The world's food supply needs to rise significantly, yet both arable and water supplies per capita are decreasing. Not only are modern agricultural methods beyond the reach of those suffering the greatest food insecurity but they are also ecologically damaging, relying upon fossil energy and...

Cover -- Half Title -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- 1 Why do we need sustainability? -- Easter Island -- Unsustainable societies collapse -- But how about us? -- Sustainable development? -- What is the basis of sustainability? -- The role of technology:...

This book offers an in-depth analysis of the Brazilian sugarcane complex with a special focus on technological advances that promote sustainable development. It first examines the question why sugarcane-based ethanol from Brazil is considered a superior alternative to fossil fuel compared to...