Where is the world really heading, and what can we do about it? This book takes an unflinching look at climate change, drawing upon the latest data to analyse what the next decades hold in store. With atmospheric CO2 at unprecedented levels and insufficient action being taken to prevent a rise in temperatures above 2 degrees centigrade, we are not just looking at significant disruption but the possibility of societal collapse. For the first time ever, the magnitude of this challenge is faced head on, with avenues to truly address it presented. Case studies and models from 16 authors around the world show ways that we can build adaptation and resilience, as well as what 'zero emissions' really mean. The book also provides a platform for those from a range of diverse backgrounds, whose unique experience and knowledge brings vital new perspectives. From those already feeling the impacts of climate change in the Global South to community leaders fighting to create real alternatives, we get a chance to understand the nuances and possibilities of the task ahead.

Improving wellbeing and sustainability are central goals of government, but are they in conflict? This engaging new book reviews that question and its implications for public policy through a focus on indicators. It highlights tensions on the one hand between various constructs of wellbeing and sustainable development, and on the other between current individual and societal notions of wellbeing. It recommends a clearer conceptual framework for policy makers regarding different wellbeing constructs which would facilitate more transparent discussions. Arguing against a win-win scenario of wellbeing and sustainability, it advocates an approach based on recognising and valuing conflicting views where notions of participation and power are central to discussions. Measuring Wellbeing is divided into two parts. The first part provides a critical review of the field, drawing widely on international research but contextualised within recent UK wellbeing policy discourses. The second part embeds the theory in a case study based on the author's own experience of trying to develop quality of life indicators within a local authority, against the backdrop of increasing national policy interest in measuring 'happiness'. This accessible and informative book, covering uniquely both practice and theory, will be of great appeal to students, academics and policy makers interested in wellbeing, sustainable development, indicators, public policy, community participation, power and discourse.

Improving wellbeing and sustainability are central goals of government, but are they in conflict? This engaging new book reviews that question and its implications for public policy through a focus on indicators. It highlights tensions on the one hand between various constructs of wellbeing and sustainable development, and on the other between current individual and societal notions of wellbeing. It recommends a clearer conceptual framework for policy makers regarding different wellbeing constructs which would facilitate more transparent discussions. Arguing against a win-win scenario of wellbeing and sustainability, it advocates an approach based on recognising and valuing conflicting views where notions of participation and power are central to discussions. Measuring Wellbeing is divided into two parts. The first part provides a critical review of the field, drawing widely on international research but contextualised within recent UK wellbeing policy discourses. The second part embeds the theory in a case study based on the author's own experience of trying to develop quality of life indicators within a local authority, against the backdrop of increasing national policy interest in measuring 'happiness'. This accessible and informative book, covering uniquely both practice and theory, will be of great appeal to students, academics and policy makers interested in wellbeing, sustainable development, indicators, public policy, community participation, power and discourse.

This volume is the first collection in the field of wellbeing studies that places politics centre stage. Through a combination of intellectual inquiry, empirically-grounded research, and investigation across different settings, this book aims to provide fresh insights and develop new lenses through which to understand the rise and significance of the wellbeing agenda. Divided into three parts, it considers how to define wellbeing for public policy; the prospects for wellbeing as a force for political change; and the link between policy agendas and the everyday lives of people. The book explores the key political issues of power, democracy, and the legitimacy of wellbeing evidence in a range of settings - international, national and subnational/substate. The volume will appeal to wellbeing and politics scholars, as well as students and general readers with an interest in these new political agendas.

This volume is the first collection in the field of wellbeing studies that places politics centre stage. Through a combination of intellectual inquiry, empirically-grounded research, and investigation across different settings, this book aims to provide fresh insights and develop new lenses through which to understand the rise and significance of the wellbeing agenda. Divided into three parts, it considers how to define wellbeing for public policy; the prospects for wellbeing as a force for political change; and the link between policy agendas and the everyday lives of people. The book explores the key political issues of power, democracy, and the legitimacy of wellbeing evidence in a range of settings - international, national and subnational/substate. The volume will appeal to wellbeing and politics scholars, as well as students and general readers with an interest in these new political agendas.

