On the edge -- A deteriorating foundation : Falling water tables and shrinking harvests -- Eroding soils and expanding deserts -- Rising temperatures, melting ice, and food security -- The consequences : The emerging politics of food scarcity -- Environmental refugees : the rising tide -- Mounting stresses, failing states -- Building an energy-efficient global economy --Harnessing wind, solar, and geothermal energy -- Restoring the economy's natural support systems -- Eradicating poverty, stabilizing population, and rescuing failing states -- Feeding eight billion -- Watching the clock : Saving civilization.