Synopsis
Describes the present ecological condition of the planet, and offers advice on how to live in harmony with the environment and a warning of what will happen if we do not
Reviews
Noted science and science fiction writer Asimov (the Foundation series) and novelist Pohl ( Chernobyl ) take a comprehensive look at the major threats to our planet's ecosystem and present a prescription by which humanity might rescue itself from self-destruction. First discussing the perils, they explain scientific processes in layman's language--the greenhouse effect, depletion of the ozone layer, nuclear waste and species extinction, among others. Then they outline ways in which individuals can mitigate the pending dangers by altering their lifestyles and working for change through pro-environmental groups and political clubs. Proponents of more radical activist groups such as Greenpeace and Earth First! will probably find the solutions pallid. But as a survey of mankind's environmental sins and the catastrophic consequences of apathy, the book provides a lucid overview of the problems and a compelling call to action. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This latest in a barrage of environmental overviews by big names takes a lowest-common-denominator approach, chatting up readers in discursive if not patronizing prose that spends much time assessing concepts such as Gaia and countering implied arguments that might be made by people who are either simple-minded or misinformed. Those who respond favorably to this treatment, though, might take to the totally nontechnical profiles of the major suspects- -global warming, ozone depletion, mounting trash, air and water pollution--because science-fiction institutions Asimov and Pohl sum up the problems clearly and include some jolting details about their causes and effects. Still the topics have been covered again and again in recent popular books and newspaper articles. What Asimov and Pohl promise to add here are suggestions for how catastrophe can be avoided and how political means can effectuate solutions--but these sections prove particularly weak. The authors don't come through with new visions or specific programs, and their political section combines the usual suggestions (write letters to public officials, etc.) with sketchy advice on starting an organization (pros and cons of having a constitution) and getting into politics through helping candidates, getting on political- party municipal and county committees, and getting out the vote on election day. Again, most of this is commonplace in manuals for grass-roots activists and unrelated here to the environmental issues they're supposed to implement. Just because the entire book is so basic, however, some libraries may find it handy. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
In this book, noted futurists and science fiction writers Asimov and Pohl attempt to catalog all the world's pollution problems, including global warming, the ozone layer, water pollution, and space pollution. They then give their own solutions, which range from the practical to the somewhat fantastical, and call all citizens to action now. While this is a good book for readers who want a comprehensive analysis of environmental problems, the amount of detail and heavy theory that Asimov and Pohl provide will deter general readers interested in a quick overview. Recommended only for larger academic and research libraries.
- Emily Moser, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Lib., Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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