Includes bibliographical references (p. 561-583) and index.

Introduction -- The systems dynamics perspective -- In search of sustainability : past civilizations -- The world in the past 300 years : the great acceleration -- Sustainability: concerns and definitions -- Quality of life : on values, knowledge and worldviews -- Energy fundamentals -- On knowledge and models -- Ecosystems -- Human populations and human behaviour -- Agro-food systems -- Renewable resources : water, fish and forest -- Non-renewable resources : the industrial economy -- Towards a sustainable economy -- Outlook on the futures -- Glossary -- References.