SKU: 49688395349
nuna bassinet for stroller

nuna bassinet for stroller Nuna DEMI Next + Rider Board Stroller Caviar

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Description

nuna bassinet for stroller Nuna DEMI Next + Rider Board Stroller CaviarNuna DEMI Next TWIN Stroller + 2 Bassinets + 2 PIPA RX PIPA Aire RX Car Seats + Rider Board Travel System The innovative and stylish Nuna DEMI Next is a convertible stroller that offers a multitude of configurations to accommodate the diverse needs of growing families. With clever compatibility and unsurpassed product quality and functionality, Nuna has designed multiple products that can be bundled to create flexible travel systems as your family's

Nuna® DEMI™ Next TWIN Stroller + 2 Bassinets + 2 PIPA RX/PIPA Aire RX Car Seats + Rider Board Travel System

The innovative and stylish Nuna DEMI Next is a convertible stroller that offers a multitude of configurations to accommodate the diverse needs of growing families. With clever compatibility and unsurpassed product quality and functionality, Nuna has designed multiple products that can be bundled to create flexible travel systems as your family's needs change. This particular Nuna Travel System is the ultimate bundle for twins. It includes the stylish and multifunctional Nuna DEMI Next stroller as well as your choice of either two (2) Nuna PIPA Aire, Nuna PIPA RX, or Nuna PIPA Aire RX premium Infant Car Seats. This twin bundle also includes two (2) thoughtfully crafted and cozy Bassinets with accompanying Stands and an additional Sibling seat that transforms the DEMI Next into a comfy ride for two little passengers.

What’s Included:

  • Stroller frame
  • Stroller seat
  • Additional Sibling seat
  • Rider board
  • Infant car seat post adapters
  • Fenders
  • Rain cover
  • Two (2) Nuna PIPA infant car seats of your choice (either the PIPA Aire, PIPA RX or PIPA Aire RX)
  • Two (2) Nuna PIPA Series car seat bases (RELX Base for PIPA RX or PIPA Aire RX)
  • Two (2) DEMI Next ring car seat adapter
  • Two (2) Car Seat LATCH guides
  • Two (2) GOTS organic cotton infant inserts and harness cover sets (with PIPA Aire RX only)
  • Two (2) DEMI Next Bassinets
  • Two (2) DEMI Next Bassinet Stands
  • Nuna's Manufacturer Warranty from defects: 2 years

Nuna DEMI Next Stroller:

Building upon the tremendous success and popularity of the original DEMI Grow Stroller, the clever folks at Nuna have delivered a new game-changer with the introduction of the innovative, newly-improved Nuna DEMI Next Stroller.

This next-generation premium stroller comes with an included Rider Board accessory for tag-a-long passengers, and is carefully crafted to grow seamlessly along with your family through all of life’s unpredictable possibilities. The DEMI Next is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily convert from a single stroller to a double or twin, while delivering over 25 different modes of flexible riding possibilities.

With a creative, modular design, the DEMI Next is compatible with all Nuna series infant car seats and can easily be combined with several optional components. The add-on sibling seat quickly transforms the DEMI Next stroller into a comfy ride for two little passengers, while the convenient bassinet allows you to move effortlessly from stand to stroller, while maintaining the ultimate lie-flat comfort for the little one.

Packed with high-end features and loaded with sensible functionality, the Nuna DEMI Next is thoughtfully constructed with style, comfort and convenience in mind.  It is the ultimate companion for modern family living, designed to grow with next-level possibilities.

DEMI Next vs. DEMI Grow Comparison:

Nuna has delivered several key improvements for the DEMI Next when comparing it to the first-generation DEMI Grow stroller.

DEMI Next comes with new Rider Board included
The clever new Rider Board creates additional flexibility and travel options for growing families. Included with the purchase of the new DEMI Next Stroller, the Rider Board easily attaches to the stroller and provides a safe riding platform for little passengers up to 50 lbs. With two swivel wheels for easy maneuvering, the Rider Board easily folds with the stroller and can be flipped into the stroller when not in use.

Larger Storage Basket 
Making the most of your family journeys can often mean having enough room for all your essential goodies. The DEMI Next more than doubles the underseat basket capacity from 10 lbs. to 22 lbs., providing some serious, next-level space for all your essentials while on the go.

