Our Dying Planet

I've been reading the book Our Dying Planet by Peter F. Sale and I must say this is definitely a book that everyone should read. I am not yet finished with the book, but I am very impressed with what I have read. Dr. Peter Sale is an ecologist and he writes about the various forces that are converging upon our global ecosystems that threaten the very balance of life. When we think of things like global warming, climate change, loss of biodiversity, overfishing, etc. we tend to make it a separate entity, brought about by one or two influences, and solvable in a direct, if not isolated, way. What Dr. Sale brings to the table as an ecologist, is a knowledge of how all of these things are interconnected, are influenced by many various factors, and are not easily solvable because of their interconnectedness.

One may be afraid that because Dr. Sale is a scientist and expert that the book would be largely written in "science-speak". That is hardly the case. Dr. Sale writes with ease, confidence, and an ability to make the scientific data absorbable to the general public and those unfamiliar with scientific methods. Ecology is a science that deals with the interconnectedness of all living things and the environment that they live in. Therefore, this discipline is essential in helping us understand what is happening to our planet - with the great threats that lie ahead - and in developing the solutions to the problems.

Despite the title being a bit gloomy, the author is quite adamant throughout that we can help solve the mounting problems and there is no need to be in complete despair. We all need to be aware of the cacophony of issues our planet is facing ecologically. We also need to know that we can be a force for positive change. We don't have to continue on the present path, we can both be prosperous and respect the other living things on this planet. I encourage you to either buy the book, or check it out from your local library. It is worth the read, and it is one more tool in becoming informed. Remember, when we become correctly informed, we can then effect change for good.