Earth in Our Care : Ecology, Economy, and Sustainability

Earth in Our Care is a compelling study of three interactive spheres of the ecosystem: atmosphere (air), litho-hydrosphere (rock that comprises the restless continents and the water that surrounds them), and biosphere (all life sandwiched in between). Writing in rich detail and using insightful analogies, Chris Maser addresses key issues including land-use policies, ecological restoration, forest management, local living, and sustainability thinking. Exploring our interconnectedness with the Earth, Maser examines today's problems and, more importantly, provides solutions for the future. 'What about the twenty-first century? Will we finally accept our responsibilities as guardians of planet Earth, the biological living trust, for the beneficiaries, the children of today, tomorrow, and beyond? Or, will it too be a century of lethal, economic struggle among the polarized positions of the supremely dysfunctional among us? Are they—once again—to be allowed to determine the legacy we, as a society, as a nation, bequeath those who follow us? The choice is ours, the adults of the world. How shall we choose?'So writes Chris Maser in this compelling study of three interactive spheres of the ecosystem: atmosphere (air), litho-hydrosphere (rock that comprises the restless continents and the water that surrounds them), and biosphere (all life sandwiched in between). Rich in detail and insightful analogies, Earth in Our Care addresses key issues including land-use policies, ecological restoration, forest management, local living, and sustainability thinking. Exploring our interconnectedness with the Earth, Maser examines today's problems and, more importantly, provides solutions for the future. "What about the twenty-first century? Will we finally accept our responsibilities as guardians of planet Earth, the biological living trust, for the beneficiaries, the children of today, tomorrow, and beyond? Or, will it too be a century of lethal, economic struggle among the polarized positions of the supremely dysfunctional among us? Are theyonce againto be allowed to determine the legacy we, as a society, as a nation, bequeath those who follow us? The choice is ours, the adults of the world. How shall we choose?" So writes Chris Maser in this compelling study of three interactive spheres of the atmosphere (air), litho-hydrosphere (rock that comprises the restless continents and the water that surrounds them), and biosphere (all life sandwiched in between). Rich in detail and insightful analogies, Earth in Our Care addresses key issues including land-use policies, ecological restoration, forest management, local living, and sustainability thinking. Exploring our interconnectedness with the Earth, Maser examines today's problems and, more importantly, provides solutions for the future. Contents......Page 8 Foreword......Page 10 Preface......Page 12 Acknowledgments......Page 18 Introduction......Page 22 1: Of Ignorance and Knowledge......Page 26 2: Our Ever-Changing Landscape Patterns......Page 46 3: How Species Enrich Our Lives and the World......Page 77 4: The Never-Ending Stories of Cause, Effect, and Change......Page 107 5: Act Locally and Affect the Whole World......Page 138 6: Repairing Ecosystems......Page 163 7: Where Do We Go From Here?......Page 219 Appendix: Common and Scientific Names of Plants and Animals......Page 228 Notes......Page 238 Glossary......Page 268 Index......Page 286 "Chris Maser addresses key issues, including land-use policies, ecological restoration, forest management, local living, and sustainability thinking. Exploring our interconnectedness with the earth, he examines today's problems and, more importantly, provides solutions for the future."--Jacket.