Earth in Our Care
Ecology, Economy, and Sustainability
By Chris Maser; Foreword by Okechukwu Ukaga
Rutgers University Press
"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.
Chris Maser, one of the strongest voices in the forestry community, interweaves the cause-and-effect tales of known historical events and his own personal journeys. While the conservation debate will always exist, this book describes for the general public how seemingly small transgressions lead to irreversible ecological paths. Maser elevates the need for individual awareness, accountability, and action to emphasize the sustainable vision for our Earth rather than focusing solely on short-term goals. He asserts that the individualÆs power lies within the ability to ask relevant questions as the key to protecting the Earth with the utmost humility. **not edited for length; use if no other blurbs**
Chris Maser is a supreme storyteller and Earth in Our Care is a compelling account highlighting the importance of understanding functional ecosystems in the twenty-first century. Using vivid examples of natureÆs blueprint, Maser clearly shows that the integrity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems depends upon healthy individual parts working in concert. This excellent book is a crucial addition to the burgeoningfield of conservation biology and a requisite tool for all resource managers. **DO NOT EDIT WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH HALTER**
Chris Maser brings together a wealth of information concerning today's pressing environmental questions, from a burgeoning human population to large-scale habitat destruction. This book is an excellent source for people wanting to understand the critical questions of our time and help derive solutions. I recommend it highly.
In Earth in our Care, Chris Maser transports us to remote wonders around the planet on a journey that ends deep within our individual souls. By exploring the dynamics of interdependence û acacias and ants, figs and wasps, prairie grasses and the giant Palouse earthworm û he hones his message of holism: All life on Earth is connected. We are left with the urgency of taking responsibility for our own relationships with plants, air, water, rocks, time, space, and with our fellow humans.
Chris Maser has a knack for exploring in a clear and entertaining fashion the complexities of ecosystems and the ever evolving role of humans in the care of the 'good earth.' He weaves a tapestry of knowledge, theory, and wisdom that surrounds the earth's welfare and evolutionary status. He holds the listener the old-fashioned way-through the telling of simple, insightful stories to illustrate his points in clear and memorable ways much as a wise elder talking around a campfire.
CHRIS MASER is a writer, environmental consultant, and zoologist who has written over twenty books and is the coauthor of Trees, Truffles, and Beasts: How Forests Function (Rutgers University Press).
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Of Ignorance and Knowledge
Everything has a Tradeoff
Our Ever-Changing Landscape Patterns
How Species Enrich Our Lives and the World
Act Locally and Affect the Whole World
The Never-Ending Stories of Cause, Effect, and Change
Is Ecological Restoration Possible?
Where Do We Go from Here?
Appendix
Notes
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Of Ignorance and Knowledge
Everything has a Tradeoff
Our Ever-Changing Landscape Patterns
How Species Enrich Our Lives and the World
Act Locally and Affect the Whole World
The Never-Ending Stories of Cause, Effect, and Change
Is Ecological Restoration Possible?
Where Do We Go from Here?
Appendix
Notes
Glossary
Index
Related Titles
Regional Planning for a Sustainable America
How Creative Programs Are Promoting Prosperity and Saving the Environment
Edited by Carleton K. Montgomery
