The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters [Paperback]

Seth R. Reice (Author)

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Product Details

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Princeton University Press; New edition edition (Jan 27 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0691113688
ISBN-13: 978-0691113685
Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 14.2 x 1.8 cm
Shipping Weight: 204 g
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,198,867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

From Booklist

With the growing realization that controlling fire and flood can unintentionally exacerbate the fire or flood that inevitably occurs (as in Yellowstone in 1988 or on the Mississippi in 1993), a new model of ecology has come into favor. Biologist Reice calls this model "non-equilibrium dynamics," which in plain English means let the fire burn, the river flood, and the wind blow, because such disturbances promote biodiversity. In this pithy, nontechnical work filled with interesting examples, Reice discusses how populations such as fish, insects, and trees respond to changing environments on a microscale and why without regular change the richness of species fades. His clear discussion of how a disturbed area is recolonized will engage the ecology-minded reader, as will Reice's explanation of how roads, agriculture, and dams can have deleterious effects on streams and the creatures they support. Arguing that an ecosystem provides "services," Reice describes where this new model of ecology has been adopted and how it might influence land-use policy elsewhere in the country. A well-presented combination of science and advocacy. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

[This] book is engaging, and its message is important: our national parks will never be outdoor museums; nature's nature is change. -- Christine Kenneally, The New York Times Book Review

A valuable addition to the growing body of nontechnical works that bridge the gap between scientists and a public increasingly savvy about natural resource issues. -- Thomas Good, American Scientist

Reice has succeeded here in making the case for major policy changes in environmental management. -- "Wildlife Activist

[A] pithy, nontechnical work filled with interesting examples. . . . A well-presented combination of science and advocacy -- "Booklist

In a narrative style reflecting a strong personal commitment to and belief in conservation, Reice offers an overview of the history, evolution, and current trends in disturbance ecology interlaced with his personal philosophies and policy recommendations. . . . His convictions and commitment to conservation are described with clarity and passion, drawing on personal and research experience. -- Chandra Heaton, Ecological Engineering

Must reading for ecologists. -- "Choice

The Silver Lining is well structured, straightforward and highly readable. . . . Reice's blend of pertinent ecological theory, well-chosen case studies, and personal observation is likely to appeal to most environmentally conscious readers. -- "Science Books & Films

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
At the beginning of the new millennium, we are faced with a seemingly endless series of environmental crises. Read the first page

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Concordance

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Amazon.com: 4.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A More Realistic Model of Change in Natural Ecosystems, Nov 8 2006

By Aufton Wunderbar - Published on Amazon.com

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This review is from: The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters (Paperback)

This is a concise, very clear overview of the nonequilibrium dynamics in ecosystems -- why natural "disasters" are actually beneficial to the environment by encouraging biodiversity. The old, equilibrium models miss the fundamental role of the environment in species frequency and distribition -- see The Theory of Island Biogeography (E. O. Wilson) and The Song of the Dodo (David Quammen). While I thorougly enjoyed The Song of the Dodo as creative science writing, this drier and shorter volume provides a better basis for thinking about, and managing, our environment.

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