A leading writer on environmental issues examines the prevention of future damage to the Earth in this text, which calls for a more enlightened relationship with the natural world. It considers the often detrimental influence exerted by certain social, economic and political forces.

David Ehrenfeld is one of the world's leading writers on environmental issues. In this challenging new book, he examines both the current state of affairs and the prospects of preventing further damage to the planet. In calling for a more enlightened and sustainable relationship with the natural world, Professor Ehrenfeld also considers the influence exerted by certain social, economic, and political forces which seem to be pulling in the opposite direction.