No Turning Back: Dismantling the Fantasies of Environmental Thinking

Science writer and environmentalist Kaufman ( The Beaches Are Moving ) fires broadsides at the environmental movement, which, he argues, has become a religion that ignores the basic principles of science, economics and human nature. Noting that American history has been dominated by the challenge to master and manage nature, he asserts, ``the only way to maintain a balance in nature is through sophisticated, often high-tech intervention, such as managing the flow of the Mississippi River or building earthquake-proof skyscapers.'' Among his targets are programs sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Endangered Species Act, the premises of Al Gore's Earth in the Balance and various recycling programs. In this stimulating volume, Kaufman discusses new technologies and suggests that private enterprises are not necessarily anti-environment and can be beneficial as a resource. (Aug.)