Motor Vehicles, the Environment, and the Human Condition

Hans A. Baer is principal honorary research fellow in the School of Social Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne and author of Democratic Eco-Socialism as a Real Utopia: Transitioning to an Alternative World System.

• Introduction Chapter 1 – The Political Economy of Motor Vehicles Chapter 2 – Cultural Tropes Associated with Motor Vehicles Chapter 3 – The Political Ecological Impact of Motor Vehicles on Settlement Patterns Chapter 4 – The Impact of Motor Vehicles on the Natural Environment Chapter 5 – The Political Ecological Impact of Motor Vehicles on Health Chapter 6 – Case Studies of Motor Vehicles in Various Places Chapter 7 – Beyond the Automobile Motor VehicleChapter 8 – Creating a Sustainable Transportation System within the Context of an Alternative World System ReferencesAbout the Author

Baer (Univ. of Melbourne) focuses on the political ecology of motor vehicles in the context of global capitalism. Recognizing that continued and increasing dependence on cars, trucks, and other such vehicles contributes enormously to climate change, health problems, and social inequality, he marshals large quantities of data to demonstrate this negative impact. Much of Baer's presentation is devoted to the stance that "automobility" is unsustainable, even in the short run, and that reformist solutions such as fuel efficiency, safety regulations, and government planning are being outpaced by the worldwide growth of auto use. In addition, he provides case studies from Germany, Australia, Brazil, and Cuba to examine the differential impact globally. . . In the final chapter, he presents an abbreviated view of his solution to the dilemma, one that reaches well beyond the automobile, and advocates what he calls “eco-socialism.” Dense but useful, this volume should be added to transportation and environmental collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.