Earth Cancer

(Hardback)

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The facts are shocking. Every day on Earth, approximately 75 plant and animal species are driven into biological extinction. Forests are being destroyed and our wealth of natural resources is running dry at an astounding rate. The planet as we know it is facing a barren future unless the human race can halt the spread of cancer that holds Earth's fate in the balance. To fight back, we must come to terms with several harsh realities. Human beings must realise that our destiny is inextricably linked to the preservation of other species and resources. We must adjust our perspective to view the human race as an equal, interdependent part of the biosphere, not as ruler over it. We must temper our seemingly unquenchable thirst for progress with a more holistic vision for the long-term survival of our species. "Earth Cancer" sounds a wake-up call for humanity by examining the relationship between ethics, economics and ecology. The author contends that humans have constructed a self-defeating "Berlin Wall" between themselves and other species. This wall is built from arrogance toward the environment as symbolised by the systematic destruction of habitats and the reckless generation of waste. As our blind pursuit of economic development and expansion continues to prevail over ecological concern, the wall grows larger and the devastation more prolific. Weigel explains that humans face a moral and ethical imperative to stem this tide before it is too late. Because the fate of so many species is dependent upon the decisions we make, the ideal of interdependence with all other members of the biosphere must be embraced. This important book provides new insight about our attitude toward the environment and suggests that a change in our priorities could mean a change in our destiny.

Author Bio

VAN B. WEIGEL is Associate Professor of Ethics and Economic Development at Eastern College in Pennsylvania. He is the author of A Unified Theory of Global Development (Praeger, 1989), a Choice Outstanding Academic Book.