The age of low tech : towards a technologically sustainable civilization / Philippe Bihouix ; translated by Chris McMahon ; originally published in French by Editions du Seuil in 2014 as L'Âge des low tech: vers une civilisation techniquement soutenable

People often believe that we can overcome the profound environmental and climate crises we face by smart systems, green innovations and more recycling. However, the quest for complex technological solutions, which rely on increasingly exotic and scarce materials, makes this unlikely. A best-seller in France, this English language edition introduces readers to an alternative perspective on how we should be marshalling our resources to preserve the planet and secure our future. Bihouix skilfully goes against the grain to argue that ‘high’ technology will not solve global problems and envisages a different approach to build a more resilient and sustainable society.People often believe that we can overcome the profound environmental and climate crises we face by smart systems, green innovations and more recycling. However, the quest for complex technological solutions, which rely on increasingly exotic and scarce materials, makes this unlikely. A best-seller in France, this English language edition introduces readers to an alternative perspective on how we should be marshalling our resources to preserve the planet and secure our future. Bihouix skilfully goes against the grain to argue that ‘high’ technology will not solve global problems and envisages a different approach to build a more resilient and sustainable society Front Cover -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Table Of Contents -- List Of Figures And Tables -- Acknowledgements -- Preface To The English Edition -- Prologue: The Mad Dance Of The Shrimps -- Part I: The Rise And Fall Of 'engineering Miracle-workers' -- How Technology Has (always) Responded To The Shortage Of Resources -- Why High Tech Is Not An Answer This Time -- To Finish, The Latest Pet High-tech Themes -- The Triple Dead-end Of An Extractivist, Productivist And Consumerist Society -- Part Ii: The Principles Of Simple Technologies -- Challenge The Needs Truly Sustainable Design And Production -- Orient Knowledge Towards The Economic Use Of Resources -- Finding The Balance Between Performance And Conviviality -- Relocation Without Losing (good) Economies Of Scale -- De-mechanize Services -- Knowing How To Stay Modest -- Part Iii: Daily Life In The Era Of Simple Technologies -- Agriculture And Food -- Transport And Cars -- Construction And Urban Planning -- Consumer Products, Sports And Leisure, Tourism -- New Technology, Informatics And Communications Systems* -- Banks And Finance -- To Love, Live And Die In A Low-technology Age When Rubbish Bins Disappear -- And Where Is Energy In All This? -- Part Iv: Is 'transition' Possible? -- The Impossible Status Quo -- Between Wait-and-see, Fatalism And 'survivalism' -- The Major Issue Of Employment -- The Question Of Scale: Lessons From British Abolitionism -- Cultural And Moral Questions -- How To Make The Transition Desirable: Long Live Low Tech! -- Finishing On A Positive Note -- Epilogue: A Dream If Ever There Was One -- Notes -- Index -- Back Cover Philippe Bihouix ; Translated By Chris Mcmahon Originally Published In French By Editions Du Seuil In 2014 As L'âge Des Low Tech : Vers Une Civilisation Techniquement Soutenable Includes Bibliographical References And Index Electronic Reproduction. New York Available Via World Wide Web. People often believe that we can overcome the profound environmental and climate crises we face by smart systems, green innovations and more recycling. However, the quest for complex technological solutions, which rely on increasingly exotic and scarce materials, makes this unlikely. A best-seller in France, this English language edition introduces readers to an alternative perspective on how we should be marshalling our resources to preserve the planet and secure our future. Bihouix skilfully goes against the grain to argue that 'high' technology will not solve global problems and envisages a different approach to build a more resilient and sustainable society. -- Provided by publisher A best-seller in France, this English language edition introduces readers to an alternative perspective on our technological future. Bihouix skilfully goes against the grain to argue that ‘high’ technology will not solve global problems and envisages a different approach to manage our resources and build a more resilient and sustainable society.