Societal Collapses

I'm reading a book called "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" by Diamond. It's about past societies that have succeeded and failed (Myan, Easter Island, etc.), and includes a parallel view of our current world trends.

It is a pretty good read. The archeological details are good, though they are a bit too detailed at times (he even has a habit of repeating things in a way that seems tedious to me). Some of the information is quite fascinating, especially if you don't know much about the ancient civilizations he presents.

The parallels he makes between past and modern societies is enlightening as well, and the information he presents about current trends in resource use is a bit frightening, though he does a great job of demonstrating how some companies (like Chevron, surprisingly) are actually finding that being environmentally friendly is not anti-business, as some in the establishment would have us believe. Oil companies, at least, are realizing the prevention of spills and damage is cheaper than cleanup, and improves public relations at the same time.

I highly recommend at least scanning through this one. The history is interesting, and he makes a good case for being aware and active about our environment while being able to point out where the most productive changes can be made.

I also liked his fair appoach, in that he isn't vindictive towards businesses that are competing according to current laws, and are causing environmental damage as a result. His opinion, and I agree, is that a business in a capatalist environment cannot afford to do things in a fashion that is more costly than competitors. What is needed is a body of law that requires a better minimum conduct to which they all must comply.