Developing Ecological Consciousness

Reviews / Votes

This book's title proclaims the author's purpose. An important chapter discusses economism and separation. According to Uhl, economism is central to the life stories of people today. Individuals see things in terms of money, without understanding the consequences of their actions on the Earth and on others. The author sees economism as a pseudo religion and believes the present time is an "age of separation." Uhl attempts, by description and by suggesting experiences to participate in, to point the way toward changing society so that people are no longer as separated and see the world through a non-economistic worldview. This edition (1st ed., 2004) is 100 pages shorter than the original, with new content added and outdated material removed. The first edition, says the author, concentrated on sustainability. However, he came to believe that even working hard toward sustainability will not get people out of the environmental mess they are plunging into. Radical changes are needed. He is probably right, and absorbing this book would help that. Although there is some scientific ecology in the book, it is an environmental stewardship work, not an ecology text. It is well edited, with a good index and documentation. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. * CHOICE * Christopher Uhl's Developing Ecological Consciousness is an engaging book that, to its credit, does not sit squarely within any particular academic field or school of thought. Part science text, part philosophical treatise, its main lines of argumentation are remarkably similar to those of the Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess and other figures in the deep ecology movement. Uhl himself is a scientific ecologist and not a philosopher, but he plays both roles well here as he encourages his readers to re-assess their proper place in nature. . . .[I]t surely would be a very useful course book, especially for more general courses covering topics in environmental studies and environmental education. . . .Developing Ecological Consciousness is a fine book. It is, moreover, one that is eminently readable and that carries an optimistic message. Thus it does precisely what it appears to be intended to do: speak to a wide audience, engage students, and bring hope to twenty-first century environmentalism. * Biological Conservation * Christopher Uhl, professor of biology at the Pennsylvania State University, has written an intriguing book that tackles perhaps the most fundamental issues of our times, specifically, how to achieve sustainable societies that integrate, as opposed to alienate, the ecological world upon which we depend. Whether or not the reader agrees with Uhl's individual points or not is immaterial. It is the connections drawn throughout the book which, like ecology, make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. -- Mark A. Cochrane, Michigan State University * Conservation Biology * Christopher Uhl has been developing his own ecological consciousness since the first edition, as is clear from this significant rewrite of that earlier gem. It is shorter, crisper, and significantly deeper, if that's possible. There is sadness and hope woven in the pages that give us a portrait of the world we share and the relationships that will foretell our common future. He has dug deep to share his collected knowledge and wisdom and opened his heart to all that needs mended. A textbook for sure, but much, much more. . . guide to living. -- Terry Link, President, Starting Now, LLC I was so excited when I discovered the first edition of Developing Ecological Consciousness. It was exactly what I needed in a course book. I have used it every year since and in reviewing the second edition, it just got better. -- Coleen O'Connell, Lesley University Christopher Uhl at once offers a loving, joyful invitation, and a profound challenge to transform our relationships with Earth. With great clarity and insight, Uhl shows us that the ecological crisis is fundamentally about who we are, as individuals and as a people. I feature Developing Ecological Consciousness in my introductory environmental courses, and my students and I agree: this is a magnificent, one-of-a-kind book. -- Greg Lankenau, University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future, Florida Gulf Coast University Reading Christopher's second edition of Developing Ecological Consciousness has been a homecoming, a reminder of who we are, a reminder of what's really important. It should be required reading for all, because it gives us pause to consider the road we will take. And for the sake of the Earth and for our peace of minds, that will make all the difference. Christopher turns the environmental movement on its head by saying that the question is not how much stuff we can consume and still keep the Earth sustainable, but rather how our lives can nurture the Earth. He uses a variety of devices to accomplish this reorientation. Like Christopher himself, the book is passionate yet gentle; using poignant quotations, revealing vignettes, and easy-to-understand descriptions of how our planet works. Because Developing Ecological Consciousness celebrates the potential of the human spirit, it is uplifting. It brings out the best in the reader. -- Steven Lachman, Ph.d, Political Columnist and Environmental Attorney, Pennsylvania State University Christopher Uhl provides a book that begins in wonder and concludes with applied hope. Developing Ecological Consciousness is a brilliant introduction to the complexities of ecology and mind, and a timely reminder that the world is still rich in possibilities. -- David W. Orr, Oberlin College, author of Hope is an Imperative I enjoyed Developing Ecological Consciousness so much, I am going to add it to my fall reading list for my Politics, the Environment, and Social Change course. I think so highly of this book for my students in this course that is usually so negative and depressing that having an upbeat book is refreshing and will enhance the course immensely. -- Joel Kassiola, San Francisco State University