Earth Odyssey: A Review

Paper Summary:

This paper is a discussion and analysis of the environmental issues that are discussed in Mark Hersgaard's book, "Earth Odyssey." Some of the topics examined are nuclear technology, humanity's addiction to the automobile, the health of the planet and the affects of unbounded capitalism. The author also discusses poverty, and some of the reasons for the disparities between the richer and poorer countries and their populations. The author also poses several solutions to some of these problems.

From the Paper:

"But Hertsgaard also brings up other ways we are destroying our environment, that beyond our own selves. According to Hertsgaard, "the automobile may well be the ultimate symbol of the modern environmental crisis" (p.90) The world's fleet of cars contributes " between 20 and 25 percent of current greenhouse gas emissions; only electric power plants, with 25 percent, and deforestation, with 25 percent, are as damaging." (p.94) And then there's health effects: "A study released by Harvard University researchers in 1995 found that 30,000 Americans die every year from respiratory illnesses related to car exhaust, while another 12,000 people die prematurely because of such exhaust" (p.95) Clearly, this is a point in his argument he feels especially strong about. And more importantly, it's one we as a population can control."

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