Regardless of whether you believe in the power of science and technology or intuition, natural feedback loops around the world offer clear and present signals on the state of the world and the precarious course humanity is presently headed. Below are among the many links to organizations, reports, or research summarizing some of what have led us to approach the "good life" from the perspective of -- among many actions -- reducing our ecological footprint, breaking free from the fossil-fuel based and consumption-crazed economy, and returning to the idea of a more self-reliant, ecologically healthy, local community and economy. Without healthy soil, air, water and community, our good health and well-being is not possible. We believe in leveraging the power of business to operate in carbon neutral, if not negative, ways like we've done at Inn Serendipity.

• Worldwatch Institute: www.worldwatch.org
  
  The Worldwatch Institute offers independent research for an environmentally sustainable and socially just society that explores areas related to people, nature, economy and energy. Access their FREE materials (registration required) based on their many publications.

• Earth Policy Institute: www.earth-policy.org
  
  This Institute promotes the "eco-economy:" an environmentally sustainable economy. Their Eco-Economy Updates and Indicators hightlight the most important trends that affect progress toward an eco-economy.

• Global warming has serious reprecussions, even surpassing terrorism as a threat to national security, as shared via Environmental Defense Fund
  
  U.S. Department of Defense commissioned report, An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario and Its Implications for the United States National Security (a PDF file), by Peter Schwatz and Doug Randall.

• Union of Concerned Scientists: www.ucsusa.org
  
  As an independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists, the Union of Concerned Scientists augment rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. Set forth by the Union of Concerned Scientists at the 1997 Kyoto Climate Summit, the Call for Action was signed by more than 1,500 scientists from 63 countries, including 110 Nobel laureates and 60 US National Medal of Science winners.

• Overview Climate Change fact sheet with numerous media links for further reading.

Search some of the many resources found at Renewing the Countryside for information about individuals, organizations, companies and communities that are putting into motion what some may call "the future" -- today.