Heather Newbold, editor
Life Stories
World-Renowned Scientists Reflect on their Lives and the Future of Life on Earth
$19.95, £13.95 paperback
9780520218963
Available Now
246 pages, 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches, 16 b/w photographs
April 2000, Available worldwide
Also in: Environmental History
April 2000, Available worldwide
Also in: Environmental History
Nearly every day, the media recount stories about the degradation of the Earth's environment; these stories are met with alarm by some and with skepticism by others. Life Stories presents testimony from some of the world's top environmental scientists who have seen firsthand the sobering effects of rapid global change: the extinction of species, worldwide damage to ecosystems, and the increasing alienation of human life from the natural world. A moving celebration of nature, and a tribute to the role of science in preserving our endangered future, this exceptional collection presents the personal and professional reflections of sixteen eminent scientists. Their views on the meaning and relevance of their work are interwoven with inspiring autobiographical accounts of how formative life experiences led to their research, conclusions, and activities.
These narratives, based on personal interviews, are by such world-renowned figures as James Lovelock, originator of the Gaia hypothesis; Paul Ehrlich, author of The Population Bomb and founder of Zero Population Growth; Max Nicholson, a founder of the World Wildlife Fund; and Sherwood Rowland, who discovered the chemistry of atmospheric ozone depletion.
These essays read like an intimate conversation with the world's top scientists. This collection also provides a view of the international development of ecology as a scientific enterprise. Life Stories demonstrates the important role of the scientific community in fostering worldwide awareness of the dangers facing the Earth today, and in seeking solutions for tomorrow. Young readers will find this book inspiring for the life stories it tells. Readers of all ages will find here a profound, urgent, and compelling message about the future of life on Earth.
These narratives, based on personal interviews, are by such world-renowned figures as James Lovelock, originator of the Gaia hypothesis; Paul Ehrlich, author of The Population Bomb and founder of Zero Population Growth; Max Nicholson, a founder of the World Wildlife Fund; and Sherwood Rowland, who discovered the chemistry of atmospheric ozone depletion.
These essays read like an intimate conversation with the world's top scientists. This collection also provides a view of the international development of ecology as a scientific enterprise. Life Stories demonstrates the important role of the scientific community in fostering worldwide awareness of the dangers facing the Earth today, and in seeking solutions for tomorrow. Young readers will find this book inspiring for the life stories it tells. Readers of all ages will find here a profound, urgent, and compelling message about the future of life on Earth.
"Captivating reading for teens wondering how to transform one's youthful enthusiasm for nature and science into a career, and challenging for everyone who cannot escape the realization by the final chapter that our planet's well-being is inextricably linked to our own well-being."—School Library Journal
"The essays, given color by autobiographical touches, are deceptively simple. Yet each one sounds an alarm that should rouse even the most complacent reader."—BBC Wildlife Magazine
"The recurring theme of serious environmental crisis and humankind's undoubted capacity to take the necessary corrective action is movingly articulated."—Choice
"The essays, given color by autobiographical touches, are deceptively simple. Yet each one sounds an alarm that should rouse even the most complacent reader."—BBC Wildlife Magazine
"The recurring theme of serious environmental crisis and humankind's undoubted capacity to take the necessary corrective action is movingly articulated."—Choice
"This unusual collection of conversations with leading environmental thinkers breaks down the conventional separation between thinking and living. The presentations of ecological ideas are not only superior but often eloquent and powerful, and incorporate the latest information available. Since many of the chapters give quite full accounts of the interviewees' careers, the book will also provide inspiration to young readers." —Ernest Callenbach, author of Ecology: A Pocket Guide
