Introduction -- Realism, balance-of-power theory, and the counterbalancing constraint -- Realism, balance-of-threat theory, and the "soft balancing" constraint -- Liberalism, globalization, and constraints derived from economic interdependence -- Institutionalism and the constraint of reputation -- Constructivism and the constraint of legitimacy -- A new agenda
Encouraging, accessible, and easily digestible, this comprehensive, illustrated nonfiction guide introduces children ages eight to twelve to the important topic of climate change--with tips on "How You Can Help" and citizen scientist activities. "Our World Out of Balance is a wonderful introduction to climate change and other global environmental challenges for children. Unlike so many other books about climate change, it does not traffic in fear. Instead, it presents the facts and shows what young people can do to help build a cleaner, safer and more equitable future for the planet." --Simon Donner, Professor, Climate Scientist, University of British Columbia Filled with engaging big ideas that will inspire children to think about their role in keeping our world healthy, Our World Out of Balance details how humans have thrown the planet off-balance and ways we can work together to be part of the solution and create a healthier world. While the book covers some complex subjects, it also shares a sense of hope and many of the positive developments that have come from environmental initiatives, like reforestation and innovative recycling programs. Featuring brave scientists, young activists, and many groups working collectively to protect our future, Our World Out of Balance will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired. Each chapter pairs brightly colored illustrations with easily graspable scientific facts and statistics and ends with tips on "How You Can Help" as an individual―even at a young age! The book shares simple and well-organized descriptions of a variety of phenomena―like hurricanes and wildfires―that are becoming more extreme and negatively affecting plants, animals, humans, and ecosystems around the world. From there, children learn about the causes behind each phenomenon and what we all can do to intervene and bring balance back to our home planet. The easy-to-follow "Before" and "After" segments help children understand complex topics like: -Air pollution -Rising seas -Plastics and increased waste -Wildfires The backmatter lists various citizen science initiatives that kids can take part in to help make a difference. Informational text includes a table of contents, diagrams, index, glossary, and select bibliography. Printed on FSC-certified paper with vegetable inks.
Understanding, planning for, and thriving in the global business environment Business leaders face a global environment that is increasingly complex and treacherous. Written by the managing director of A.T. Kearney's prestigious Global Policy Institute, World Out of Balance draws upon the insights of an elite group of business leaders, academics, and government officials from around the world, focusing on the five factors that are shaping tomorrow's business environment: Globalization--rising levels of trade, communication, and travel Demographics--slowed population growth in developed countries, and increased growth in the third world Consumption Patterns--increasingly diverse consumer markets, causing fierce market competition Natural Resources and Environment--oil markets reaching a crisis stage, and other shortages predicted in the coming decades Regulation and Activism--calls for greater regulation point to long-term business challenges With intelligence and insight, World Out of Balance provides executives, consultants, and business thinkers with the high caliber of information and insight you need to plan for, rather than react to, important emerging trends shaping the global business environment. Author Paul Laudicina offers compelling snapshots of key trends and how they may evolve in the years ahead--and provides practical scenarios and expert guidelines to help you prepare your organizations to meet these challenges and profit by them.
Invasive species threaten local ecosystems and the planet’s biodiversity, but are they all as bad as we think they are? Plants, animals, insects and fish are moving in. In Nature Out of Balance:How Invasive Species Are Changing the Planet author Merrie-Ellen Wilcox profiles all-star invasive species around the world, starting in her own neighbourhood, and warns that humans are the most invasive species of all. We find out how and why species become invasive, what we can do to stop their spread and whether it’s time to think differently about invasive species that are here to stay.
Over the past decade, the global economy has been on a dynamic path that is clearly unsustainable, with ever-increasing current account deficits in the United States, financed by surpluses in emerging market economies. In its latest report, the authoritative CEPS Macroeconomic Policy Group explores the link between the U.S. deficits and the global savings-investment equilibrium. They find that the U.S. deficit is likely to be even larger than officially reported and that policymakers do not seem willing to undertake the necessary policy adjustments to reduce it. Nevertheless, a reduction in the global supply of savings may force an increase in global interest rates and thus a slowdown in U.S. domestic demand--thus initiating a gradual reduction in deficits. The authors argue that a key responsibility of U.S. policymakers is to allow this process to happen, thereby avoiding the risk of a disruptive adjustment later.
“Shows that the story of metrology . . . can in the right hands make for a riveting read.”—The Economist Millions of transactions each day depend on a reliable network of weights and measures. But achieving such a network was anything but easy, as Robert P. Crease, physicist and philosopher, demonstrates in this endlessly fascinating, always entertaining look at just how this international system evolved. From the link between musical pitch and distance in the dynasties of ancient China and the use of figurines to measure gold in West Africa to the creation of the French metric and British imperial systems, Crease takes readers along on one of history’s greatest philosophical and scientific adventures.
