Civic ecology : adaptation and transformation from the ground up /

This is a book about broken places and unbroken spirits. The former are the places around the world suffering through severe environmental degradation, and the latter are people driven to fix the problems that cause it. As the title indicates, the general term for what drives these individuals is "civic ecology." Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, civic ecology is a form of pragmatic optimism for environmentalists, one that sees green hope in dark despair. This brand of civic-mindedness, a type of stewardship, is based on an understanding of the interconnectedness of humans and their environment. A unique feature of this book is the inclusion of steward stories. Interspersed between each chapter, these stories highlight the everyday heroes who are hard at work caring for and nurturing the environment. Krasny and Tidball (both, Cornell) portray individuals as present and potential heroes; anyone can make a difference. Though the focus is largely on the US and the book glosses over the insidious role of capitalism, this fascinating, well-researched study leads to the possibility of linking local, small-scale environmentalism with larger organizations for the betterment of the environment. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. --Patrick Gamsby, Brandeis University