Now or Never

June 15, 2009
Flannery (The Weather Makers
) makes a valuable contribution to global warming literature with this slim and eloquent brief that challenges readers to dispense with the dangerous notion that “the earth was made for us”—a convenient extrapolation of social Darwinism that the author argues is used to justify reckless treatment of the environment and smacks of embarrassing impracticality and myopia. He states that humans were made to shepherd the Earth through environmental crises and contribute to the efficiency of its massive metabolism; humans are the brains of this complex system and must make bold choices to either save the corpus totum
or destroy it. A re-evaluation of human purpose on Earth is required, Flannery maintains, with a true understanding of sustainability removed from trendy “green” marketing connotations. Flannery's compelling arguments and accessible language will move the passive bystander, persuade the skeptic and rouse the activist.

Starred review from September 1, 2009
In this essay on climate change, Australian scientist and author Flannery ("The Weather Makers") cites findings from several recent climate reports that forecast dire consequences for our planet attributed to an increase in carbon emissions. Making a compelling call to action, he explains how and why we have reached this environmental tipping point and suggests simultaneous approaches to reach a sustainable future. One idea for carbon reduction is a joint collaboration already under way between a Danish wind-energy company and an automobile manufacturer that may produce a viable electric car. To help with carbon capture, Flannery suggests a carbon trading scheme in the forests of South America and several solutions that link carbon sequestration and food production using holistic management techniques. VERDICT Flannery's brief but eloquent book challenges all citizens of the developed countries to take responsibility for the fate of our planet by living a sustainable lifestyle. An essential read. [Eight-city tour; see Prepub Alert, "LJ" 6/15/09.]Eva Lautemann, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Clarkston

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