Books

Globalization, Social Movements ,and Peacebuilding  (Jackie Smith and Ernesto Verdeja, eds., 2013)

The authors in this volume consider how global capitalism affects fragile peace processes. They argue that the international economic system itself is a major contributor to violent conflict to explain why nearly one half of countries experiencing civil war have renewed violent conflict within 5 years of a peace agreement despite the billions of dollars spent on peackeeping and humanitarian aid globally. The book brings to bear the perspectives of anthropologists, economists, sociologists and political scientists on the issues and includes case studies from  Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Available from Syracuse University Press. www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu

  The Language of Peace: Communicating to Create Social Harmony  (Rebecca Oxford, 2013) 

 The Language of Peace, offers practical insights  to all interested in communication for peace, including educators, researchers and peace activists, shedding light on peaceful versus destructive ways we use words, body language and the language of visual images. The author guides us in the use of all these forms of language more positively and effectively in order to generate  greater possibilities for peace. Available from Information Age Publishing, Inc. www.infoagepub.com

Sustainability Frontiers: Critical and Transformative Voices from the Borderlands of Sustainability Education  (David Selby and Fumiyo Kagawa, eds. 2013)

Education for sustainable development , the educational off shoot of the concept of 'sustainable development' has rapidly become the predominant educational response to the global envionmental crisis. The authors apply a critical lens to the field and finds it wanting in many regards. They offer insights, ideas and proposals for transformative education free of the unsutainable  'business as usual'  tenor of education for sustainable development. Available from Barbara Budrich Publishers www.barbara-budrich.net

Peacebuilding in Community Colleges: A Teaching Resource (David Smith, Ed. 2013)

This teaching resource underscores how welll suited community colleges are to strengtheniing global edcation and teaching conflict  resolution skills. Case studies, how-to's,  sample syllabi draw on learner centered strategies and experiential learning to teach practical skills and strengthen global connections. It is a guide for those who wish to create peace studies in the community college. Available from the United States Institute of Peace pburke@usip.org

The Tierra Solution: Resolving  Climate Change through Monetary Transformation (Frans C. Verhagen, 2012)

The Tierra Solution is an indepth and thought-provoking read  that shows an innnovative path for global citizens who want to combat climate change, the economic crisis and poverty.  It builds environmental degradation into economic calculations by proposing (1) a carbon standard for the international monetary system (2) a credit based financial system and (3) a banking system without the privilege of money creation. Available from Cosimo Books www.cosimobooks.com www.amazon.com

Education and Climate Change: Living and Learning in Interesting Times (Fumiyo Kagawa and David Selby, eds. 2010)

This anthology  focuses on the role education has to play in helping to adapt to the consequences of rampant climate change. Contributors review and reflect upon social learning from the perspective of their fields of educational expertise and address the contributions the field is currently making to help preempt and mitigate the environmental and social impacts of climate change. Available from Routledge Press www.routledgepress.com

Handbook on Peace Education (G.Salomon & E. Cairns Eds. 2009)

The handbook is divided into 3 sections: the context includes chapters that examine the link between peace education and history, the educational sciences, and peace education in societies involved in intractable conflicts; the contribution of underlying disciplines, i.e. psychology, social psychology, political science, philosophy and communication and media studies; and approaches to peace education, such as teaching about the culture of peace, story telling, history teaching & peacebuilding, unity based peace education and others. Available from Psychology Press www.psychologypress.com

A pivotal moment: Population, Justice and the Environmental Challenge (L.Mazur 2009)

With chapters by renown experts, Mazur provides an evidence based case to argue that justice, anti-materialism and women’s rights can help limit both our population and its impact. It maps the complex connections among climate change, resource depletion, globalization, inequity and over consumption and then focuses on how population growth exacerbates them all but also results from them. Available from Island Press www.islandpress.org

The Climate Diet: How You Can Cut Carbon, Cut Costs, and Save the Planet (Jonathan Harrington, 2008)

Harrington explains climate change concepts, problems and solutions in a way that anyone can easily understand. Following a six-step climate diet plan, educators, students and their families will be able to count their carbon calories and learn how to reduce them, leaving us with a slim healthy planet now and for the future. Available from Earthscan www.earthscan.co.uk

Urban Poverty and Development in the 21st Century: Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable World (OXFAM, UK 2007) 

This research report argues that civil society, national governments, the private sector, and the international development community should harness the positive features of urbanisation to create a more inclusive and sustainable global society.
Available at  http://publications.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam/display.asp?K=e2007020814244902

Fair Trade: A Beginner’s Guide (Jacqueline De Carlo, 2007)

 Author and activist, DeCarlo reveals why fair trade means more than just bananas coffee and chocolate.  She explains the principles behind fair trade and its development into a powerful economic tool. Packed with inspiring ways to make a difference, this book will encourage readers of all backgrounds to help end poverty, environmental destruction and human exploitation. Available from One World Publications www.oneworld-publications.com

Low Carbon Diet: A 30-day program to lose 5000 pounds (David Gershon 2006)

In five sections Gershon outlines simple adjustments that can be made to your life style in just a single month to reduce your annual CO2 output by 5000 pounds: (1) Cool life style practices (2) Cool household systems (3) Empowering others to lose unwanted pounds (4) CO2 reduction action plan (5) Program support tools. Available from Empowerment Institute, PO Box 428, Woodstock, NY 12498, write to info@empowermentinstitute.net or visit www.empowermentinstitute.net

Educating for a Culture of Social and Ecological Peace (Anita L. Wenden, Ed. 2004)

The anthology explores how both peace and environmental education can transform the way we think and what we value. It acknowledges the reciprocity between social violence and ecological degradation and advocates a holistic and integrated approach for educating towards a culture of social and ecological peace with each chapter offering illustrations of how understanding can be translated into educational practice. Available from  State University of New York Press www.sunypress.edu or www.amazon.com