individually, there are grounds for optimism, but collectively, we're screwed.

Along with Ronald Wright's "Short History of Progress", this is one book I wish everyone would read.

[julianj]

I too found this an excellent book, and I thank the above posters for bringing it to my attention.

[julianj]

BTW neither Catton nor Overshoot seems to have a Wikipedia entry. Anybody here fancy rectifying that oversight?

[halcyon]

Some material for those who don't have access to the book:

Overshoot Chapter 2: The Tragic Story of Human Success
http://www.ecoglobe.ch/overshoot/e/over-2.htm

Overshoot Chapter 11: Faith versus Fact
http://www.ecoglobe.ch/overshoot/e/over-11.htm

Google Book: Overshoot (sampling of chapters)
http://tinyurl.com/2gete9

Industrialization: Prelude to Collapse (Catton)
http://www.issi.it/gruppi-di-lavoro/svi ... rshoot.pdf

Related:

Tracking the ecological overshoot of the human economy
http://fp.arizona.edu/kkh/nats101gc/PDF ... 3699v1.pdf

[Graeme]

This is in response to Joewp request in the global warming news thread, environment forum. I understand that Catton did not provide any solutions to the problem of overpopulation and limitation of resources. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I expect the solutions are complex and outside my expertise but they can be summarised by the simple phrase "greening of the economy". I think there is a large literature base on this subject, but I can reintroduce it here with this post:

Rebuild the economy by building green industries

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'W')e may currently be witnessing the long-term decline of the United States economy, as seen in the falling dollar, huge trade deficits, shrinking middle class, and sinking financial system. These are all due, ultimately, to a declining manufacturing base. The greening of the economy is not a luxury that we cannot afford; it is a necessity without which the American economy will decline.

[Mastodon]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('oowolf', '"')OVERSHOOT: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change" by William R. Catton, Jr. University of Illinois, 1980
I cannot think of a more intelligent or important book. Absolutely essential.

[joewp]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Graeme', 'T')his is in response to Joewp request in the global warming news thread, environment forum. I understand that Catton did not provide any solutions to the problem of overpopulation and limitation of resources. Correct me if I'm wrong.