Our world is far richer than previously conceived, yet so ravaged by human activity that half its species could be gone by the end of the present century. These two contrasting themes - unexpected magnificence and underestimated peril - have originated during the past two decades of research.
In this timely and important new book, Edward Wilson describes exactly what treasures of the natural world we are about to lose forever and what we can do right now to save them.
Most crucially, Wilson deflates the myth that environmental policy is antithetical to economic growth by illustrating how new methods of conservation science will enhance and ensure long-term economic well-being. He shows how many countries are already seeing the financial benefits of harvesting medicinal products from tropical rain forests or encouraging eco-tourism rather than clear-cutting of the forest for farming.
