Despite the dazzling successes of modern technology and the unprecedented power of modern military systems, they suffer from a common and catastrophic fault. While providing us with a bountiful supply of food, with great industrial plants, with high-speed transportation, and with military weapons of unprecedented power, they threaten our very survival.
Barry CommonerWorld War II had a very important impact on the development of technology, as a whole.
Barry CommonerThe modern assault on the environment began about 50 years ago, during and immediately after World War II.
Barry CommonerWhat is needed now is a transformation of the major systems of production more profound than even the sweeping post-World War II changes in production technology.
Barry CommonerFor that reason the simple test of the slogan 'Consume Less' as a basis for social action on the environment would be to tell it to the blacks in the ghetto. The message will not be very well received for there are many people in this country who consume less than is needed to sustain a decent life.
Barry Commoner