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The Age of Low Tech

Towards a Technologically Sustainable Civilization
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Age of Low Tech challenges the common belief that smart technology and green innovation alone can address environmental and climate crises. Philippe Bihouix argues that the increasing dependence on scarce materials makes high-tech solutions unlikely to secure a sustainable future. Instead, he proposes a practical alternative focused on resilience and sustainability, urging a rethink of our resource use for the preservation of the planet.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in environmental studies, sustainability, and alternative perspectives on technology's role in solving ecological issues. Suitable for those who seek thoughtful and realistic discussions about the future rather than techno-optimism.

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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.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

The Age of Low Tech, a best-seller in France, 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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its sharp and accessible critique, the book is described as "a smart sideways look at where we are and what we call progress" by The Earthbound Report. Resilience highlights it as "funny, informal, practical, angry, and subtly deep," resembling a candid discussion with a sharp mind. Feasta appreciates Bihouixโ€™s warm and light approach to a heavy topic, commending the quality of the English translation by Chris McMahon.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529213270

Publisher: Bristol University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 October 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bristol University Press

Illustration: 3 Tables, black and white; 16 Illustrations, black and white

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 198

About the Author

Philippe Bihouix is an independent author and engineer. He worked for 25 years in various industrial sectors including construction, energy, chemicals, transport, telecommunications and aerospace, in Europe and Africa.

He is a member of the Institut Momentum, a French think-tank on the Anthropocene, ecological overshoot and transition.

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