Chris D. Thomas

This is an interesting book that takes a look at the not so doom-and-gloom effects of man's impact on the environment and the ever changing nature of the environment.

The author points out that man is part of nature and man's activities are no different from any other animal, we just use different means to accomplish out goals. He also points out that nature, evolution and the environment are dynamic and ever changing and that conservation efforts that assume nature is static are doomed to failure and go against the natural order of "how things work". Thomas makes use of many examples to make his points, but I felt his chapter arguments could have been more focused. While I don't agree 100% with everything he writes, I felt this book is important in terms of providing food for thought and in shaking up the conservation/environmental people to take a good look at what they are actually trying to accomplish and if the current methods are working.… (plus d'informations)

Without being pollyannish or denying any of the damage climate change and habitat destruction are car=using and will cause, Chris Thomas presents a realistic and yet optimistic long view of the impact of humans on our planet. Change is constant and trying to preserve or resurrect a mythic Eden of ecological perfection is a waste of time and potentially harmful. Yes, we should preserve as much diversity of all species and habitats as possible, he writes. But we are part of nature, not separate from it. We are a conscious part of nature, so we do have choice. But as thoughtful and data-drive Noahs, we should continue the revolutionary distribution of species that has increased diversity around the world, and saved some species from extinction.

This is a hopeful book and a good antidote to the spate of end-time writings. He does not take us off the hook, but rather enlarges our stewardship pf the natural world we came from, live in, and will always be a part of.… (plus d'informations)