United States, it becomes apparent that future demands placed upon natural systems such as fisheries, forests, watersheds, agricultural croplands and range- lands will not be met without diminishing the ultimate carrying capacity of the nation. It is a thought-provoking book for the uninitiated as well as for those well versed in the forecasts of the Global 2000 Report. The approach is especially refreshing, as it clearly recognizes and conveys the interrelated nature and dynamics of ecological systems and subsequent human impact. Thus, it steps beyond conventional analysis which considers the physical material flows required to meet future U.S. demand for fo^ or energy, for example, and instead asks: "what size population, at what level of affluence, can the ecosystem support on a sustained basis?" U.S. Carrying Capacity presents an overview of the trends that characterize U.S. use of natural resources and the implications they spell for the future. A concise examination of fisheries, forests, agricultural croplands, rangelands, and energy resources reveals that these basic life-support resources will not maintain us as they have in the past. This is particularly true as ecosystems are eroded and lose their regenerative capacity. The authors cogently argue that carrying capacity limitations require that conservation measures and population control work hand-in-hand to ensure a sustainable future. Whether one agrees with all the conclusions of U.S. Carrying Capaaty or not, the questions that it raises are of vital importance. This work represents a decisive turn ing point in examining our resource priorities as a nation and in becoming individually responsible for creating a sustainable future. It asks each of us in unambiguous terms to envision a future that respects the limits of our natural resources. Ultimately, it provides a clear context in which to gauge where we are as a nation today and what we must do to realize a sustainable world for our children. Let us make sure such work continues. — Jim Riker Page 30 RAIN Oct./Nov. 1982 "Land and World Order," The Whole Earth Papers No. 17, 1982, 62 pp., $3.50 ppd. from: Global Education Associates 552 Park Avenue East Orange, NJ 07017 . . . The relationship between national security and land is destroying the land itself, and with it the fundamental basis ofall security. The land is a precious and fragile source of life. Our communion with the land nurtures us physically, intellectually, and spiritually. To subtly alter or ignore this dynamic relationship with the land is to impair our very existence. With this thought clearly in mind, the authors of "Land and World Order" eloquently challenge us with refreshing insights on how to create an enduring global order. "Land and World Order" speaks passionately of the need to preserve the land's carrying capacity and ecological well-being, and with it the integrity of our communities. It speaks of power, seeing land as a "central tool of national security policy," which is eroded and degraded by the nation-state intended to protect it. Rather than viewing U.S. agriculture as a nurturing world force, food becomes a weapon, an instrument of foreign policy with all of its subsequent effects diminishing the quality of the land. In a very real sense, "security" has become synonymous with control of the land and its resources. Threaded throughout each chapter is a questioning yet supportive dialogue about creating a more constructive and sound relationship with the land. An articulate account is given of the destructive forces with adverse impacts upon the land, such as agricultural chemicals and practices, industrial products and wastes, and most significantly, the nuclear and military arms buildup. Alternative ways of living with the land are offered including community land trusts, organic farming and conceptual frameworks for guiding our relationship with the land. "Land and World Order" is a realistic and valuable source for envisioning and establishing a more humane world order. —Jim Riker Building Convective Loop Housing: Our Architectural Future, by Jim Berk, 1980, 40 pp., $6.00 ppd., from: Solar Oime Designs Box 9955 Stanford, CA 974305 This booklet provides an overview of the technical rules of thumb for convective loop housing design (also referred to as envelope, double envelope, Ekose'a, or double shell solar). It also includes case studies from three sites in different climate zones. The convective loop house uses an air space between outer and inner insulated walls on the north and south sides (hence, double shell). On the south side there is a large sunspace. Warm air rises to the top of the sunspace where it enters into a space above the ceiling of the inner house and beneath the roof (both spaces are usually insulated). As the warm air becomes cooler, it moves down the north side of the building between the inner and outer walls and into a crawl space where any residual heat may be stored. Vents from the crawl space allow the cooled air to enter the south-facing sunspace and begin the loop again. At least that's how convection loop advocates describe the process. Not everyone is in agreement about what actually takes place. The convection loop concept has been controversial since Lee Porter Butler first began marketing the Ekose'a design several years ago (see "What Make's Ekose'a Run?" RAIN VI:1:20). The dispute centers around the fact that it is difficult to scientifically prove that the air really moves in the loop or that any heat is stored in the crawl space. William Shurcliff, for one, makes a strong argument that the design is actually a super- insulated house concept. However, Jim Berk and other convection loop advocates point to studies backing their own claims. Berk leads the field in promoting communication between designers involved with convective loop housng. He also publishes Design Manual, Convective Loop Housing, a subscription service ($30.00/ yr.) and Convection Loops, an excellent monthly newsletter for exchange of dialogue and information in the field ($10.00/yr. individuals; $25.00/yr. institutions). Both are available from the address above. Since the Passive Division of the American Section of the International Solar Energy Society has chosen not to specifically include convection loop concepts in its national conferences for 1981 and 1982, it is important to acknowledge the work done by Jim Berk and others in continuing the dialogue. — Jane Peters Occupational Hazards of Construction, by Janet Bertinuson and Sidney Weinstein, 1978, $9.00 for individuals, $12.00 for institutions, from: Labor Occupational Health Program 2521 Channing Way Berkeley, CA 94720 A well cross-referenced guide to health and safety hazards of building trades and building materials. Penta preservatives contain the same ingredients as Agent Orange. Arsenic fungicides in silicone sealants have caused arsenic poisoning in some applications. Certain paint solvents can destroy bone marrow. Sandblasting bricks can lead to silicosis (similar to asbestiosis or black or brown lung). With this guide you can start with symptoms, materials or occupations, and find problems, their causes and significance. More information than your doctor is likely to have, and a good guide to health and peace of mind. With the ingredients likely in modem building materials, this is an invaluable reference to have at hand. — Tom Bender
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz