The Earth Natural Resources and Human Intervention

'This work, translated from German, is part of the 12-volume 'The Sustainability Project' series. Other volumes focus on oceans (Our Threatened Oceans by S. Rahmstorf, CH, Mar'10, 47-3824), water resources, agriculture (Feeding the Planet by K. Hahlbrock, CH, Feb'10, 47-3151), etc. The well-qualified author, Schmidt-Bleek (Factor 10 Institute) is an environmental leader and chemist whose central message is 'We must succeed in pursuing holistic policies to create sustainable prosperity.' The book includes seven well-written, easily accessible chapters. The first chapter, 'The Earth in Motion,' provides introductory information on natural resource management. In 'The True Price of Things,' the author coins the metaphor 'ecological rucksack' to encompass resource utilization from the cradle to the finished product. Succeeding chapters discuss ecological costs per unit of service; economic issues, where Schmidt-Bleek makes a striking allusion to the unsustainable Tower of Babel; consequences, such as increases in natural disasters; and the usefulness of various services and products. The final chapter, 'The Earth in Our Hands,' focuses on steps needed to realize sustainability. American scientists will be enriched by the substantial use of data and examples from Germany and other parts of Europe. There are extensive, very creative, and readily understandable graphics and tables, an excellent glossary, and lists of references by chapter, but no index. Summing Up: Recommended. All libraries. -- E. J. Kormondy University of Hawaii at Hilo 201003