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Who is Lester R. Brown

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Who is Lester R. Brown and what is he doing now?

From tomato farmer to "one of the world's most influential thinkers" (Washington Post) and "the guru of the environmental movement," (The Telegraph of Calcutta), Lester R. Brown is a man with deep roots, a broad vision, a combination of wisdom, savvy and knowledge to back his work, and the respect of economists and environmentalists alike.

Brown's mission: To help us all save ourselves and build a future that is just, fair and prosperous for every human being on Earth.

Brown, like so many of us, gets on the deepest level that Plan A--business as usual--isn't working. It isn't working for the environment, it isn't working for the human race, and it isn't working for you and me. He has put every ounce of his professional experience into developing a workable Plan B and you know what? It just might work. If enough of us get behind it, we have time to save ourselves AND build a far better world than the one into which we came.

Learn more about the Brown, his Plan B and his work here.

Image courtesy Earth Policy Institute

Celebrated visionary

He's been hailed as a genius, venerated as an impeccable researcher, and celebrated as a leading-edge environmentalist. He enjoys the distinction of participating in the 1996 Ten Nobels for the Future, where he spoke on "Paths to Sustainable Development." He was in heady company. As the name indicates, most participants are Nobel prize winners.

Depending on which news story you're reading, Brown's contributions to agriculture, environmental science, and global problem-solving have earned him between twenty and forty awards and numerous honorary doctorates.

He has written or collaborated on more than fifty books and has seen his work translated in more than forty languages. Organic through and through, he counts as one of his noteworthy achievements: Third Place, Men's 70-74, Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run. Get the full list at Earth Policy Institute.

Physician to the Earth

He's been called 'Physician to the Earth' and 'God's Scorekeeper" for his groundbreaking analysis of global environmental issues.

Green Print Alumni Edition, p.3
Rutgers University


This is one of the best articles on Brown. It helps us understand how his experience as a teenage tomato farmer informed nearly every decision he made after. We like to think of tomato farming as humble work and academia and writing as somehow elevated. Brown's life shows us that a grounding in the earth is essential to anything we may accomplish as environmentalists and peacemakers.

Brown gracefully narrates one of the most beautiful books of our time

A birds-eye view of the world

In Earth from Air, Brown teams with world-renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand on page after breathtaking page. Brown's germane vignettes deepen the context of Arthus-Bertrand's fascinating images of Earth shot from above. Destined to become an heirloom, this exquisite bound collection will be a family treasure for generations to come.
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Awarded 2005 Goi Peace Award

" ... in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote global environmental awareness and a sustainable and equitable world," the Goi Peace Foundation selected Lester Brown as their 2005 prize winner. Take a look at some of the peacemaking activities the foundation is supporting. While you're there, watch for ways to create and participate in similar events in your hometown.

Backbone Cabinet nominee

Tired of waiting for sluggish or backward leaders to act? Check out the Backbone Campaign and its progressive alternative cabinet where Brown is nominated for the position of Secretary of Sustainability.

Study his credentials for the position and vote for his nomination. Plus, get in on Conversations with the Cabinet, a weekly webcast/podcast with nominees.

Image: Backbone Campaign

Brown speaks on China: Forcing the world to rethink its economic future

View China: Forcing the World to Rethink Its Economic Future on FORA.tv

China: Forcing the World to Rethink Its Economic Future on FORA.tv

The introduction is lengthy, but it's worth it to hear Brown in this informal lecture at the World Affairs Council of Northern California - San Francisco.

Who will feed China? Wake up call for a small planet ..

Some say Brown's predictions didn't come true and suggest his research faulty, but increasingly we are seeing nearly unprecedented increases in food prices as croplands are diverted to fuel production. Only today, August 24, 2007, there was another news story telling of the worldwide dearth of grain reserves. Read the book and decide for yourself.
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Founder Earth Policy Institute and Worldwatch Institute

Their eyes may be on the world, but the Worldwatch Institute provides plenty of practical everyday tips and advice for developing a sustainable lifestyle, plus the research to back it up. Brown founded the institute in 1974 with the help of the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation and launched such well-respected annual reports as State of the World and Vital Signs: The Environment Trends that are Shaping our Future.

