Why Aren't We Saving the Planet?

"The planet is in peril on account of human activity. Politicians, philosophers, and various pundits have been proposing ways to reverse the destructive thrust of this activity. Nothing has worked. The reason is that the activity has never been examined in itself as a product of cultural forces. This brilliant book does exactly that and thus provides an enlightened way towards changing the course of human history. By focusing on the signifying cultural roots of destructive human activity, it has opened up a veritable practical path to solving the crises facing the planet. This is required reading for everyone who is interested in our survival." - Marcel Danesi, University of Toronto and Editor of Semiotica

"Many people see consumers as pivotal to helping solve climate change issues. But getting them on board may be a very complex process. Geoffrey Beattie's book represents exactly the type of visionary thinking that is now needed to improve the efficacy of communication in this critical area. His work demonstrates a real milestone in the ability to unravel, understand and change the attitudes of the public and more importantly, their behaviour" - Fran Cassidy, Director, The Marketing Society

"While the unconsciousness of gesture is widely acknowledged, his analysis is the first where it has been systematically exploited, rather than just noted as an interesting fact. From his insight important conclusions follow. The narrative of the book leads to the observation that there are significant though subtle mismatches between unconscious gesture and articulated speech. Yet the unconscious can impact action. The final chapters draw on these lessons to outline new forms of persuasive communication regarding climate change" - David McNeill, Center for Gesture and Speech Research, University of Chicago

"…A thought-provoking, engaging personal account coupled with actual psychological research on this most pertinent global issue."– Fidelma Butler in The Psychologist

"The planet is in peril on account of human activity. Politicians, philosophers, and various pundits have been proposing ways to reverse the destructive thrust of this activity. Nothing has worked. The reason is that the activity has never been examined in itself as a product of cultural forces. This brilliant book does exactly that and thus provides an enlightened way towards changing the course of human history. By focusing on the signifying cultural roots of destructive human activity, it has opened up a veritable practical path to solving the crises facing the planet. This is required reading for everyone who is interested in our survival." - Marcel Danesi, University of Toronto, Canada, and Editor of Semiotica

"Many people see consumers as pivotal to helping solve climate change issues. But getting them on board may be a very complex process. Geoffrey Beattie's book represents exactly the type of visionary thinking that is now needed to improve the efficacy of communication in this critical area. His work demonstrates a real milestone in the ability to unravel, understand and change the attitudes of the public and more importantly, their behaviour" - Fran Cassidy, Director, The Marketing Society

"This is a beautiful work, artistic and literary. The reader is led through the methods and data with a sure hand, and surprises pop up with charm and a generous concern for the reader. I especially admire Geoff's honesty and courage in using his own self as a kind narrative protagonist."– Professor David McNeill, Center for Gesture and Speech Research, University of Chicago, USA