Review by Choice Review
Many authors have used Garrett Hardin's The Tragedy of the Commons (published in Science, v. 162, p. 1243-1248, 1968) as the theme around which to develop the idea of human interaction with the environment. Nisbet does this very well, especially in the area of human motives for changing earth's environment. The major controlling physical and chemical processes are presented first, then the causes and consequences of human influence upon global change, particularly atmospheric changes such as those of the ozone layer, and global warming and acid rain. The discussions of thresholds and of entry and decay times in biogeochemical cycles are noteworthy. The scientific presentations are then used to synthesize an excellent discussion of how people and governments might come to find a critical self-interest in the sustaining of a viable earth. The examples, the index, and an extensive bibliography can be used to expand and deepen the reader's information base. Highly recommended as a library acquisition for environmentally interested readers.-M. L. Gilbert, Florida Southern College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
