Book review / Critique de livre

Abstract

Jenkins et al. 184 In 246 pages (organized in ten chapters) “Acid rain in the Adirondacks an environmental history” provides an interesting and comprehensive account of the acid rain story for this very sensitive region. It covers the recognition and definition of the problem, the evolution of the multi-faceted science programs that allowed an understanding of it, the development and implementation of control efforts to address the causes, and the effects of the control measures so far. The book has the stated objective of targeting an audience of informed but non-technical readers as well as scientists and environmental managers. Not an easy thing to do, but the dual approach taken here to try to achieve this objective works well. A reasonably non-technical, easily readable, written narrative tells the Adirondacks story for all readers. Some 400 figures, complete with clear explanations and relevant citations, are located strategically throughout the book for the technical types that wish to see the actual findings that revealed the story. A detailed index allows readers with an interest in a particular subject area to easily find the relevant sections in the book. The citation list is very complete containing over 200 references. Overall, the book provides a very effective presentation of a highly complicated issue. Complex scientific aspects are presented in an understandable way and supporting details are easily found for those interested in them. Graphics are visually pleasing and easily understood. Most chapters start with a chronology of the main events related to the chapter, and end with a summary of important results and explanatory notes keyed to pages in the book. The first chapter is an “introduction and synopsis” giving a broad overview of the acid rain problem in the Adirondacks and how it was identified and addressed, as well as guiding the reader in the ways to most effectively use the book. Chapter two is a “primer and glossary” providing a very useful, particularly for the non-technical reader, summary of key concepts and definitions important to understanding the acid rain issue. Chapters 3 and 4 cover the development and implementation of the science programs, including largescale surveys, in the Adirondacks and their findings. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 cover key linkages of acidification to important biogeochemical cycles including sections on sulphur, nitrogen, calcium, carbon, and mercury. Chapter 8 addresses the biological effects of acid deposition in an ecological context. Chapter 9 examines monitoring programs and the important trends they have identified. Chapter 10 gives the major overall “conclusions” of studies in the Adirondacks by asking and then answering nine questions that reflect the major areas of current scientific understanding of the acid rain problem. This last chapter then ends with five more questions that address the current adequacy of knowledge and programs, and identify future needs for science in the Adirondacks. A small criticism, perhaps just a very personal one, is the lack of photos (except the very striking cover photo). To my mind, a selection of colour plates would have made a great addition to the book, visually helping readers to capture some of the important concepts related to the nature and sensitivity of lakes, forests, and watersheds of the Adirondacks. Some may ask — why publish an acid rain book now, when the 1980s and 1990s were the “acid rain” decades? Those who would raise that question would benefit greatly from reading this book. Despite all the progress made in understanding and addressing the acid deposition problem, the acid rain story in the Adirondacks and elsewhere is far from over, a very important message clearly conveyed in this book. The title of the book should not make potential readers think that it is only of regional interest. While of course the Adirondacks are the centerpiece of the story, this book goes far beyond being just regionally relevant. It summarizes a large body of knowledge on the acid rain issue that is useful in a much broader context. The book also provides a very important example of how various scientific approaches such as synoptic surveys, intensive monitoring, experiments, and paleoecological reconstructions can and need to be combined to assess large-scale environmental problems. This is a very important lesson to heed for the future as we employ science to confront other serious current issues such as climate warming and exotic species invasions. This book provides a very interesting and informative read, I enjoyed it. It is also a valuable reference document on the acid rain issue to keep handy on the shelf. 183