Human nature : a blueprint for managing the earth--by people, for people / James Trefil.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Trefil, James, 1938-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human ecology--Philosophy.

Human ecology.

Human behavior.

Human beings--Effect of environment on.

Human beings.

Philosophy of nature.

Physical Description:

xiv, 249 pages ; 25 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Times Books/Henry Holt, 2004.

Summary:

As a prizewinning theoretical physicist and an outspoken advocate for scientific literacy, James Trefil has long been the public's guide to a better understanding of the world. Now, in this provocative book, Trefil looks squarely at our environmental future, and finds -- contrary to popular wisdom -- reason to celebrate. For too long, Trefil argues, human beings have treated nature as something separate from themselves -- pristine wilderness to be saved or material resources to be exploited. What we need instead is a scientific approach to the environment that embraces the human transformation of nature, for our benefit. In Human Nature, Trefil reveals the benefits to be gained from genetically modified species; uncovers the vital roles played by ice ages, species extinction, and global warming; and points to examples of environmental management where catering to the needs of people reaps greater rewards than sheltering other species.

Contents:

I. The First Step 1

1. Where Do We Fit In? 3

2. Nature and Natural Selection 23

3. Leaving Nature Behind 37

II. The Myths of Pop Ecology 51

4. Lost Eden 53

5. The Myth of Stability 65

6. The Myth of the Pristine Wilderness 79

7. The Myth That We Are Poisoning the Earth 93

8. The Question of Extinction 111

9. The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming 125

III. The New Environmental Toolbox 147

10. Genomics 149

11. Genetic Modification 161

12. The Emergence of Complexity 177

13. Experimental Ecosystems 189

IV. The Second Step 203

14. A Matter of Choices 205

15. The Managed Planet 221.

Notes:

Includes index.

ISBN:

0805072489

OCLC:

53814402