Kirkus Review
The noted naturalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author again waxes eloquent on behalf of the biosphere. In this final volume of his trilogy, Wilson (The Meaning of Human Existence, 2014, etc.) opens with a compelling proposal on how to slow current species extinction rates: set aside half of the planet (noncontiguously) as wilderness preserves free from human encroachment, a measure that the author claims would stabilize more than 80 percent of species. After all, it's the spread of humanity that has accelerated rates of extinction by 1,000 times, and it is human activity that is the driving force of the mass extinction currently underway, a threat to biodiversity equal to the destructive power of the Chicxulub asteroid strike that wiped out 70 percent of species 65 million years ago. Wilson, the world's leading myrmecologist, who has described roughly 450 new ant species during his career, predicts that, under current conditions, one-quarter to one-half of currently surviving species will survive to the end of the century. If the rhetoric sounds familiar, it's because this is ground that Wilson has covered extensively in previous publications. In this latest version, the author speaks against a growing movement of Anthropocene extremists who hold that biodiversity should be judged according to its usefulness to humanity. Countering that it is humanity that now needs to act in the interests of the biosphere, Wilson delves into the plights of specific species, including rhinos, frogs, monarch butterflies, woodpeckers, and beetles. Though unquestionably well-versed in the nature of the problem, the author is fuzzy on the solution. In the final pages, he skirts the issue of how we're to set aside 50 percent of the planet, instead making speculations about technological innovation and intensive economic growth intrinsically altering the behavior of individuals and changing the world. Not so much a potent plan as another informed plea for humanity to act as stewards of the biosphere rather than owners. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* For decades, scientist, educator, and environmentalist Wilson (A Window on Eternity, 2014) has cogently and ardently sought to awaken us to the grand intricacy of life on Earth and the increasingly urgent need to protect the wondrous biosphere that sustains us. Fascinated by small living marvels ants have been his abiding focus, and here he zestfully illuminates the invisible microbial world teeming everywhere from the bottom of the sea to within our own bodies Wilson is also profoundly conversant in the dynamics of the big picture. This makes for an invigorating elucidation of why the full range of interdependent life forms is necessary for a living Earth, and how habitat destruction, pollution, poaching, overhunting, and overfishing are destroying myriad species. As Wilson castigates those who deny environmental realities or embrace the fantasy of a futuristic human-engineered life-system, he stresses the importance of supporting the painstaking work of scientific naturalists. But that takes time, and we are facing impending water shortages, mass extinction, and climate change. So Wilson, drawing on his extensive conservation experiences as well as his biological insights, suggests a radical approach to protecting the planet's endangered biodiversity. He calls for us to commit half the planet's surface to nature. This startling, courageous, many will say wildly quixotic vision of a truly global preservation effort is guaranteed to stoke the fires of environmental debate.--Seaman, Donna Copyright 2016 Booklist
Choice Review
Edward O. Wilson (Harvard Univ.) is the contemporary voice of global biodiversity preservation and a renowned supporter of sustainable development. This book is the third part of a trilogy about humankind's self-assigned dominance over the Earth. Its focus is to build the vehement argument that biodiversity protection can be done, while still maintaining a judicious quality of life for humans. Wilson is a proponent of the Anthropocene epoch; this is a historical period dominated by humankind's influence on the Earth's ecological processes. The book begins with an assessment of major past and present biodiversity shifts; long-ago, these were due to natural causes, unlike the human-created shifts today. In Wilson's discourse, the basic principles of ecology and population dynamics are discussed. This information prepares the reader for Wilson's insights into and case studies about the massive biodiversity losses and shift during the Anthropocene epoch. The book then makes scientifically supported recommendations about preserving and reinvigorating the remaining biodiversity through building "wildlife corridors" and isolating half the Earth's surface for biodiversity conservation. Classic wildlife and botanical drawings accompany each chapter. Ample references and appendixes support the content and Wilson's theories. This is a good book for environmental policy libraries. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through professionals and practitioners. --Brian R. Shmaefsky, Lone Star College - Kingwood
Library Journal Review
Wilson (Letters to a Young Scientist) sets forth a possible solution to save the earth-putting aside half of the earth's surface for nature-and sets out his arguments for what actions are necessary and why. Wilson appeals to listeners' emotions with wonderful stories of various species and to our analytical side with detailed statistics and trends. There is a lot of information here, and listeners will hear the urgency of Wilson's call for reform to help our planet. Because of the vast amount of supporting data, the audiobook might not be the ideal format for those who prefer to refer back to facts and figures. It is a very good work, read extremely well by Jonathan Hogan; recommended for those with an interest in humans' role in preserving the earth. -VERDICT This would be a good place to start for anyone interested in gaining an understanding of biodiversity and the intricate web of interdependence of species.-Eric D. Albright, Tufts Health Sciences Lib., Boston © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
