Earth Report 2000: Revisiting the True State of the Planet [Paperback]

Ronald Bailey (Editor), Michael Novak (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 29, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0071342605 | ISBN-13: 978-0071342605

As a sequel to the bestselling The True State of the Planet and aimed at general-interest readers and published to coincide with Earth Day, this lively collection calmly and accurately assesses the ecological state of our planet. In ten essays, authorities from NASA, the University of Chicago, the World Bank, and other prestigious institutions probe what we do and don't know about key environmental and health-related issues -- and offer sensible solutions to the real problems we do face.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Since the first Earth Day was held thirty years ago, report cards on Planet Earth have become a litany of gloomy predictions: global warming, overpopulation, polluted oceans and dwindling natural resources. The arrival of the 21st century is the perfect moment to reexamine our planets ability to sustain humankind, and Earth Report 2000, sponsored by the Competitive Enterprise Institute "the best environmental think tank in the country," according to the Wall Street Journalsets a new standard for such an examination. In remarkably clear fashion, Earth Report 2000 explains the key issues regarding our planets fitness to sustain future generations. It debunks many of the myths, statistical and scientific, that have influenced policies of the recent past. And it offers a persuasive argument for rethinking our approach to the most critical dilemmas of the next century. Environmental concerns both long familiarglobal warming and overpopulationand startlingly newthe "toxic menace" of endocrine disruptorsare addressed. Throughout, the expert authors, gathered from such distinguished institutions as the University of Chicago, NASA, the World Bank and the Cato Institute, challenge many widely held ideas. In doing so, they make compelling forecasts about a future world quite different from that envisioned by environmentalists, politicians and the news media. Intended to arm all the planets citizens with the knowledge required to face the future, Earth Report 2000 is an invaluable tool in addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies (October 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071342605
• ISBN-13: 978-0071342605
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,007,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 68 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best on the Subject. December 21, 1999

By David Wojick

Format:Paperback

This is the best book available on debunking apocalypse scares. The chapters on climate change and population growth are particularly valuable. Each chapter is written by an expert, in clear nontechnical fashion. Plus there is a wealth of data.

17 of 25 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A different ideology but one to take into account July 31, 2001

By H. Bramlet

Format:Paperback

TANSTAAFL - It's just that simple.

This acronym, meaning "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" is at the heart of this book- understanding and embracing it not as a phylosophy, but as a law of the universe.

Earth Report contributors understand that there is absolutely nothing in this world that comes without some cost. This understanding helps them make suggestions that encourage using laws of supply and demand to improve our economy.

Overfishing: There is always a cost to fishing. When no one is responsible for absorbing the costs of fishing, the cost is in the fish resources- populations of fish dwindle and we run out of the supply. But if someone has a vested interest in a fishing area, they can pass the cost onto the human economy. Their profits ensure that the area remains sustainable. Healthy fish need a healthy environment. Would you let someone dump toxic waste into your private fishery? Of course not.

Environment: This old topic has been hashed over again and again- usually with people arguing about whether or not humans are responsible for warming. But beyond this is the compelling argument of, "WHo Cares!" What is the cost of trying to stop HUMAN caused global warming? Huge. But we know that in the past, the earth has warmed even more without our help. If we pay the cost to stop human global warming, and natural global warming (or even worse- cooling) occurs, will our crippled economy be able to handle it? Most likely not. There is a real and dangerous cost to limiting our economy- one that this book points out when comparing the affects of natural disasters on robust economies versus weak ones. Any guess which one is more apt to deal with natural disasters?

This book is one sided, and presents one point of view. Read it along with the other information out there and I think you will be well on your way to forming your own opinions.

27 of 47 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars the guy below May 1, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I find it interesting that people who disagree with those like the authors of Earth Report almost all respond like the reader below. They say "the science does not back them" and then find it too much trouble to be specific about even one point. Of course he did go right to the favorite attack of those who read Mother Jones: "my opponents have no credibility" that's right let's not talk about the arguments let's just sling mud.