Pollution is the single largest cause of death in the developing world. One in seven people in low- and middle-income countries die as a result of it. Simply put, pollution is now the world’s most prevalent health risk.
And yet, while most everyone has heard about “going green,” few are aware of the more dire and sinister “brown” pollution—places where man-made toxic pollutants have taken root and spread. Brown sites poison millions of people every year, causing needless suffering and death.
After witnessing several brown sites firsthand and meeting families trapped by poverty in these toxic hot spots, environmentalist Richard Fuller founded the Blacksmith Institute, now renamed Pure Earth, a global nonprofit that initiates large-scale cleanups of some of the most polluted places on earth.
The Brown Agenda details Fuller’s inspirational journey—from his dangerous yet ultimately successful fight to save hundreds of thousands of acres in the Amazon rain forest to his creation of Pure Earth.
In this vivid account of his perilous travels to the earth’s most toxic locations, Fuller introduces readers to the plight of the “poisoned poor,” and suggests specific ways people everywhere can help combat pollution all over the world.
Industry Reviews
?There are few more important stories than how we humans foul the planet and ourselves, often heedlessly. And there are few better placed to tell that tale than Richard Fuller, who has been working for years to show how we can?and, more importantly, should?clean up the earth. The Brown Agenda is the story of an important humanitarian cause revealed in clear and concise prose that is at once deeply necessary and deeply satisfying."?David Biello, Editor, Environment & Energy, Scientific American
?Richard Fuller has been the driving force behind two huge environmental agendas: corporate sustainability and pollution in the developing world. He's the Elon Musk of the environment. An extraordinary man, tackling pollution ? one of the world's biggest problems ? head on."?Hon Nereus Acosta, Presidential Advisor for the Environment, Office of the President, Government of the Philippines.
?The Brown Agenda changes the framework?always the way to have the biggest impact. All of us, but especially those living beyond the significantly cleaned-up West, are daily being environmentally poisoned (not too strong a word). This biggest of all the world's health threats, however, can be readily fixed. Rich Fuller has shown how to do so?from abandoned wastes in Ukraine to old battery factories in Indonesia. This is the rare book that gives the reader the power to act."?Bill Drayton, Former Assistant Administrator, U.S. EPA; CEO, Ashoka: Innovators for the Public
?Turning ?brown' into ?green' has become a necessary journey for all of us as resource pressures are compounded by the ultimate threat intensifier?climate change. This story, a life's work, shows the difference we can make if we all make it our business."?Rachel Kyte, Vice President, World Bank
?Pollution kills three times more people than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis combined. It's the single largest health problem we face. Pure Earth/Blacksmith Institute is leading the way toward a better world for all of us."?Ben Barber journalist, former senior writer for USAID
?It takes a particular kind of environmentalist to make his life's mission 'brown' problems in the global south, rather than green ones in the north. Glamorous work it isn't, but the impact of the author, and those whom he has inspired, on some of the world's worst pollution problems has been simply incredible. Ideas, energy, passion, stamina, cheek, and brilliant communication skills - Richard Fuller has them all, and his book is an inspiration to us all. This is a captivating story of just how much difference one person can make."?Gareth Evans, Foreign Minister of Australia 1988-1996, President of the International Crisis Group 2000-2009, Chancellor of the Australian National University
?Richard Fuller has brought evangelical zeal to highlighting the deleterious impacts of environmental pollution and contamination on public health across the world. He has not been satisfied with merely identifying problems but has aggressively sought solutions as well, both through national and international actions. This book is an eloquent testimony to his obsessions for making the world a healthier, safer, and cleaner place, especially for its children. The world needs more Richard Fullers."?Jairam Ramesh, Minister for Environment, India, 2009?2011
?Starting with a powerful recount of manmade environmental disasters around the world and their consequent grave dangers to humanity, narrated in Richard Fuller's typical no-nonsense style and without pulling punches, the book also forcefully reflects Richard's passion and commitment to make the world a better place to live and breathe in. What is refreshing about this book is that it is not a doomsday naysayer. On the contrary, it is about hope and optimism. This is the heroic saga of a heroic man who has devoted his life, his boundless energy and commitment, and most of all, his empathy and his humanity to the cause of ?cleaning up.' His is a message of determination, of conviction that ?creating a pure earth is a problem for realists,' and evidence that indeed it can be done. A heroic tale indeed!"?Rajat Nag, Managing Director General, Asian Development Bank, 1988?2013
?Rich Fuller's passion and commitment towards educating people on the under-reported issue of environmental pollution, as well as finding innovative solutions to solve the problems, has helped save the lives of thousands of adults and children around the world. He is a truly inspiring human being and I am honoured to know him."?Dev Patel, Award-winning actor for his performance in Slumdog Millionaire
