Everything Under the Sun
Toward a Brighter Future on a Small Blue Planet
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3.0 • 1 Rating
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
In this compilation of David Suzuki's latest thoughts and writings, the renowned scientist, author, and broadcaster explores the myriad environmental challenges the world faces and their interconnected causes. In doing so, Suzuki shows that understanding the causes—and recognizing that everything in nature, including us, is interconnected—is crucial to restoring hope for a better future. The solutions are there, he argues; we just need the will to act together to bring about change.
Everything Under the Sun delves into such provocative topics as the difference between human hunters and other predators, the lessons we must learn from the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the subsequent meltdown of the nuclear reactors, and our dependence on the sun for all of our food and energy—indeed for our very lives. Suzuki also considers the many positive steps people are making today. And he doesn't shy away from controversial opinion, especially when it comes to taking on those who stand in the way of resolving serious issues like climate change.
Underpinning it all is the recognition that we are blessed to live on a planet that gives us everything we require to live, under a sun that gives us the energy we need to produce food and transport and modern conveniences. But we must protect what we have if we want to survive and prosper.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
It s difficult to criticize a volume amassed with good intentions and presented earnestly and succinctly, but prolific activist Suzuki (The Sacred Balance) and Hanington, communications specialist for Suzuki s foundation, simply tried to cover too much material. Each chapter s contents, a compilation of policy micro-briefs, at once scientific and moralizing, invite the reader to learn about the myriad environmental challenges we face and to consider what can be done to remediate or reverse them. Abrupt transitions, repetition, and sometimes hackneyed topic summations detract from the central crux of the book: that prioritizing short-term economic gain over the long-term planetary health and sustainability is catastrophic and that a commitment to endless economic growth will lead to collapse. Frustration is apparent as blame is cast upon all levels of society, and though some solutions to environmental problems are included, many recommendations lack concreteness and instead call more broadly for renewed dialogue and action. The need for economic valuation of negative externalities is one of the most persuasive ideas Suzuki and Hanington highlight, along with advocating a precautionary approach to management, but as a whole the admonishments here are both sage and surly.
