Radical Ecology
responds to the profound awareness of environmental crisis which prevails in this closing decade of the twentieth century. In this provocative and readable study, Carolyn Merchant examines the major philosophical, ethical, scientific and economic
roots of environmental problems and examines the ways that radical ecologists can transform science and society in order to sustain life on this planet.
Laws, regulations and scientific research alone cannot reverse the spread of pollution or restore our dwindling resources. Merchant
argues that in order to maintain a livable world, we must formulate new social, economic, scientific and spiritual approaches that will fundamentally transform human relationships with nature. She analyzes the revolutionary ideas of visionary ecologists for a new economy, society,
science and religion, and examines their efforts to bring environmental problems to the attention of the public.
Throughout the developed and developing world, groups of people have banded together to draw public attention to the loss of rainforests and redwoods, the plight of
endangered animals, and the threat posed by toxic pollutants and garbage accumulation. These radical voices represent the cutting edge of social change, and urge moderates to introduce legislation, set aside parks, ban chemicals, and change their buying habits.
analyzes the problems, ideas and actions that will make society rethink, reconstruct and reinvent its relationship with non-human nature in the search for a livable world.
author of
Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development
)
between these projects (Ynestra King, New School for Social Research)