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What Would Nature Do?
A Guide for Our Uncertain Times
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2021
About this book
Ruth DeFries argues that a surprising set of time-tested strategies from the natural world can help humanity weather contemporary crises. Exploring the lessons that life on Earth can teach us about coping with complexity, What Would Nature Do? offers timely options for civilization to reorganize for a safe and prosperous future.
Author / Editor information
Ruth DeFries is University Professor and Denning Family Professor of Sustainable Development in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology at Columbia University. She is a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Her books include The Big Ratchet: How Humanity Thrives in the Face of Natural Crisis (2014).
Reviews
F. Stuart Chapin III, Professor Emeritus, University of Alaska - Fairbanks:
DeFries has an unparalleled ability to think deeply about major societal trends and to distill the dynamics that explain these patterns. Each chapter is exquisitely written and illustrated by many interrelated examples, ranging from historical events from ancient times to current unsolved dilemmas faced by society.
DeFries has an unparalleled ability to think deeply about major societal trends and to distill the dynamics that explain these patterns. Each chapter is exquisitely written and illustrated by many interrelated examples, ranging from historical events from ancient times to current unsolved dilemmas faced by society.
Simon A. Levin, James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University:
DeFries is an excellent writer, using elegant storytelling to offer a hopeful delineation of pathways to a sustainable future. She builds on evolutionary history, the theory of complex adaptive systems, and examples of the emergence of cooperation in biological systems, including human societies—distilling a complex topic for a broad audience.
Topics
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Frontmatter
i -
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CONTENTS
vii -
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Prologue
ix -
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1 The Dragons Are Back
1 -
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2 Recovery from a Crash
17 -
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3 Hedges for Bets
49 -
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4 Mind the Net
83 -
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5 One Size Fits No One
120 -
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6 Cycles of Renewal
150 -
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Acknowledgments
169 -
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Notes
171 -
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References
211 -
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Index
239
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
December 16, 2020
eBook ISBN:
9780231553100
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
Other:
19 figures
eBook ISBN:
9780231553100
Audience(s) for this book
General/trade;
