Betrayal of Science and Reason: How Anti-Environmental Rhetoric Threatens Our Future

by Anne H. Ehrlich and Paul R. Ehrlich

Book Overview

Despite widespread public support for environmental protection, a backlash against environmental policies is developing. Fueled by outright distortions of fact and disregard for the methodology of science, this backlash appears as an outpouring of seemingly authoritative opinions by so-called experts in books, articles, and appearances on television and radio that greatly distort what is or is not known by environmental scientists. Through relentless...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1559634847
• ISBN13: 9781559634847
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Island Press
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding rebuttal of corporate funded contrarian rhetoric

This book should be essential reading in the curriculum of all undergraduate biology classes. However, I should initially say that it is patently obvious that none of the readers below who have attacked the book or the authors have even bothered to read it, to digest its message, and to evaluate the significance of its content. At present, a largely uninformed society is being bombarded with more anti-environmental rhetoric than at any time in human history, in books, magazine articles, by right-wing radio show pundits, on television, and, more recently, over the internet, and we have to ask ourselves, why.Like Paul and Anne, I am a senior scientist, an ecologist, whose research focuses on understanding the link between micro-evolutionary, largely 'stochastic' processes occurring over small scales, and emergent, homeostatic poperties, operating at much larger spatial and temporal scales. Consider that our species is simplifying natural systems worldwide with staggering and worrying efficiency, through the combined activities of paving, ploughing, damming, dredging, slashing and burning, logging, dousing in persistent organic pollutants, alteration the carbon and nitrogen cycles, co-opting much of primary production, and ultimately threatening the sustainability of systems upon which we are utterly dependent for our survival. Whether we like to admit it or not, ecosystems and the species they contain generate the conditions which nurture life and humanity, though the services the freely provide us. But, in this world of wounds, we - the ecological community - have barely begun to understand the stupendous complexity underpinning the continuation and existence of these natural systems, and therefore we have no real idea how much they can be reduced in size before they begin to break down, and fail to generate the life-sustaining services which permit our existence. Now, contrast our uncertainty as to the outcome of the planetary "experiment" humanity is conducting on its own life-support systems with the wholly anti-scientific rhetoric being generated from a number of generally right wing, corporate-funded think tanks, political idealogues and public relations firms. Employing a variety of tactics, they are attempting to manipulate public opinion, as well as that of policy makers, to deflect from the real need for societal and corporate reform, in essence to maintain a "business-as-usual" mentality while our planet slides gradually but inexorably towards ecological catastrophe. The aim is simple: to ensure corporate profit maximisation through the prevention of sensible regulations being implemented to protect public health and the environment. This tactic, of course, can only succeed if the public perceives environmental issues as being of secondary importance to other issues. In effect, they are "lobbying for lethargy", and sadly, this strategy is succeeding.I haven't the time nor the space here to elucidate upon the myriad of ways in which the "

A passionate account of man's assault on the biosphere

Having read this marvellous book, I am inspired to become involved in the debate on scientific issues with a passion. Professors Ehrlich & Ehrlich clearly lay out the ways in which the planet's biotic and abiotic resources are being sold down the river, while many industries, politicians and a large sector of the media are perpetuating the myth that everything on Eden is fine. Calling these contrarians the "brownlash", the authors objectively argue that their aim is to maintain the business-as-usual ethic. As an ecologist, I am appalled at the backlash against the scientific community, and the attempts of the far right to demonize sound science in order to maintain short-term profits. I highly recommend this as reading for anyone concerned about the state of the environment, and who want to learn more about the ways in which certain extreme elements of society are attempting to downplay scientific research.

An extraordinary contribution to the environment.

This book lines out important scientific findings about critical environmental problems such as global warming and dwindling bio-diversity. It carefully unravels the irrational "reasoning" of those who don't want to see what's wrong with the excesses of carbon dioxide and other factors that are likely to lead to major famines and economic instability. I have read a dozen books on the environment in the last few months. Although there are a number of very good ones, this is my favorite.

A Devastating Rebuttal of the Brownlash

As more and more people worldwide grow concerned about environmental problems, and have pressured governments to act on these problems, a countermovement has arisen, which claims that environmental problems are nonexistent, or at least exaggerated. Many claims of this "brownlash" movement are now common parts of public dialogue. Who hasn't heard views like these: "The US doesn't have a population problem--our population density is much less than countries like the Netherlands and they're doing all right." (Fact: the Netherlands can have a much higher population density since they import almost all their food, something obviously impossible for the whole world.) Or "Global warming is a myth. Satellite temperature records show the earth is actually cooling." (Fact: satellite temperature records are records of temperatures in the atmosphere, and cannot be directly compared with surface temperature records.)In this thoroughly researched book, biologists and environmentalists Paul and Anne Ehrlich refute the above arguments and many others like them that come from the brownlash movement. A reader of this book will reach the end far better informed about the very serious environmental problems this planet faces. If they are like me, they will also be appalled at the flagrant dishonesty of the brownlashers--people like Ronald Bailey, Gregg Easterbrook, Julian Simon, S. Fred Singer, Dixy Lee Ray and many others seem to have no limits to the lows of deception and misrepresentation they are willing to plumb.I highly recommend this book, especially to those who think that Dixy Lee Ray or Julian Simon are the last word on environmental problems.

Essential reading for thinking, caring humans

In an age where Rush Limbaugh can sway millions with emotion-charged arguments based on misinterpretation of facts, this book should be required reading.The authors--both scientists-- present the environmental facts, and the scientific community's consensus interpretation of the facts, in unambiguous and unequivocal terms. These facts just plain refute just about everything Rush and his kind have ever said about the state of the environment. Thank God for reason. Let's hope it's not too late. The book's only shortcoming is that the people who need to read it most--average citizens--probably won't make it through because of its technical/scientific content and level of difficulty. So I am worried that the Erlichs are preaching to the saved. Perhaps a TV special on this topic would reach more of the critical audience??