The World Without Us

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In The World Without Us, Alan Weisman centers on the evolution of humans as a Force of Nature.  Actually, make that an evil Force of Nature.

Except for two or three chapters—and despite the title—the book focuses on the harmful impact humans have had on our planet almost since we emerged from the primordial goo.  In example after example, Weisman details specifics about humans’ needs that have overstretched the environments they occupied.

Further, he provides a chilling prediction of what may happen when the environment can no longer support the planet’s “dominant mammal.” 

Weisman’s style is not clinical or steeped in dry academic terms.  His background as a journalist shines through as he presents his case for the layman.

The relatively small amount of space he devotes to describing the earth’s regeneration after humans’ departure is captivating. Unfortunately, there’s not enough of it.

You might get a slight feeling of “bait and switch” as you realize the true thrust of The World Without Us is not what would happen if humans were to suddenly disappear.  Instead, it’s Weisman’s evangelism about the eventual demise of humans.  It’s a genuine fire and brimstone sermon.

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