where we stand

[festival of snickers]

http://www.amazon.com/Where-We-Stand-Surprising-Planet/dp/0814409105


this would upset alex jones and may not sell as much soap and gold -gold mining which kills amazon indians off

From Publishers Weekly
Garte, a professor of public health, presents a well-researched, clearly written summary of the health of our planet, with histories of lead paint, ozone and various chemicals as well as analyses of human health and planetary health; the prognosis is surprisingly optimistic, and prescriptions are encouraging. While the environmental problems hyped daily on the news are real and ongoing, things have improved-air and water are cleaner, more food is available, life spans are up and infant mortality is down, diseases are better understood and treated-and will continue to improve if efforts continue. Garte points out the fallacies in standard right- and left-wing approaches-the planet is not in imminent danger of imploding, he says, but neither will it be saved by the free market-and shows how most improvements over the past 40 years have been the result of government intervention. Garte's reasoned discussion and compelling, honest tone make this a valuable tool for increasing science literacy with regards to the important environmental issues of the day; Garte's recommendations, to "continue on the paths we have been traveling and finally acknowledge the great progress that we have already made" should put new wind in discouraged environmentalists' sails, while plentiful references, data and illustrations will give skeptics material to think over.
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Book Description
Global warming, new epidemics, and the destruction of natural resources have all made the future of the planet seem increasingly dire. But the real truth, according to respected scientist Dr. Seymour Garte, is that the environment is actually in better shape than we have been led to believe.

Where We Stand will serve as a reality check for a debate surrounded by controversy. Garte presents irrefutable evidence that the state of the environment and human welfare has been improving steadily for the past two decades and that our efforts to "save the planet" are working. Contrary to popular opinion, the air and water are getting cleaner, cancer rates are decreasing, and forestation is improving. Meant to motivate -- not to lull -- Where We Stand will energize future efforts with the knowledge that we can make a difference. In giving us the good news, Garte does not neglect the bad; those issues that urgently need to be dealt with. There is still work to be done, but with a clearer picture of where we stand today, we will have a better chance for tomorrow.

Hopeful, balanced, and convincing, this is a book that will change the way readers view the planet and the future.

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