After giving up the Internet for a month, a writer shares how we can all learn from her experience and rethink our relationship with the digital world. There’s no doubt that technology has overrun our lives. Over the past few decades, the world has embraced “progress” and we’re living with the resultant clicking, beeping, anxiety-inducing frenzy. But a creative backlash is gathering steam, helping us cope with the avalanche of data that threatens to overwhelm us daily through our computers, tablets, and smartphones. The Joy of Missing Out considers the technologically focused life, with its impacts on our children, relationships, communities, health, work, and more, and suggests opportunities for those of us longing to cultivate a richer on- and off-line existence. By examining the connected world through the lens of her own Internet fast, author Christina Crook creates a convincing case for increasing intentionality in our day-to-day lives. Using historical data, typewritten letters, chapter challenges, and personal accounts, she invites us to explore a new way of living, beyond our steady state of distracted “connectedness.” Most of us can’t throw away our smartphone or cut ourselves off from the Internet. But we can all rethink our relationship with the digital world, discovering new ways of introducing balance and discipline to the role of technology in our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to rediscover quietness of mind, and seeking a sense of peace amidst the cacophony of the modern world. Praise for The Joy of Missing Out “Crook’s book does a marvelous job of examining where we’ve gone awry and how we might begin to take ourselves and our lives back, while acknowledging the reality and importance of our wired world.” —Dr. Susan Biali, MD, Psychology Today “Offers thoughtful consideration of how online communications have evolved, as well as the value we place on being ever present in a digital world, often to the determinant of personal space and quiet time. Through practical examples and directions, Crook champions developing healthier habits for a more mindful online experience.” —Lori A. May, Portland Book Review
A New Yorker Best Book of the Year "Lively…and thought-provoking.” —Robert W. Howarth, Science The New York Times best-selling author on the source of great bounty—and now great peril—all over the world. Phosphorus has played a critical role in some of the most lethal substances on earth: firebombs, rat poison, nerve gas. But it’s also the key component of one of the most vital: fertilizer, which has sustained life for billions of people. In this major work of explanatory science and environmental journalism, Pulitzer Prize finalist Dan Egan investigates the past, present, and future of what has been called “the oil of our time.” The story of phosphorus spans the globe and vast tracts of human history. First discovered in a seventeenth-century alchemy lab in Hamburg, it soon became a highly sought-after resource. The race to mine phosphorus took people from the battlefields of Waterloo, which were looted for the bones of fallen soldiers, to the fabled guano islands off Peru, the Bone Valley of Florida, and the sand dunes of the Western Sahara. Over the past century, phosphorus has made farming vastly more productive, feeding the enormous increase in the human population. Yet, as Egan harrowingly reports, our overreliance on this vital crop nutrient is today causing toxic algae blooms and “dead zones” in waterways from the coasts of Florida to the Mississippi River basin to the Great Lakes and beyond. Egan also explores the alarming reality that diminishing access to phosphorus poses a threat to the food system worldwide—which risks rising conflict and even war. With The Devil’s Element, Egan has written an essential and eye-opening account that urges us to pay attention to one of the most perilous but little-known environmental issues of our time.
Oola is not your typical self-help book. So what is it? Just like its origins from the expression 'oh lá lá!'Oola is a 'state of awesomeness,' it's when your life is balanced and growing in the 7 key areas of life (Fitness, Finance, Family, Field, Faith, Friends, and Fun). Oola is not stale and stuffy advice, it reads more like a collection of kick-butt anecdotes and sincere stories that just happen to have meaningful messages. Co-authors Dave Braun (The OolaSeeker) and Troy Amdahl (The OolaGuru) have been there and done that. What started out as a small group of people meeting once a year to set intentions for the future has turned into a nationwide phenomenon. Maybe you've seen Dave and Troy traveling the highways and byways of America in their 1970 VW Surf Bus. Covered with colorful Oola stickers, they are carrying the hopes of people, just like you, who are putting their dreams into action, ready to have the OolaLife. You, too, are awesome and designed for greatness and a purpose—LiveOola! Oola has received glowing reviews from top authors, pro athletes, musicians, industry leaders, and Olympians. Need 7 more reasons to read this book? 1. Learn the three simple steps to balance and grow your life in an unbalanced world. 2. Uncover what blocks you from the life of your dreams and what can get you there faster. 3. Find out what you can learn from a drunken Thai monkey, a black Ninja, and zebra-striped underwear. 4. Why no matter what you have done or have failed to do, you deserve a better life. 5. Become inspired to take the steps, reach your milestones, and achieve your OolaLife. 6. Discover the 7 key areas of life you must balance and grow. 7. Unlock the secrets to taking your life to the next level.
A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry’s stunning internationally acclaimed bestseller, is set in mid-1970s India. It tells the story of four unlikely people whose lives come together during a time of political turmoil soon after the government declares a “State of Internal Emergency.” Through days of bleakness and hope, their circumstances – and their fates – become inextricably linked in ways no one could have foreseen. Mistry’s prose is alive with enduring images and a cast of unforgettable characters. Written with compassion, humour, and insight, A Fine Balance is a vivid, richly textured, and powerful novel written by one of the most gifted writers of our time.
