The big ratchet
Subtitle: how humanity thrives in the face of natural crisis
By: Ruth DeFries
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 273
ISBN-13: 9780465044979
Subjects: Nature; Survival; Human evolution; Physical anthropology; Human ecology; Social evolution; Effect of human beings on
Description: "Our species' pervasive presence on the planet is the combined result of two powerful forces: earth's rich natural endowments and humanity's ability to manipulate nature. From our ability to control fire to our expertise in breeding palatable plants, from our capacity to ship fertilizer across the Atlantic to our skill in selectively tinkering with plant genomes, DeFries describes the ingenious manipulations of nature that have enabled humankind to nourish and flourish. Throughout history humans have been able to ratchet up populations, survive the hatchets that threaten the species, and pivot to a new strategy for survival"--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.