Voices from around the world speak here about values needed if we are to build more sustainable societies. Western authors who develop criteria for long-term sustainability are joined by writers on Buddhist and Islamic environmental ethics, traditional African land ethics, related ideas in socialist humanism, and more. . . . One is left, after reading the book, with the sense that much of what Westerners call a 'new' environmental ethic would be called the 'old' pre-Western land ethic by an African, a Buddhist, or a Taoist. This realization may be essential if 'sustainable development' efforts are to avoid layering over traditional societies with yet one more Western-conceived version of progress. . . . the book [performs] an important service in bringing so many different voices, and land ethics, together in one place. The juxtaposition of perspectives invites stretching one's mind.


A landmark book in bringing together contributors...to focus on development as primarily an ethical issue. . . . an important book that deserves to be read and considered by all those involved in developmental decision-making.


A pathbreaking effort to point out the importance of ethics for the construction of a new paradigm of sustainable development. . . . a timely piece of work.