Main description:

Since history is a critical part of future planning, the eight chapters of this book offer both academics and the general public a historical perspective of the evolution of science and policy actions on climate change and steps toward building a resilient and sustainable society, especially at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Reflecting the world today, especially at the EPA, the author, who is a long-time academic and government policy maker and researcher, acknowledges that as David Barry once said (March 22, 1999) "We live in troubled times, but I feel good about myself, about my homeland and about all nations, and yes, about the future of humanity. And I will tell you why; I am on painkillers."Pain killers are not what we want for the future. Given the pressures of many megatrends, business and government must take bipartisan actions to move toward a resilient and sustainable world.The book provides detailed insights into how best to deal with the nexus of environmental, social and economic problems and how to ensure strong economic growth while protecting the environment.