This is a well-documented examination of the effects of human society on the global environment. Easterbrook's conclusion: Things are getting better, not worse. Not surprisingly, this book has generated considerable controversy in many circles of environmentalists and ecologists, and many of his arguments only apply to overly-developed nations. For example, he stumbles badly when dealing with tropical rainforests, completely ignoring the fact that clearcutting in tropical environments leads to essentially irreversible loss of soils and a sterile clay pan. But all in all, I recommend this book highly to everyone interested in the proper interpretation of long-term ecological trends. In my opinion, he is as often right as wrong, and habitual doomsday-sayers would do well to seriously consider and possibly adopt some of his positions on ecorealism.

From Publishers Weekly

Journalist Easterbrook's optimistic account of humanity's impact on the environment, in which he argues against ecological doomsayers.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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10 Reviews

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3.3 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Case that the Environment is getting better, Feb 2 2004

By A Customer

Highly recommended for serious students of environmental policy. Easterbrook is one of the recognized experts - and founding thinkers - on environmental optimism. Whether you agree with him or not, this is a must-read.

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4.0 out of 5 stars great for me, Dec 1 2003

By	Eric Falkenstein (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I can see how those who are wrapped up in conservationism dislike this book, it shows them in a terrible light. If you think environmentalists are often histrionic and sanctimonious, you will like this book. If you think environmentalists are protecting what is truly sacred, you will find this book full of misinformed drivel.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Generally very silly and misguided, Nov 30 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Moment On The Earth (Hardcover)

My sense from reading this book is neither that Easterbrook is a purposefully misleading, nor that he is particularly insightful. He is looking for an antitode to negativity that he seems to believe pervades the enrivonmental community.
But whether you agree with his perspective or not, the simple fact is he gets many facts completely wrong, and his arguments are logically flawed. A prime example is the arguments he makes against the need for having regulations on air quality: he points out that the air has gotten cleaner in the US over the last 30 years. Well, yes it has, but BECAUSE of the clean air act, not in spite of it.
There is no reason to be depressed about the environment, but nor is there any reason -- as Easterbrook would have us do -- to ignore it. If you want a balanced view, read the scientific literature, not the quasi-science of an naive journalist.

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Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent large-scale review of environmental issues.
Easterbrook may make a few errors and his writing style may not suit all, but I found this book to be enlightening and an excellent essay on the big picture in environmentalism... Read more

Published on Oct 9 2000 by Douglas W. Foster

5.0 out of 5 stars Ignore Paul Ehrlich
I saw an earlier review that quoted Paul Ehrlich as saying that this book is filled with bad science and shoddy writing. Not that Ehrlich is in any position to talk. Read more

Published on Jan 17 2000

2.0 out of 5 stars 700 pages you'll wish you hadn't read.
I was looking forward to reading this book and I am so profoundly dissappointed. If it hadn't been for my conviction to read books all the way through once I start them I would... Read more

Published on Jan 16 2000 by Glen Zilly

1.0 out of 5 stars Eco-non realism for beginners
Easterbrooks book, while possessing an upbeat outlook on environmental matters, reveals all the hallmarks of a book written by someone with little insight and knowledge of... Read more

Published on Jul 6 1999