In this book, the authors tackle the very complex issue of mankind's relationship with the natural world. The basic message is that we have changed from a species that, in ages past, coexisted with nature, to the point where we now essentially devastate the natural environment to satisfy our ever-expanding greed.

The book covers some key topics such as humanity's modern ecological footprint, the problems related to genetically modified organisms, and the false economics of our present approach to globalization. The authours also offer some examples of how things might be changed for the better. Any of these subjects could take up volumes and the authours deserve credit for condensing them into a few readable chapters. They supply an excellent bibliography for those who wish to expand their knowledge on any of these topics.

The book covers some key topics such as humanity's modern ecological footprint, the problems related to genetically modified organisms, and the false economics of our present approach to globalization. The authours also offer some examples of how things might be changed for the better. Any of these subjects could take up volumes and the authours deserve credit for condensing them into a few readable chapters. They supply an excellent bibliography for those who wish to expand their knowledge on any of these topics.

The authors point out the flaw in our belief that governments will somehow intervene in events before we push nature over the edge. The sad fact is that giant international corporations are now deciding the fate of our environment and their interests are purely centred on short-term profit. These organizations are in a position to control the rules put in place by governments and they have little concern about the future of our children or our grandchildren. The key lesson is a simple one. Given the extremely complex synergies that have evolved among governments, big business and consumers, it will be absolutely necessary for the public at large, at the grassroots level, to cause backlash against the present globalization paradigm. The companies that supply inane and wasteful products will do so only as long as there are large numbers of consumers willing to buy them.

Contrary to what most believe, nature will not "get out of our way" as we continue along our destructive path; instead, she will simply crush us out of existence when we become too great of a threat to her planet.

It is humbling to realize that the most important ingredient for life to exist is water. Even more interesting is the fact that we, through our carelessness, are putting most of our fresh water supplies at serious risk.

Marq de Villiers explores the global saga of water and demonstrates in clear and concise terms how we have created a growing crises that inevitably will affect all of us. If you are in the least bit smug about Canada's water situation, just think about what just happened in Walkerton. Incidentally, this tragedy occurred after Marq de Villiers book was written.

The author explains some of the tragic consequences already caused by human misadventure. The devastation of the Aral Sea, the draining of key aquifers all over the world, and the horrible damage done to many major river systems. He also points out the huge disparity between the use of water in rich nations compared to the usage in third world countries. If we are not able to make suitable agreements regarding the water supply, how will we ever agree on anything else?

The United Nations has acknowledged that water, or rather lack of it, will likely be the main cause of war and social instability over the next several decades. Yet we still take it for granted and we seem unprepared to pay the price to protect one of our most important resources. I find it incredulous that we intentionally poison our lakes and rivers with the attitude that we'll simply cleanse and disinfect the water before it flows to our taps. It's an absurd scenario, be we've been doing it for decades. Walkerton should be a screaming wake up call, but it already seems to have faded from our memories.

Hopefully, after you read this book, you'll never take clean, safe drinking water for granted again. An extensive bibliography is provided for those who wish to do further reading on the subject.

"Fast Food Nation" is an excellent treatise on the growth of the fast food business in North America. Schlosser points out many of the serious concerns that have arisen with our newest eating habits and dietary choices. Today, one of the most dangerous epidemics we are witnessing is growing obesity among the young. This can be directly attributed to our 'fast food' fetish.

Schlosser also explains the disconcerting 'short cuts' being taken to meet the high-demand for this high-speed "eat-on-the-run" lifestyle. After reading this book, you will think twice before you ever again drop in to that local 'burger' joint for lunch or dinner.

It is interesting how we seem to be prepared to sacrifice every aspect of our requirements for survival. First we polluted the air, then the water, then the soil, and now we are tampering with and threatening our food supply. Maybe humans are actually too dumb for long-term survival!

"The Future in Plain Sight" is a 'must read' for anyone who thinks they have a handle on what the future will bring, especially those of you who are optimists. Linden does an excellent job of analyzing nine key clues to the future and then goes on to make certain predictions about the state of planet Earth in 2050.

This book is not specifically about the environment, but the environment is a recurring theme throughout. As we look toward the future, we cannot respect any prediction that doesn't take into consideration the overwhelming issues of the growing degradation of Earth's environment. Linden looks at several aspects of human society, including existing economic models, and he tries to foresee the results of continuing on our present path.

Linden has some interesting ideas of what the future will bring and even though he predicts some horrible problems, I believe he is somewhat optimistic.

E.O. Wilson is a world renouned scientist and naturalist with two Pulitzer Prizes to his credit. His book, The Future of Life, is an overview of the status of planet earth’s biosphere and it’s life force.

Wilson explains the tenacious nature of life, but points out that humans are only tiny part of the life force and we are, quite simply, expendable. He examines the problems humanity has caused and tries to help us understand the potential consequences if we continue on our present path. He also offers possible solutions - providing we are willing to change our ways.

In the end he leaves the reader asking the inevitable final question, “Will humanity take the necessary actions to ensure its own survival, or will we become extinct like millions of species before us?” It is truly our choice.