Customer Reviews

Science, Nonscience, and Nonsense: Approaching Environmental Literacy

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We may be approaching environmental literacy, but no, we are not there yet. I was disappointed in this book, which I choose to read because of the intriguing title. I was hoping for an analysis of the broad field of environmentalism with an attempt to distinguish threads of science, nonscience and nonsense within it. That is not what the book is.

Clearly written and heartfelt, though not impassioned, the book is yet another wakeup-call to society to do something about environmental devastation. The author's solution is public science education (he is a science teacher) and his outlook is optimistic. Zimmerman's appeal is personal and personable, not dry and academic, but it lacks punch. To those who read in the environmental literature, there is nothing new here, however it would make a very good introduction for the uninitiate, which, I suppose, is it's purpose.

The first four chapters of the book are a brief look at the differences between general science and pseudo-science, in the vain of Sagan's "The Demon-Haunted World." Sagan's book is much more compelling and comprehensive. Zimmerman tries to relate those first four chapters to the environmental theme, but doesn't fully succeed. The logic is there, but the execution is weak. All in all, a fine introduction to current environmental issues (consider the chapters on general science a bonus), and a good addition to a comprehensive collection, but not a unique or groundbreaking effort.

The book presents itself as an objective, science-oriented view of environmental issues. The first few chapters, which are the only ones directly related to the title, review the differences between science, nonscience, and nonsense. These are well worth the time. The remainder of the book begins from the presumption that environmental advocacy -is- science, and that political opposition, couched as science, is either nonscience or nonsense. While often true, Zimmerman ignores or glosses over legitimate questions that would be raised by any educated political opponent throughout his overview of environmental issues and generally presents only one side. Zimmernam also ignores the nonsense and nonscience on the environmental advocacy side so often presented as scientific reality. If you are an environmentalist uninterested in other points of view, you'll love it. If you are an anti-environmentalist, you'll find it infuriating and not at all educational. If you are the least bit objective in your views, you'll be disappointed.

I was assigned this book for the worst class I've ever taken in my college career. This book had a lot to do with why it was so bad. He has a serious political agenda he's forcing down your throat and calls it "science". I've never read anything worse in my life.... Some idiot gets a PHD from a half a** school and thinks he's better than everyone, and has the final say-so. I guess that's who actually sits down to write this kind of crap.

All in all- I'd rather put my head in a microwave than read his crap ever again. I was forced to read it for a class and needed an A, but if I were to have read it voluntarily, I would have stopped by the first page.