Island Press began with a simple idea: knowledge is power—the power to imagine a better future and find ways for getting us there. Founded in 1984, Island Press’ mission is to provide the best ideas and information to those seeking to understand and protect the environment and create solutions to its complex problems.
We elevate voices of change, shine a spotlight on crucial issues, and focus attention on sustainable solutions.
Our network of authors includes E.O. Wilson, Paul Ehrlich, Sylvia Earle, Gretchen Daily, Jan Gehl, Daniel Pauly, and many others. By working closely with experts like these, Island Press has developed a comprehensive and growing body of knowledge—vital resources for all those working to protect the environment and create healthy communities.
Flooding in California. Drought and famine in the Horn of Africa. Massive fish kills in Texas and Australia. "Forever chemicals" in US drinking water. Similar headlines are sure to dominate the news in the years ahead. What is sometimes missing from the headlines, though, is an understanding that these diverse problems are related: manifestations
When we think of water in the West, we think of conflict and crisis. In recent years, newspaper headlines have screamed, Scarce water and the death of California farms,a The Dust Bowl returns,a A 'megadrought' will grip U.S. ......
Groundwater Pumping and the Fate of America's Fresh Waters
""...a book as rich in detail as it is devastating in its argument."" -SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ""Water Follies deserves a place alongside the late Marc Reisner's classic Cadillac Desert."" -ENVIRONMENT ""a lively account of hydrology"" -NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS ""if you want to scare yourself silly, read Water Follies, by Robert ......
Foundational Readings for Students and Professionals
Having manipulated water for irrigation, energy, and burgeoning urban centers, humans are facing the reality that although fresh water is renewable, it is as finite as any other resource. Countries, states, and cities are now scrambling to develop an intelligent, well-informed approach to mitigate the growing global water crisis. Water ......
Foundational Readings for Students and Professionals
Having manipulated water for irrigation, energy, and burgeoning urban centers, humans are facing the reality that although fresh water is renewable, it is as finite as any other resource. Countries, states, and cities are now scrambling to develop an intelligent, well-informed approach to mitigate the growing global water crisis. Water ......
Cities are the future of the human race, and Jeff Speck knows how to make them work.a 'David Owen, staff writer at the New Yorker
Nearly every US city would like to be more walkable'for reasons of health, wealth, and the environment'yet few are taking the proper steps to get there. The goals are ......
What we make and buy is a major indicator of society's collective priorities. Among twenty-four key trends, Vital Signs Volume 22 explores significant global patterns in production and consumption. The result is a fascinating snapshot of how we invest our resources and the implications for the world's well-being.
Vital Signs Volume 21 is all about growth. From natural disasters to cars to organic farming, the two dozen trends examined here indicate both increasing pressure on natural resources and scaled up efforts to live more sustainably.
In 2012, world auto production set yet another record with ......
From meat consumption to automobile production to hydropower, Vital Signs, Volume 20 documents over two dozen trends that are shaping our future in concise analyses and clear tables and graphs. The twentieth volume of the Worldwatch Institute series demonstrates that while remarkable progress has been made over the ......
