In defense of public services, and 3 other reading recommendations

Each Saturday, Alternatives Economiques selects books that deserve to be read for you.

This week, we recommend: “Service public ou barbarie,” by Arnaud Bontemps; “Les natures du productivisme. Une histoire environnementale de la France, de 1940 à nos jours (vol. 3),” by Renaud Bécot, Christophe Bonneuil, and Gabrielle Bouleau; “Politiques de la rareté. Des origines du capitalisme à la crise écologique,” by Fredrik Albritton Jonsson and Carl Wennerlind; “La ville écologique – Pour le plaisir d’y vivre et pour le recul du réchauffement climatique,” by Marc Huret.

1/ “Service public ou barbarie,” by Arnaud Bontemps

As a senior civil servant, magistrate at the Court of Auditors, Arnaud Bontemps is the founder of the collective Nos services publics. He offers an informed and relevant book on a crucial subject for democracy. He begins by presenting a troubling overview of the attacks on public services around the world, highlighting the crisis in France as well.

2/ “Les natures du productivisme. Une histoire environnementale de la France, de 1940 à nos jours (vol. 3),” by Renaud Bécot, Christophe Bonneuil, and Gabrielle Bouleau

This third volume confirms the importance of an environmental history of France, especially in an international perspective. The authors shed light on the consequences of productivity worship by governments on ecological flows.

3/ “Politiques de la rareté. Des origines du capitalisme à la crise écologique,” by Fredrik Albritton Jonsson and Carl Wennerlind

The book explores interpretations of scarcity throughout history and distinguishes between different approaches. It discusses the conflicting views on resource scarcity and the urgent need for action on a global scale.

4/ “La ville écologique – Pour le plaisir d’y vivre et pour le recul du réchauffement climatique,” by Marc Huret

Urban planner Marc Huret laments the urban planning decisions that have led to cities where essential services are distant from residents, creating a reliance on cars. The book explores the transition from anti-urban to urban living and the importance of creating vibrant and pleasant neighborhoods.

These books provide valuable insights into important contemporary issues and offer thoughtful perspectives on subjects ranging from public services to environmental policies and urban planning.