The Optimistic Environmentalist

July 27, 2015
While many environmentalists wring their hands in despair, Boyd (The Right to a Healthy Environment), an environmental lawyer, remains optimistic. A lot has changed for the better in recent decades, he writes, including an explosion of affordable, renewable energy sources and the resurgence of endangered species such as the bald eagle and black-footed ferret. Boyd provides examples of companies, cities, and entire countries working to make the world a better place for coming generations. This isn't about teenagers cleaning up a beach; it's about massive industrial changes at the cost of billions of dollars, toughened government regulations, and impressive technological advances. Boyd describes change on a sweeping scale that filters down to touch individual lives. Far from intimidating, his vision is electrifying and inspiring. Boyd's book is a reminder that "saving the world" isn't an obscure ideal or a nefarious liberal agenda. It's necessary, practical, and possible. And he adds that anyone can get in on the action by buying a stylish, recyclable office chair, installing a rooftop solar panel, or eating organic soy. This solidly researched and informative book is also a pleasure to read, especially in a world where bad news often drowns out the good.

August 1, 2015

Boyd is a Canadian environmental lawyer, professor, consultant, and author (Sustainability Within a Generation). Here he examines improvements made in human and animal well-being, often accomplished through legislation. Unlike Bjorn Lomborg's The Skeptical Environmentalist and Matt Ridley's The Rational Optimist, Boyd's investigation repeatedly acknowledges the serious environmental challenges caused by human activity. His goal is to inspire readers to act instead of scaring them into disengaging. Examples are given of wildlife comebacks, the creation of parks and refuges, reforestation, increasing renewable energy, the spread of the circular economy, the partial saving of the ozone layer, more clean drinking water, declining toxin loads in humans, the greening of cities, and growing sales of electric vehicles. Admittedly, says the author, North Americans will have to consume less, while human population increase must be curbed through women's education and universal access to contraceptives. Boyd is taking bold action himself: he is cochair of Vancouver, BC's Greenest City Action Team. The municipal government is taking steps toward the goal of becoming the world's greenest city by 2020. VERDICT Boyd presents all this information well, and it's a refreshing perspective. Environmentalists, students, and interested readers will find this accessible book a morale booster and a spur to become part of this great transition.--David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., BC

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