Developing Ecological Consciousness: The End of Separation
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 featureDeveloping Ecological Consciousnessin 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 ofDeveloping Ecological Consciousnesshas 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. BecauseDeveloping Ecological Consciousnesscelebrates 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 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)Christopher Uhl provides a book that begins in wonder and concludes with applied hope.DevelopingEcological Consciousnessis 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 enjoyedDeveloping Ecological Consciousnessso 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)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)