Review of "Ecocide: A Short History of Mass Extinction of Species," by Franz J. Broswimmer,

Florencio R Riguera

doi:10.5195/jwsr.2003.240

Abstract

Review of "Ecocide: A Short History of Mass Extinction of Species," by Franz J. Broswimmer,

Highlights

Ecocidecalls attention to the threat of nnsustainable relationships between hwnans and the environment, and argues for the need to respect the limits the carrying capacity of the latter imposes
The book employs an interdisciplinary approach-utilizing materials from both the natural and the social sciences. It covers a broad range of mechanisms that have environmental degradation among their consequences
Broswimmer correctly focuses on the fact that environmental conditions result from the actions of human populations in different areas of the globe in different periods. He shows that the current trend of accelerated mass extinction and loss of biodiversity is traceable to the capacity of hwnans for culture along with the emergence of the system of capitalism

Summary

Introduction

Ecocidecalls attention to the threat of nnsustainable relationships between hwnans and the environment, and argues for the need to respect the limits the carrying capacity of the latter imposes. These actions need not directly intend to destroy a hwnan ecosystem-Broswimmer extends the nnderstanding of "ecocide" so that it includes actions or arrangements that as much as allow or just facilitate environmental degradation. There is a trend of accelerated mass extinction of species and loss of biodiversity-Ecocide provides tables of data that illustrate likely trajectories toward environmental degradation.

Results

Conclusion