This is a wide-ranging and persuasive book written by an undisputed expert. Beginning with a
broad history of the Universe Earth Life and Man it considers the origins and rise of
science and technology before moving on to discuss the present state of the world and its our
possible futures. Humans on Earth then addresses the main challenges for social and economic
development in the 21st century in the context of global change. It presents a detailed but
non-technical analysis of questions relating to climate change our dependence on fossil fuels
deforestation loss of biodiversity desertification and air water soil and ocean pollution
as well as problems related to overpopulation poverty social and economic inequalities and
conflict potential. The three main but largely mutually exclusive discourses on human
development and the environment are described and discussed. The main emphasis is on the risks
and uncertainties of the short-term future - the next 50 to 100 years - with regard to
environmental degradation and the sustainability of our growth paradigm. ... a sweeping
thoughtful view of the role of humans in shaping our modern world. Paul Epstein Center for
Health and the Global Environment Harvard Medical School
