The State of the Earth

"Conkin's somber account of the ecological dangers facing humanity today raises deep and painful moral questions. Can the two-centuries-long banquet of the affluent nations continue without damaging the biosphere and ruining the prospects of our children's children? A distinguished American historian, Conkin shows that we live at a critical turning point in human and planetary history. This is a powerful and timely introduction to global ecological issues. It deserves to be read alongside other recent ecological classics such as J. R. McNeill's Something New Under the Sun or Jared Diamond's Collapse." —David Christian, author of Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History

"Conkin offers a concerned but calm, scientifically informed but reader-friendly, guide to both today's environmental quandaries and recent policy responses. His is a most timely book that deserves wide attention." —J.R. McNeill, author of Something New Under the Sun

"I know of no other book that tries to tease out the implications of the modern industrial age into the twenty-first century for a non-specialist audience. I think that this one will find an audience well beyond academia and that it will stand the test of time." —Mark Cioc, author of The Rhine: An Eco-Biography, 1815-2000

"Paul Conkin is a sober, mature historian with a breadth of vision and understanding that gives his encyclopedic assessment of the human condition credibility, depth, and poignancy." —Richard Heinberg, author of The Oil Depletion Protocol

"Earnest, honest and readable. Recommended for those looking for a new perspective on environmental issues." —Northeastern Naturalist

"It's a 21st century attempt to rectify the major environmental issues resulting from the excesses of the 20th century." —Central Kentucky Lifestyle

"Paul K. Conkin provides a comprehensive analysis of the many environmental hazards that humans must face in this still-young country. The State of the Earth is an invaluable resource for those who desire a broad yet thorough and scientifically informed introduction to present environmental challenges." —www.ebookthief.com

"Anyone interested in the environmental condition of our planet will find Conkin's book enlightening. . . . Conkin provides an instructive, well-researched, and easy-to-read work." —John T. Ackerman, Strategic Studies Quarterly

"Surveys the road that led to the current environmental situation... appropriate for the general reader."—Material Culture