Redesigned Canopy
The updated Aire protect canopy™ now boasts ventilation panels and a full privacy cover all in one product. The built-in, airy mesh privacy drape and ventilation panels in the canopy provide for optimal airflow and sustained comfort.

New 4-Position Recline
Easily adjust the recline with one hand to one of four recline positions available with the DEMI Next. Provide maximum comfort for the little one with an upright backrest angle for comfortable, just-right rides.

New Footrest Design
One-hand adjustable calf support and the new footrest design provides optimal comfort and accommodates growing little ones.

Larger Front Wheels
The front wheel size has been increased by 1 inch to 8.5 inches on the DEMI Next to provide for optimal maneuverability and flexibility. The wide, swivel-lock front wheels are tough, foam-filled and ready for any terrain.

Usage From Birth
Furthering the DEMI Grow usage recommendation, the DEMI Next can be utilized from birth to 50 lbs.

DEMI Next Stroller Modular Options:

With the addition of the included Rider Board, the DEMI Next is arguably the most versatile stroller on the market. With an incredibly flexible and adaptable design, the new DEMI Next can be configured into an amazing 25 possible modular combinations in both single and double modes. The Nuna DEMI Next is also compatible with all Pipa series infant car seats and works seamlessly with the additional DEMI Next Sibling Seat and Bassinet. 

Stroller for One Child: Enjoy different strolling modes with the little one depending on the desired activity or mood of your passenger. Utilize the Stroller Seat or your Nuna Pipa series infant car seat in either parent-facing or forward-facing mode, or simply pop on the handy and super comfortable Bassinet, to let baby enjoy a snooze on the go.

Double Stroller for a Toddler and a Newborn: Expecting a new bundle of joy? The DEMI Next is easily transformed from a single to a double stroller to make way for the new little one. Simply add a Sibling Seat and you are ready for adventures with double the fun. You have the flexibility to position the newborn in the upper seat closer to you to provide added attention, while your toddler can stroll comfortably in the lower seat while they gain independence.

Double Stroller for Twin Babies: Preparing for twin bundles of joy? The DEMI Next has you double-covered. Stroll your twins in style with either two Pipa infant car seats or two Bassinets and accommodate both your little passengers comfortably and safely as they grow and their shifting needs change

Tag-a-long with the Rider Board: Create additional flexibility and travel options for your growing family and provide a cool ride for a toddler up to 50 lbs. The Rider Board easily attaches to the back of the stroller and gives a safe platform for your older tag-a-long passenger. 

Stylish Color Options:

The Nuna DEMI Next will be available in three stylish color options that are sure to make a statement, whatever your fashion preference:

  • Caviar (Black fabrics, black frame, saddle brown leatherette handles)
  • Granite (Grey fabrics, black frame, saddle brown leatherette handles)
  • Biscotti (Tan fabrics, black frame, dark brown leatherette handles)

Key Features DEMI Next Stroller:

  • 25+ modes–convert from a single stroller to a double or twin and use the included rider board or sibling seat accessory (sold separately)
  • Super easy to fold, flip the seat, or convert to bassinet or car seat mode
  • Four recline positions and an upright backrest angle for just-right rides
  • Easily adjust recline with just one hand
  • Forward and rear-facing seat options
  • One-touch rear-wheel braking system for scuff-free shoe control
  • Custom dual suspension™ provides a nice, smooth ride
  • Wide, swivel-lock front wheels make it a master of smooth riding motion
  • One-hand adjustable calf support and footrest to accommodate growth
  • Self-guiding MagneTech secure snap™ buckles automatically lock into place
  • Quick-release 3 to 5-point harness makes it easy to fasten them in
  • Fenders and built-in hub caps protect from dirt and debris
  • Easily removable premium Merino wool insert provides ultra-soft comfort
  • Eye-to-eye connection is easier with the elevated seat level
  • Rotating and removable armbar fits kids of all sizes
  • Water-repellent UPF 50+ Aire protect canopy™ protects from the elements
  • Built-in privacy drape and ventilation panels in the canopy for ideal airflow
  • All-season seat keeps baby cozy in winter and easily converts to mesh in summer
  • Tires are tough, foam-filled, and ready for any terrain
  • No-rethread harness makes it easy to adjust for comfort and growth
  • Large basket with 22 lb. capacity holds everything you need for the journey
  • Adjustable pushbar with luxe leatherette accents to accommodate varying heights
  • Included rain cover for when the weather doesn't cooperate
  • Compatible with the DEMI next sibling seat and DEMI next bassinet