Like Plan B 2.0, the mission of the Earth Policy Institute, which Brown founded in 2001, "is to provide a vision of what an environmentally sustainable economy will look like and a plan for how to get from here to there." You'll find lots of practical tips as well as links to in-depth research here, too.

Selections on State of the World and Vital Signs

While Worldwatch Institute carries on the tradition of publishing new reports each year, these are the last that Brown authored or co-authored. Soon after their publication, he went on to found the Earth Policy Institute and concentrate on the work of Plan B.
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Are human beings outgrowing the Earth?

It's not terrorists who threaten our future security, so much as inattention to dwindling water supplies, massive food shortages, and climate change. In a straightforward, even-toned voice, Brown makes a case for the need to yank our heads out of the feed trough before it's empty and figure out how we're going to feed everyone, now and for all the years to come. It can be done, but we need to act soon. This 2005 missive is a good prequel companion to Plan B 2.0.
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Brown's Books

Take this opportunity to weigh in on some of Brown's better known books. Vote for the ones you've read, want to read, or the ones you're ordering right now. Were you influenced by one you don't see on the list? Add it! Don't forget to vote for it when you do, and include your name and something about the book's importance to you in the description.
 

Instigated by Plan B 3.0

This lens is a companion to the series on Brown's Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization. It's purpose is to give you a little more background on this remarkable man.

The Plan B 3.0 lenses

Three lenses so far. More to come. If you are a fan of Plan B 3.0 and have written a lens about some aspect of it, tell me about it in the guestbook later on this page.
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Learn more about the man and his work here.

Do you have a favorite link about Brown? Add it here. Keep this list handy. Grab it for your enviro lens or your external web page.

Image courtesy Earth Policy Institute


 

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Detailed biography: Lester R. Brown

From farm dirt to global politics, author Lester R. Brown has the background to build Plan B from the ground up. Thankfully, he did.0 points

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Talk by Dr. Lester R. Brown - China: Forcing the World to Rethink Its Economic Future | Eco Innovation Network

Dr. Brown will discuss ways to restructure the global economy so that it can sustain economic progress through renewable energy, the reuse and recycling of materials, and a diverse transport system.0 points

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Saving the Planet With Plan B 2.0

Environmentalist Lester R. Brown offers his revised prescription for combating global warming. The first challenge: unmasking ecological costs that for the most part go uncounted in the marketplace. Second in a two-part series. By Mark Anderson.0 points

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Interview with Lester R. Brown | EnergyBulletin.net | Peak Oil News Clearinghouse

EnergyBulletin.net : Peak Oil News Clearinghouse. : Environmental activist Lester R. Brown discusses his new book: "Plan B 2.0 Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble" (40 minutes audio in mp3).0 points

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Our World On Fire: BUILDING NEW INDUSTRIES AND CREATING NEW JOBS IN A PLAN B ECONOMY

Blogger Jos adapts Chapter 12, Building a New Economy. Worth a read.0 points

Have you read Brown's books?

What do you think of his work? Do you know of a good Brown story or web site you didn't see on this page? Post a link to it here. Your comments on this lens are welcome too, and if you have a minute, I'd appreciate if you'd shoot to the top and rate the lens with some stars.

  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 28, 2012 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    I can see I have some important reading to do. Thank you for introducing me to this substantive body of work. I know I will benefit from absorbing this holistic approach to global sustainability. You always publish articles/web pages that matter in the bigger picture. I have a true appreciation and respect for that... for you.
  • whiteskyline Sep 4, 2011 @ 9:48 pm | delete
    I have heard his name on occasion. I had no idea of the scope of his contributions, very interesting.
  • EMangl Aug 8, 2011 @ 11:11 am | delete
    if only more people would listen and open their eyes ..
  • poutine Jun 23, 2011 @ 8:38 am | delete
    No, I haven't read his work yet...but he seems like an interesting man.
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This is one of a series of lenses focusing on Lester Brown's Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to save civilization.
The purpose of these lenses is to break Plan... more »

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