If you have the eyes and heart to see, you've seen the suffering before. Karen Scott, an animal lover, shares her experiences with Sweet Pea, a homeless, feral mother dog in her neighborhood who caught her eye and captured her heart. The quest to gain this wounded soul's trust proved to be one of the best learning experiences of Karen's life. Sweet Pea's full past and story will never be known, but thanks to Karen's efforts, her future will be a much happier tale. The odds of a feral animal and a human building a relationship are frighteningly small, and success in such an effort is extremely rare, but when Karen saw an emaciated, terrified mother dog foraging for food, she knew she had to at least try. The clever survivor had successfully eluded animal control for months and had earned her deep fear of humans. In her homeless years, Sweet Pea endured and survived many injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and several broken bones. She lived in excruciating pain and fear for years, and gave birth to at least two litters. Karen watched helplessly as neighborhood boys tortured the terrified dog, and vowed to change this innocent creature's life. On the fateful day when Karen saw Sweet Pea, her teats heavy with milk, she knew that somewhere, her puppies depended on this pathetic and abused animal. Little did she know that both of their lives were about to change forever.

If you have the eyes and heart to see, you've seen the suffering before. Karen Scott, an animal lover, shares her experiences with Sweet Pea, a homeless, feral mother dog in her neighborhood who caught her eye and captured her heart. The quest to gain this wounded soul's trust proved to be one of the best learning experiences of Karen's life. Sweet Pea's full past and story will never be known, but thanks to Karen's efforts, her future will be a much happier tale. The odds of a feral animal and a human building a relationship are frighteningly small, and success in such an effort is extremely rare, but when Karen saw an emaciated, terrified mother dog foraging for food, she knew she had to at least try. The clever survivor had successfully eluded animal control for months and had earned her deep fear of humans. In her homeless years, Sweet Pea endured and survived many injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and several broken bones. She lived in excruciating pain and fear for years, and gave birth to at least two litters. Karen watched helplessly as neighborhood boys tortured the terrified dog, and vowed to change this innocent creature's life. On the fateful day when Karen saw Sweet Pea, her teats heavy with milk, she knew that somewhere, her puppies depended on this pathetic and abused animal. Little did she know that both of their lives were about to change forever.

I hope that these short stories and poems will touch you as they have me, teaching a lesson that we all need at certain times. These short stories are a look at one event on one special day that changed them forever. These different people were never and always touching and touched.

These are words that Jesus Christ gave to me over several years to share with you, who will find encouragement and an uplifting joy in them.

Have you ever thought about what happens to a live Easter Bunny once Easter is over? "King Murray's Royal Tail" is the story of such an Easter Bunny. Murray eventually finds a forever home, where he is an important part of the family, a true companion animal. But his journey to reach this home is not an easy one.

Murray's story is based on the life of one of Kathy Smith's rescued rabbits, who shared her life for almost five years. As Murray's bond with Kathy deepened, she recognized him as a wise and majestic soul who had much to teach her. His courage and wry wit inspired Kathy to share his story with the world.

Karen Scott's beautiful, realistic illustrations capture Murray's true spirit, bringing this majestic character and his companions to life. His story will touch the hearts of animal lovers of all ages. Once you have met King Murray, you will see rabbits in a whole new way!

"Health and well-being are complex phenomena. An overly simplistic emphasis on superior longevity as a hallmark of health status all too often masks women's serious health concerns. Mortality statistics, for example, suggest that women are healthier than men. Yes, women tend to live longer. However, women are far more likely to experience depression, more likely to have chronic disabilities, and less likely to have adequate health insurance coverage. Women are more likely than men to use health services--more physician visits and more hospitalizations. It would appear that women are experiencing longer but not necessarily healthier lives."--from the Introduction

The results of the landmark 1993 Commonwealth Fund survey demonstrated that women's health is too often neglected. This book, based on in-depth analysis of experiences reported in the survey, provides baseline information on the psychobehavioral factors that have an impact on women's health. Topics addressed include socioeconomic factors that influence health (insurance, employment, poverty), care-seeking behaviors, psychological factors, and aging. Each chapter analyzes the appropriate survey data, presents findings and integrates the relevant literature, draws implications for policy and health care delivery, and identifies issues for further research.