"The recurring theme of environmental emergency comes through loud and clear in all of the interviews, but this book also shows that it is people who make things happen, not the great gray 'they' or 'we.' We learn exactly who it was that discovered the hole in the ozone layer and who invented the ideas of Gaia and the Population Bomb. . . . If I had my way I would make this book required reading for students across all disciplines, because its message is profound, urgent, compelling, and relevant to everyone."—Anthony J. F. Griffiths, University of British Columbia, Winner of the Genetics Society of Canada Award of Excellence
"Life Stories should be required reading. The reverence for life expressed by these heroes is deeply moving. Their fierce determination ought to inspire all of us as we confront the environmental challenges of the new millennium." —Denis Hayes, International Chair, Earth Day 2000
"We start the twenty-first century with a heightened awareness that our planet is under stress. Life Stories illustrates that the human spirit has the capacity to set forces in motion that will save our habitat. Heather Newbold introduces us to scientists who have probed the mysteries of our natural systems and taken action so our Earth can heal itself. As we meet them, our own hope for the future is inspired."—Peter A. A. Berle, host of The Environment Show on Public Radio
"These mini-autobiographies are captivating, challenging, and worrisome. We can successfully meet the challenge, but will we? This is attention-grabbing stuff. Once you start reading this book it will capture and hold you to the last page."—Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day
"The recurring theme of environmental emergency comes through loud and clear in all of the interviews, but this book also shows that it is people who make things happen, not the great gray 'they' or 'we.' We learn exactly who it was that discovered the hole in the ozone layer and who invented the ideas of Gaia and the Population Bomb. . . . If I had my way I would make this book required reading for students across all disciplines, because its message is profound, urgent, compelling, and relevant to everyone."—Anthony J. F. Griffiths, University of British Columbia, Winner of the Genetics Society of Canada Award of Excellence
"Life Stories should be required reading. The reverence for life expressed by these heroes is deeply moving. Their fierce determination ought to inspire all of us as we confront the environmental challenges of the new millennium." —Denis Hayes, International Chair, Earth Day 2000
"We start the twenty-first century with a heightened awareness that our planet is under stress. Life Stories illustrates that the human spirit has the capacity to set forces in motion that will save our habitat. Heather Newbold introduces us to scientists who have probed the mysteries of our natural systems and taken action so our Earth can heal itself. As we meet them, our own hope for the future is inspired."—Peter A. A. Berle, host of The Environment Show on Public Radio
"These mini-autobiographies are captivating, challenging, and worrisome. We can successfully meet the challenge, but will we? This is attention-grabbing stuff. Once you start reading this book it will capture and hold you to the last page."—Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day
Preface
1. Gaia, Our Living Earth, James Lovelock
2. Life-Support Systems, Paul Ehrlich
3. Primary Producers, Peter Raven
4. Biological Diversity, Thomas Lovejoy
5. The Nature of Things, David Suzuki
6. Toxic Food Web, George M. Woodwell
7. Water Pollution, Ruth Patrick
8. Marine Biodiversity, Elliott Norse
9. Nature Conservancy, Max Nicholson
10. World Conservation Union, Martn Holdgate
11. Ozone Hole, Sherwood Rowland
12. Cliamte Change, John Firor
13. Worldwatch, Lester Brown
14. Global Security, MormanMeyers
15. The End, John Rotblat
16. Union of Concerned Scientists' Warnings, Henry Kendall
Contributors:
Lester Brown
Paul Ehrlich
John Firor
Martin Holdgate
Henry Kendall
Thomas Lovejoy
James Lovelock
Norman Myers
Max Nicholson
Elliott Norse
Ruth Patrick
Peter Raven
Joseph Rotblat
Sherwood Rowland
David Suzuki
George M. Woodwell
1. Gaia, Our Living Earth, James Lovelock
2. Life-Support Systems, Paul Ehrlich
3. Primary Producers, Peter Raven
4. Biological Diversity, Thomas Lovejoy
5. The Nature of Things, David Suzuki
6. Toxic Food Web, George M. Woodwell
7. Water Pollution, Ruth Patrick
8. Marine Biodiversity, Elliott Norse
9. Nature Conservancy, Max Nicholson
10. World Conservation Union, Martn Holdgate
11. Ozone Hole, Sherwood Rowland
12. Cliamte Change, John Firor
13. Worldwatch, Lester Brown
14. Global Security, MormanMeyers
15. The End, John Rotblat
16. Union of Concerned Scientists' Warnings, Henry Kendall
Contributors:
Lester Brown
Paul Ehrlich
John Firor
Martin Holdgate
Henry Kendall
Thomas Lovejoy
James Lovelock
Norman Myers
Max Nicholson
Elliott Norse
Ruth Patrick
Peter Raven
Joseph Rotblat
Sherwood Rowland
David Suzuki
George M. Woodwell
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