Our Angry Earth: A Ticking Ecological Bomb

Noted science and science fiction writer Asimov (the Foundation series) and novelist Pohl ( Chernobyl ) take a comprehensive look at the major threats to our planet's ecosystem and present a prescription by which humanity might rescue itself from self-destruction. First discussing the perils, they explain scientific processes in layman's language--the greenhouse effect, depletion of the ozone layer, nuclear waste and species extinction, among others. Then they outline ways in which individuals can mitigate the pending dangers by altering their lifestyles and working for change through pro-environmental groups and political clubs. Proponents of more radical activist groups such as Greenpeace and Earth First! will probably find the solutions pallid. But as a survey of mankind's environmental sins and the catastrophic consequences of apathy, the book provides a lucid overview of the problems and a compelling call to action. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Nov.)