First published 1999
Edward O. Wilson traces the story of life's evolution on Earth and explains how countless species came to flourish across the planet. The renowned scientist examines the forces that created biological diversity over millions of years. Wilson then turns to the present crisis. A massive wave of extinctions now eliminates entire species at an unprecedented rate. Humans cause this destruction through habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Wilson argues that saving individual species will not solve the problem. We must protect complete ecosystems instead. He calls for a new approach that ends the false choice between conservation and development. The book outlines the dramatic changes needed to preserve what remains of life's variety. Wilson combines scientific rigor with accessible writing to show readers both the magnificence of evolution and the urgency of acting now.
Genres: science, environment, non-fiction, biology, academic, science-nature
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
432 pages · Paperback · W. W. Norton & Company