The Future of Nature

by Libby Robin (Editor), Sverker Sörlin (Editor), Paul Warde (Editor)

This anthology provides an historical overview of the scientific ideas behind environmental prediction and how, as predictions about environmental change have been taken more seriously and widely, they have affected politics, policy, and public perception. Through an array of texts and commentaries that examine the themes of progress, population, environment, biodiversity and sustainability from a global perspective, it explores the meaning of the future in the twenty-first century. Providing access and reference points to the origins and development of key disciplines and methods, it will encourage policy makers, professionals, and students to reflect on the roots of their own theories and practices.

584 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Libby Robin is a historian of science and environment who works at the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, an interdisciplinary research school of the Australian National University; and in the Centre for Historical Research at the National Museum of Australia.

Reviews

[Jeff Sovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-rounded collection of excerpts from defining texts in the history of environmental and climate science.

[Twagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of some of the most impactful thinking and documents about our natural world. Sorted into categories such as Climate, Biodiversity, Population, The Environment, Ecology, Technology, Measuring, Anthropocene. The writing depth, technicality, narrowness, all vary incredibly. Some writing from 1713, some from 1980s. Famous texts such as Silent Spring, Population Bomb, Limits to Growth. But also ones you haven't heard of Fundamentals of Ecology, Sylvicultura oeconomica, The Northward Course of Empire, To Choose a Future.

A great slice of the breadth of thought through time, tracing back to roots, and suggesting how we got to where we are now.