Overview

Coral reefs are on track to become the first ecosystem actually eliminated from the planet. So says leading ecologist Peter F. Sale in this crash course on the state of the planet. Sale draws from his own extensive work on coral reefs, and from recent research by other ecologists, to explore the many ways we are changing the earth and to explain why it matters. Weaving into the narrative his own firsthand field experiences around the world, Sale brings ecology alive while giving a solid understanding of the science at work behind today's pressing environmental issues. He delves into topics including overfishing, deforestation, biodiversity loss, use of fossil fuels, population growth, and climate change while discussing the real consequences of our growing ecological footprint. Most important, this passionately written book emphasizes that a gloom-and-doom scenario is not inevitable, and as Sale explores alternative paths, he considers the ways in which science can help us realize a better future.

Full Product Details

9780520274600

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Reviews

Sale provides much food for thought in this provocative look at a hotly debated subject. -- Kirkus Reviews

Sale brings ecology alive while giving a solid understanding of the science at work behind today's pressing environmental issues... A must-read for those that care about the planet Earth. --The Guardian / Birdbooker Report Blog Sale provides a solid introduction to the study of ecology, simultaneously making readers comfortable with the science at hand and stressing the need to address collapsing ecosystems. --Library Journal A deeply researched and clear-eyed call to arms. --The Scientist Sale provides much food for thought in this provocative look at a hotly debated subject. --Kirkus Reviews Sale has a gift for accurately observing and communicating complex scientific concepts to nonscientists; any adult with a high school education can understand and appreciate this work... Highly recommended. --Choice

"""Sale brings ecology alive while giving a solid understanding of the science at work behind today's pressing environmental issues... A must-read for those that care about the planet Earth."" -- Ian Paulsen The Guardian / Birdbooker Report Blog ""Sale provides a solid introduction to the study of ecology, simultaneously making readers comfortable with the science at hand and stressing the need to address collapsing ecosystems."" -- Robin K. Dillow Library Journal ""A deeply researched and clear-eyed call to arms."" -- Richard P. Grant The Scientist ""Sale provides much food for thought in this provocative look at a hotly debated subject."" Kirkus Reviews Thorough, balanced and state of the art... A Powerful, multifaceted, vivid analysis of human-induced environmental change... A rewarding read."" -- Matthias Schaefer Basic & Applied Ecology ""[Sale's] prose and storytelling are engaging and flow well, and many complex concepts are well explained... Instructive and intriguing."" -- Erle C. Ellis, University of Maryland Qtly Review Of Biology ""Sale has a gift for accurately observing and communicating complex scientific concepts to nonscientists; any adult with a high school education can understand and appreciate this work... Highly recommended."" -- D. Flaspohler Choice ""Full of nasty surprises... an important book about the future of life on a warmer earth."" -- Jan McGirk Huffington Post ""There is a delicate balance between showing the true complexity of environmental problems and keeping the science of these fields accessible to non-scientists. It is a balance that Sale, for the most part, navigates deftly."" -- Ashley Titterton Canadian Dimension"

Author Information

Peter F. Sale is Assistant Director, Institute for Water, Environment, and Health at United Nations University and University Professor Emeritus at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. He is the author of The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs, Coral Reef Fishes, and Marine Metapopulations.

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