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Chapter 1. Introduction: Facing a harsh climate with eyes wide open -- Chapter 2. Beyond denial and despair: Honesty and action on the climate change front line -- Chapter 3. Remembering magnificence: The power of collective action and the beauty of the Earth -- Chapter 4. Caring for country: Indigenous and First Nations learning about survival, resilience and resistance -- Chapter 5. Cooling the fevered city: Reason and hubris in Greek and Enlightenment philosophy -- Chapter 6. Sisyphus in flames: Critical theory, modernity and power -- Chapter 7. Mercy to all beings: Christian, Jewish and Islamic learning about thankfulness, love and care -- Chapter 8. This world is but a dew drop world….and yet….Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian learning about suffering, impermanence and compassion -- Chapter 9. Living ecologically: Understanding and respecting complexity and interdependence -- Chapter 10. How the light gets in: Imagining and creating just and resilient zero-carbon worlds -- Chapter 11. The 2050 Zero-Carbon World Oration -- Chapter 12. The laughter of children, the roar of the ocean.

The book provides readers a set of case studies covering a diverse range of African states in order to identify the major causes of change and the movement towards democracy.

Policies and programs which aim to strength the engagement, connectedness and resilience of local communities have increasingly become a core element in public policy responses to the challenges posed by globalising social and economic relations. However, for many politicians, policy makers and citizens the conceptual framework and practical benefits of 'community strengthening' remain vague and unclear. This article aims to contribute to debates about the significance of community strengthening by providing a concise overview of the development and implementation of community strengthening initiatives by the Bracks Labor government in Victoria. Initial learning from this experience suggests that engaging and linking local communities can make a useful contribution to local social, environmental and economic outcomes as well as providing a foundation for the democratic renewal of local governance. Key factors underpinning successful community strengthening programs include strong local ownership and leadership, backed by sustained government investment in the social and physical infrastructure priorities identified as important by local communities. However, while local community strengthening strategies can lead to real improvements in community networks, infrastructure and capacity they are no substitute for the inclusive and redistributive taxation, income security, service delivery and labour market policies needed to create the conditions for sustainable reductions in poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

Wiseman reviews 'Comprehending and Mastering African Conflicts: The Search for Sustainable Peace and Good Governance' edited by Adebayo Adedeji.

'Confronting Leviathan: Mozambique since Independence' by Margaret Hall and Tom Young is reviewed.