Reviews

Extracts from reviews of Garden Earth

‘This book presents a powerful narrative overview of the human condition in the 21st century. In the decades ahead, our species must navigate the end of fossil fuels and economic growth as we’ve known it — a tall order by any estimation. The risks are great, but so are the potential rewards if Rundgren’s advice is heeded and humanity embraces a post-carbon, post-industrial culture.’ Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute, Santa Rosa USA Author, The End of Growth

‘This is a remarkable book that should be read by many. It gives a broad knowledge of the historical conditions that shaped our world. It also gives a snapshot of how our world looks today, with all its cruel injustices. All these experiences are tied together in a whole.’ Sverker Sörlin, Uppsala Nya Tidning

A picture is drawn of the historical development of society and the economic systems, with a focus on our impact on nature resources and the aim of sustainable development. After describing, on a general level, the big picture regarding resources, technology and economy the author gives a view of the ecological challenges of our time. On this basis he proceeds to the fundamental economic and political conditions. Finally, he sketches the changes that are needed and this results in the radically different society system “ Garden Earth ”. The narrative has many references to environment and political sciences and is a very thoughtful and persistent argumentation for a radical societal change. Anders Weidung 

Garden Earth is an important contribution to the environmental debate…It is as complex and at the same time as simple as a garden can be. John Gerard, Newsletter of Ekolådan

…Gunnar Rundgren wants us to think…. Easy to digest? Hardly, but if we are going to save the planet it is not the wide path that will be trodden. Trädgården Jorden is explicitly political. Gunnar Rundgren doesn’t believe that Green Capitalism can save the earth. What does he believe in? A narrow and winding path built on cooperation, respect and humility towards the incredible system of life of the planet. REKO

“While this book represents serious and well researched scholarship, abundant with factual data from authoritative sources, it is written in a very accessible style with a sense of personal warmth and lighthearted humor that keeps one’s interest without excessive jargon. […]  This work gives us an excellent tool for understanding agriculture and food systems through a social ecology compatible lens, and a valuable contribution to the discussion of how to bring about a society that is rational, prosperous, equitable and ecologically based.”
Writes Grace Gershuny in a review of Garden Earth at the web site of the Institute for Social Ecology
You can read the whole review here.

“if you want to read only one book on sustainability, I warmly recommend this one! This one gives me hope for the future. But we are still facing the biggest challenge in the history of the modern human being.”


writes Kristian Stålne in a recent review of Garden Earth.
The book is used as literature in a university course on Sustainable Transition