The book that warned of an end to civilisation
Environmental warnings from 1972, El Salvador, East German punks and the Chippendales.
The History Hour · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
In 1972 a book which outlined the possible future of the world became a best-seller. 'The Limits to Growth' was based on computer modelling which suggested that if economic growth remained unfettered, there'd be a 'traumatic' decline in civilisation from 2020. It also suggested global policy changes which could prevent a downward trend. Find out which path the world took and why...
Plus, why East German punks were targeted by the secret police in the 1980s, a top UN negotiator remembers how peace was won in El Salvador in 1991, the first black sitcom in Britain and the launch of the Chippendales - the first male strip show for women - in 1979.
Photo: Front cover of 'The Limits to Growth' published in 1972.