Key Features DEMI Next Rider Board:

  • Creates more riding options for family travels made easy
  • Cleverly positions your child between your arms for closeness
  • Easily attaches to the stroller's lower seat mounts
  • Two swivel wheels for easy maneuvering
  • Holds up to 50 lbs.
  • Flips into the stroller basket when not in use
  • Folds with stroller

Choose the Car Seat That's Right For You:

The Nuna DEMI Next stroller can be quickly converted into a convenient travel system. The travel system on this listing includes your choice of either the Nuna Aire, the Nuna PIPA RX or the Nuna PIPA Aire RX infant car seat. All three of these car seats offer unsurpassed safety standards, lightweight and stylish design and premium materials that are free of chemical flame retardants. The chart below provides a snapshot of the key differences between the three PIPA car seats available for this travel bundle:

Key Features Nuna® PIPA™ Aire Infant Car Seat:

  • The PIPA aire is both ultra-portable and seriously protective
  • PIPA aire is the lightest in the PIPA series infant car seat lineup
  • One-handed vehicle and stroller release for easy in an outs
  • Fabrics and inserts are conveniently machine washable
  • Belt path for vehicle belt installation
  • FAA certified for aircraft use with or without a base
  • Connects with all Nuna strollers (and their adapters as appropriate) to create a stylish travel system
  • Features Aeroflex™ foam that is cleverly lightweight, resilient, and minimizes force transferred to baby
  • Steel-reinforced True lock™ base installation makes set up swift, simple, and safe
  • Side Impact Protection (SIP) for ultimate baby safe keeping
  • The deep seat design creates a cocoon-like space, ensuring a better fit and comfortable car seat for your baby.
  • 5-point harness keeps baby’s travels secure
  • Tailor tech™ memory foam headrest provides a comfortable custom fit
  • Removable infant head and body inserts nestle baby in comfort and security
  • UPF 50+ canopy with flip-out eyeshade protects from sun exposure
  • The iconic Sky drape™ provides baby with ultimate privacy for quiet moments
  • Luxe leatherette carry handle for more secure gripping
  • Exposed aerospace aluminum handle adds a contemporary aesthetic and enhances the seat's intuitive functionality
  • Soft yet durable micro-knit fabric for refined style and casual warmth
  • From fabric to foam and beyond each element is smartly sourced to be both flame resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals making it safer for baby

Key Features Nuna® PIPA™ RX Infant Car Seat:

  • From fabric to foam and beyond, each element is smartly sourced to be both flame resistant and contain no added fire retardant chemicals
  • Side impact protection for ultimate baby safe keeping
  • Comfy organic jersey insert is removable for growing babies
  • Integrated harness holders help when buckling baby in
  • Luxe leatherette accented carry handle. Tote elegantly with ease
  • Five point harness keeps little ones in place
  • Two-piece removable infant insert + head support. Customize to their individual shape and get a perfect fit right from birth
  • Mesh peek-a-boo window in canopy
  • Heavy duty shell is super resilient yet lightweight
  • Lightweight carry handle is ergonomically designed to tote with ease
  • FAA certified for aircraft use
  • True lock™ installation makes set up swift, simple and above all – safe
  • 5 second install
  • Crumple zone within the stability leg absorbs impact and minimizes force transferred to baby
  • Colored installation indicators confirm correct connections to the vehicle
  • Bubble free recline angle guides clearly confirm the perfect riding angle
  • Low profile base for easier loading of infant seat
  • Open belt path for easier install
  • Belt guides
  • Anti-rebound panel
  • Automatic rigid latch storage
  • Extra convenient stability leg storage with lock
  • Steel reinforced true lock™ rigid latch
  • Lock off with easy access belt path
  • Indicators on rigid latch turn green when clicked to vehicle anchor points
  • Indicators on stability leg turn green when in proper contact with vehicle floor
  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Products that have achieved GREENGUARD Gold Certification are scientifically proven to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure

Key Features Nuna® PIPA™ Aire RX Infant Car Seat:

  • FAA certified for aircraft use with or without a base
  • Connects with all Nuna strollers to create a stylish travel system*
  • 5-second steel-reinforced True lock™ installation makes set up swift, simple, and safe**
  • Side Impact Protection (SIP) for ultimate baby safekeeping
  • Open belt path with lock off secures lap and shoulder belt
  • Features Aeroflex™ foam that is cleverly lightweight, resilient, and minimizes force transferred to baby
  • The deep seat design creates a cocoon-like space, ensuring a better fit and comfortable car seat for your baby.
  • 3-position height-adjustable headrest and 5-point harness keeps little ones in place
  • Removable infant head and body inserts nestle baby in comfort and security
  • Tailor tech™ memory foam seat panel and headrest provides a comfortable custom fit
  • UPF 50+ canopy with 2 positions and a flip-out eyeshade protects from sun exposure
  • The iconic Sky drape™ provides baby with ultimate privacy for quiet moments
  • Soft yet durable micro-knit fabric for refined style and casual warmth
  • Super-resilient top-of-the-line plastics for a heavy-duty secure shell
  • Exposed aerospace aluminum handle adds a contemporary aesthetic and enhances the seat's intuitive functionality
  • Luxe leatherette carry handle for more secure gripping
  • From fabric to foam and beyond each element is smartly sourced to be both flame-resistant and contain no added fire-retardant chemicals making it safer for baby
  • Infant head and body inserts are made of environmentally friendly Merino wool and TENCEL™ lyocell fiber blend that is soft, naturally controls moisture, and is environmentally friendly
  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified to meet some of the world's most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards, and certified to not contribute to indoor air pollution or chemical exposure
  • Additional GOTS organic cotton infant insert and harness cover set

Upon selecting a specific car seat on the order page, your corresponding car seat base will be identified and automatically included with your travel bundle.  

  • Nuna® PIPA™ Aire Infant Car Seat + PIPA Series Base
  • Nuna® PIPA™ RX Infant Car Seat + RELX base
  • Nuna® PIPA™ Aire RX Infant Car Seat + RELX base

To help you make an informed choice, we have also outlined the key differences between the PIPA Series base and the RELX base in the comparison chart below: 

Key Features Nuna® PIPA™  Series Base:

  • 5-second install with two easy and instant steps.  Please note to always refer to the product instruction manual. Under no circumstances should this information be used to replace the car seat instruction booklet
  • True lock™ rigid latch is 50% stronger than a typical belt latch
  • Steel stability leg helps minimize forward rotation during impact by up to 90% when compared to a system that is not using a stability leg
  • Colored installation indicators confirm correct connections to the vehicle and car seat to base
  • Bubble level indicators help to minimize user error
  • Super-resilient top-of-the-line plastics for a heavy duty, secure shell
  • Anchor latch guides make it easy to locate and install on lower anchor bars

Key Features Nuna® PIPA™ RELX Base:

  • Crumple zone within the stability leg absorbs impact and minimizes force transferred to baby
  • Colored installation indicators confirm correct connections
  • Low profile base for super easy loading
  • Easy vehicle seat belt install provides options
  • Latch and stability leg neatly store away when not in use
  • Anchor latch guides make it easy to locate and install on lower anchor bars

Key Features DEMI Next Bassinet:

  • Full of functionality, it cradles your little with lie-flat comfort on the stand or on the stroller
  • Use with the included stand around the house, by bedside or while traveling for a nursery on the go
  • Suitable for overnight sleeping, making it the perfect haven for keeping baby close and cozy
  • Iconic Sky drape™ pulls down smoothly and attaches quietly with magnets for extra protection
  • Oversized, full-coverage canopy is extendable and features a flip-out eyeshade
  • UPF 50+ fabric shields baby from more than 98% of the sun’s harmful rays
  • Ventilation panels provide baby with air circulation
  • Hidden storage compartment provides a place for all the extra essentials
  • Luxe leatherette carry handle for easy gripping
  • Removable top cover zips closed to keep baby warm
  • GOTS certified organic cotton mattress cover provides better-for-baby comfort
  • Compact, flat fold for hassle-free travels and space-saving stow away
  • Mattress cover, top cover, and zip-away liner are machine washable
  • Connects to the DEMI next stroller without an adapter
  • Collapse for storing by squeezing the fold locks on sides and ends of the bassinet
  • Unfold by pushing the fold locks back into an upright position

Key Features DEMI Next Bassinet Stand:

  • Easily and securely connects to the DEMI Next bassinet—no adapter needed
  • Ideal height for keeping baby within arm's reach at bedside
  • Folds and unfolds with one hand for super simple set ups and store away
  • Ultra-compact design makes it perfect for around the house, traveling and storing
  • Spacious storage basket for storing extra diapers and blankets
  • Lightweight aluminum design for the ultimate portability

Specifications:

DEMI Next Stroller:

Recommended Use:

  • Weight: Birth to 50 lbs.
  • When using the stroller frame with the bassinet or infant carrier, refer to the child usage requirements listed in those instruction manuals.
  • Product Weight: 26 lbs. (without winter seat, canopy, armbar, or rider board)
  • Carton Weight: 49.2 lbs.
  • Open Dimensions: H43.5 in. x L39.5 in. x W24 in.
  • Folded Dimensions: H35 in. x L23.5 in. x W24 in.
  • Nuna's Manufacturer Warranty from defects: 2 years

PIPA Aire Infant Car Seat:

Recommended Use: 

  • 4 to 30 lbs, and 16 to 30 in.
  • Car seat dimensions  L 27.25 in  W 17.5 in  H 23 in 
  • Weight: 6 lbs (without canopy and inserts - canopy and inserts approx. 1.8 lb)

PIPA RX Infant Car Seat:

Recommended Use: 

  • 4 to 32 lbs, and 16 to 32 in.
  • Car seat dimensions:  L 25.2 in  W 17.5 in  H 23 in 
  • Weight: 7.6 lbs (without canopy and inserts - canopy and insert approx. 1 lb)

PIPA Aire RX Infant Car Seat:

Recommended Use:

  • 4 to 30 lbs, and 16 to 30 in.
  • Car seat dimensions: L 27.25 in W 17.5 in H 23 in
  • Weight: 6.2 lbs (without canopy and inserts - canopy and inserts approx. 2.2 lb)

Bassinet and Stand:

Recommended Use:

  • Birth to 20 lbs (birth - 6 months) up to 27 inches
  • DO NOT use the bassinet when the infant begins to push up on hands and knees.
  • Bassinet for use on DEMI bassinet stand and DEMI series strollers only
  • Bassinet Weight: 11.2 lbs.
  • Stand Weight: 6.8 lbs.
  • Bassinet Dimensions (inches): Open: 33.5 x 16.5 x 23 Folded: 33.5 x 16.4 x 8.5
    Stand Dimensions (inches): Open: 32.5 x 20 x 26.75 Folded: 31 x 20 x 4
  • Bassinet + Stand open Dimensions (inches): L 34 x W 20 x H 46.5 

Compatibility:

  • DEMI Next stroller is compatible with all Nuna series infant car seats
  • DEMI Next stroller is compatible with both DEMI grow Bassinet and DEMI grow Sibling Seat.
  • New Rider board is only compatible with the Demi Next stroller and not sold separately. There are no future plans to market as an accessory.
  • Bassinet: For use on DEMI bassinet stand and DEMI series strollers only

 

