World on Fire Saving an Endangered Earth

As chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Senate majority leader Mitchell (D., Maine) has sponsored much of the antipollution legislation. Here, writing with Christian Science Monitor correspondent Waugh, he reviews recognized environmental threats: destruction of the ozone layer, acid rain, depletion of rainforests. The book discusses the rising price of energy, the political impact of global climate change and population growth as factors to deforestation. This is familiar ground to readers informed about the greenhouse effect and global pollution. But the book goes on to explore and define the U.S. role in conservation strategies--military vs. environmental spending, energy-saving practices, etc. Mitchell notes that he is wary of nuclear power because of its cost, safety and disposal problems; he is critical of the Bush administration's lip service to environmental protection. Here is a senator prepared to act, as verified in this eloquent plea to save our planet. Photos. (Jan.)