Book Review: The World Without Us, by Alan Weisman.
Consider a scenario where humans become extinct: what would the world be like? Weisman attempts to answer this by taking you on a journey across the world. From New York City to the Port of Plymouth, the narrative transports you from the site of anthropogenic activity to its demolition.
I cannot deny how foreshadowing the end of humanity felt pessimistically preachy of another doomsday scenario but I soon latched onto the stimulating jumps between science and storytelling. Although the thought of my loved ones leaving provoked sadness, I solaced in the idea that humanity went together. Undeniably, Weisman provoked ironic relief that the demise of humans paved the way for nature to flourish.
The bottom line is that any species that overstretches its resource base suffers a population crash. Limiting our reproduction would be damn hard, but limiting our consumptive instincts may be even harder.
I personally disagree with Weisman who advocates the one child policy as the solution to saving the planet. However, I am in favour, only if his radical proposition helps to motivate those anti-environmentalists to choose between population control and reducing our footprint.
Whether you believe or agree with Weisman, credit should be given to for the extensive transdisciplinary research conducted, through conversations with scientists, anthropologists, engineers, practitioners and beyond.
This book has made me question future scenarios and even generate my own, whilst daydreaming on my run. Mainly envisioning what my chihuahua (Prince) will do without my family. But also considering how non-human life will evolve, and whether another species will replace our niche and radically develop to conquer the world in the same way as homo sapiens. A thought experiment informed by research, observation and creative narration, generates a message so powerful that Weisman need not preach environmentalist statements.
Overall, a compelling read, fervently written with a certain je ne sais quoi. Worth the read.
Rating: 8/10
Not your cuppa read? Check out this quick video.
Video by Dan Kwartler, directed by Globizco Studios (TEDEx).
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