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SKU: 49688395349

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Y. Teperman
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Properly intellectual, and both demanding and rewarding as such
Format: Paperback
Anyone who plans to read this book is likely to know its premise already, so, I will not spend time or effort to recap it. All I can say is that the way the book is more eloquent, is altogether smarter, and more beautifully written than I expected. This is a true intellectual treat written with proper intellectual verve. So, no conspiracy theorists, or the simpleton believers in ancient aliens need not apply. If, however, you achieved a proper academic attainment - got your Masters or PhD and enjoy intellectual stimulation, this is a rare gem, to be digested slowly and deliberately, as no similar book is to be encountered any time soon. In other words, just a great book, presenting fascinating thoughts. It does not need anyone’s endorsement, as it is already a well-known entity within its field, yet, here it is – very heartily recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2017
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Amazon Customer
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Get it before it goes back out of print!
Format: Paperback
This book sat on my wish list for years while the price hovered just a bit too high for my liking. My patience has been rewarded with a back in print price that makes getting it a no-brainer. That said, I can't say I believe the main theory of this book, but it is a good start and an enjoyable read regardless. It seems to me that authors feel a need to propound an overarching and impossible-to-prove theory, in order to write some comparative mythology. I was brought to this book a long time ago after reading Charles Hapgood's Map of ancient Sea Kings. Another good author in the same vein is Gavin White, who wrote Babalonian Star Lore and several others.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2018
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Howzat
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
I'm rereading the book. It's great!
The idea of progress is a relatively knew idea within the history of humans. The idea of progress is fundamental to the ideas of Capitalism and economic growth. Many Americans blindly believe that of progress, economic growth, and Capitalism are leading to the betterment of humans. If one carefully reads the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report, it states that CO2 (and other greenhouse gasses) emissions are driving global warming and thus climate change. That report also says that economic growth and population growth are driving those emissions. Climate change is one of the "progress traps" Wright is talking about. Progress does not inexorably lead to the betterment of humans. Nor do growth economies, including Capitalism. Wright helps readers see the big pictures of how humans have interacted with the Earth in ways that destroy civilizations and threatens to ruin our host, Earth. The Myth of Progress by Tom Wessells is another good book about progress.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2018
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David S. Rush
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 4
Each time history repeats itself, the price goes up
What is the difference between our 21st century global civilization, the ancient Sumerians, the Easter Islanders of Cook's day, empirical Rome, or the Maya civilization. Answer, not much. The last four are all societies that had their heyday, become stuck in a paradigm, and then brought ecological disaster on themselves via overpopulation and over exploitation of natural resources. "Each time history repeats itself, the price goes up", Wrights quotes from some pertinent graffiti. The cost this time could be in the billions of souls. This a short book 132 pages of actual text with another 68 or so of footnotes at the end. It is a mad rush through human history exploring the collapse of those civilizations and a couple that have been more sustainable. Wright also explores the traps of progress. That is mankind becomes so good at hunting he drives his food source into extinction. Then we become so proficient at an irrigation technology we ruin the land. We become so good at weapons we create bombs that could ruin the whole world. As a race, he contends, we seem to push every technology to the brink, to our collective woe. I read with highlighter in hand. I had to restrain myself for marking whole long sections. As it is, the book now has a pink glow. Several pages have yellow tabs so I can find passages easily again. One such passage from the book summarizes it for me: "The human inability to foresee - or to watch out for - long-range consequences may be inherent to our kind, shaped by the millions of years when we lived from hand to mouth by hunting and gathering. It may also be little more than a mix of inertia, greed, and foolishness encouraged by the shape of the social pyramid. The concentration of power at the top of large-scale societies gives the elite a vested interest in the status quo; they continue to prosper in darkening times long after the environment and general populace begin to suffer." I remember as a biology major we studied the boom and bust cycle of animal populations. It was suggested in class that the human animal could follow the same cycle. The professor dismissed the idea, but not so Wright. He sees us at the high point in a few years, then the collapse unless we act now. One other passage really struck home with me: "The idea that the world must be run by the stock market is as mad as any other fundamentalist delusion, Islamic, Christian, or Marxist." That tears at the very sand we have our society built on. The sheer pace of Wright's march through history mirrors the author's urgency about how long we have to act to save our society. The countdown has already begun. The question remains, do we have the gumption to take the necessary action. The book is at its heart liberal, and rightly so. Any possible solution to forestall the potential social collapse will not be from the top of the pyramid. They long ago seemed to have forgotten the concept of usufruct; we are just borrowing this planet from our children and grandchildren. Wright holds out a glimmer of hope, but the candle is flickering.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2010
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Richard Reese (author of Understanding Sustainability)
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
A short book loaded with sharp insights
