How the science of ecology is changing to meet the daunting challenges
of environmental sustainability
Our species has transitioned from being one among millions on Earth to
the species that is single-handedly transforming the entire planet to
suit its own needs. The New Ecology shows how today's ecology can
provide the insights we need to appreciate the crucial role we play in
this era of unprecedented global environmental transition. Oswald
Schmitz describes how the science of ecology is evolving to provide a
better understanding of how human agency is shaping the natural world,
often in never-before-seen ways. The new ecology emphasizes the
importance of conserving species diversity and envisions humans taking
on new roles as thoughtful stewards of the environment. It offers the
ecological know-how to maintain and enhance our planet's environmental
performance and ecosystem production for the benefit of current and
future generations. Informative and engaging, this book provides the
best available introduction to what this new ecology is all about--and
why it matters more than ever before.