The Environmental Debate

This unique collection of primary documents examines the evolution of concern about environmental degradation, pollution, and resource conservation in America from the colonial period to the end of the twentieth century. The historical introductions to each part and to each document provide a context for analyzing each document and will aid readers to better understand the various stands taken in debates over how, why, and if our environment needs to be protected. Students and others interested in environmental problems are encouraged to consider all sides of these complex issues before drawing their own conclusions. The documents are taken from the writings of naturalists, including botanists and ornithologists; conservationists, ranging from forest managers to game hunters to grassroots activists; scientists, philosophers, and theologians; lawyers and judges; politicians and industrialists; sociologists and economists; artists, designers, architects; and poets and novelists; as well as from government reports; federal, state, and local legislation; and court cases. They include a wide variety of attitudes about environmental issues ranging from the apocalyptic view that we must immediately diminish our impact on the environment to the belief that we can use whatever resources we want for the advancement of human well-being because human ingenuity can resolve whatever problems ensue. The book, with its broad array of perspectives, will be a welcome resource for students wishing to explore controversial environmental issues from as many different angles as possible.