Every year, Canadians eagerly huddle around their radios to listen to the Massey Lectures, broadcast by the CBC. For the 2004 season, Ronald Wright was the honored speaker. He presented a series of five lectures, titled A Short History of Progress. In 2005, Wright's presentation was published as a short book, and it became a bestseller. Martin Scorsese's movie, Surviving Progress, was based on the book. It was an amazing success for a story contrary to our most holy cultural myths. Wright believed that the benefits of progress were highly overrated, because of their huge costs. Indeed, progress was approaching the point of becoming a serious threat to the existence of humankind. "This new century will not grow very old before we enter an age of chaos and collapse that will dwarf all the dark ages in our past." He pointed out that the world was dotted with the ruins of ancient crash sites, civilizations that self-destructed. At each of these wrecks, modern science can, in essence, retrieve the "black box," and discover why the mighty society crashed and burned. There is a clear pattern. Each one crashed because it destroyed what it depended on for its survival. Wright takes us on a quick tour of the collapse of Sumer, Easter Island, the Roman Empire, and the Mayans. He explains why the two oddballs, China and Egypt, are taking longer than average to self-destruct. The fatal defects of agriculture and civilization are old news for the folks who have been paying attention. It has become customary for these folks to believe that "The Fall" took place when humans began to domesticate plants and animals. Wright thinks the truth is more complicated. What makes this book unique and provocative is his notion of progress traps. The benefits of innovation often encourage society to live in a new way, while burning the bridges behind them as they advance. Society can find itself trapped in an unsustainable way of living, and it's no longer possible to just turn around and painlessly return to a simpler mode. Like today, we know that the temporary bubble of cheap energy is about over, and our entire way of life is dependent on cheap energy. We're trapped. Some types of progress do not disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, like using a rock to crack nuts. But our ability to stand upright freed our hands for working with tools and weapons, which launched a million year process of experimentation and innovation that gradually snowballed over time. We tend to assume that during the long era of hunting and gathering our ancestors were as mindful as the few hunting cultures that managed to survive on the fringes into the twentieth century. But in earlier eras, when big game was abundant, wise stewardship was not mandatory. Sloppy tribes could survive -- for a while. Before they got horses, Indians of the American west would drive herds of buffalo off cliffs, killing many at a time. They took what they needed, and left the rest for legions of scavengers. One site in Colorado contained the carcasses of 152 buffalo. A trader in the northern Rockies witnessed about 250 buffalo being killed at one time. Wright mentioned two Upper Paleolithic sites I had not heard of -- 1,000 mammoth skeletons were found at Piedmont in the Czech Republic, and the remains of over 100,000 horses were found at Solutré in France. Over time, progress perfected our hunting systems. Our supply of high-quality food seemed to be infinite. It was our first experience of prosperity and leisure. Folks had time to take their paint sets into caves and do gorgeous portraits of the animals they lived with, venerated, killed, and ate. Naturally, our population grew. More babies grew up to be hunters, and the availability of game eventually decreased. The grand era of cave painting ended, and we began hunting rabbits. We depleted species after species, unconsciously gliding into our first serious progress trap. Some groups scrambled to find alternatives, foraging around beaches, estuaries, wetlands, and bogs. Some learned how to reap the tiny seeds of wild grasses. By and by, the end of the hunting way of life came into view, about 10,000 years ago. "They lived high for a while, then starved." Having destroyed the abundant game, it was impossible to return to simpler living. This was a progress trap, and it led directly into a far more dangerous progress trap, the domestication of plants and animals. Agriculture and civilization were accidents, and they threw open the gateway to 10,000 years of monotony, drudgery, misery, and ecocide. Wright says that civilization is a pyramid scheme; we live today at the expense of those who come after us. For most of human history, the rate of progress was so slow that it was usually invisible. But the last six or seven generations have been blindsided by a typhoon of explosive change. Progress had a habit of giving birth to problems that could only be solved by more progress. Progress was the most diabolically wicked curse that you could ever imagine. Maybe we should turn it into an insulting obscenity: "progress you!" Climate scientists have created models showing weather trends over the last 250,000 years, based on ice cores. Agriculture probably didn't start earlier because climate trends were unstable. Big swings could take place over the course of decades. In the last 10,000 years, the climate has been unusually stable. A return to instability will make civilization impossible. Joseph Tainter studied how civilizations collapse, and he described three highways to disaster: the Runaway Train (out-of-control problems), the Dinosaur (indifference to dangers), and the House of Cards (irreversible disintegration). He predicted that the next collapse would be global in scale. Finally, the solution: "The reform that is needed is... simply the transition from short-term thinking to long-term." Can we do it? We are quite clever, but seldom wise, according to Wright. Ordinary animals, like our ancestors, had no need for long-term thinking, because life was always lived in the here and now. "Free Beer Tomorrow" reads the flashing neon sign on the tavern, but we never exist in tomorrow. The great news is that we now possess a mountain of black boxes. For the first time in the human journey, a growing number of people comprehend our great mistakes, and are capable of envisioning a new path that eventually abandons our embarrassing boo-boos forever. All the old barriers to wisdom and healing have been swept away (in theory). Everywhere you look these days; people are stumbling around staring at tiny screens and furiously typing -- eagerly communicating with world experts, engaging in profound discussions, watching videos rich with illuminating information, and reading the works of green visionaries. It's a magnificent sight to behold -- the best is yet to come! Richard Adrian Reese Author of What Is Sustainable
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2013

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