Developing Ecological Consciousness: The End of Separation - Hardcover

Uhl, Christopher

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442218312 ISBN 13: 9781442218314

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, 2013

Synopsis

Developing Ecological Consciousness is a unique introduction to environmental studies. In Christopher Uhl's view it is time to acknowledge the ways that our cultural conditioning leads to separation from self, other, and Earth. This book charts a three-step path for healing this separation, first, by revealing that Earth is our larger body; second, by detailing the sickening state of our Earth body; and, third, by offering the tools necessary for healing both ourselves and Earth.

About this title

Review

Anyone who reads Christopher Uhl's writing will come away with something of value, but two groups will benefit most: people who already appreciate the environment, but want inspiration to take the next step toward sustainable living; and teachers and parents who want to reframe today's environmental issues in a way that reaches their students/children at the gut level.--Steve Lachman, Sierra

Meant as both a textbook and as a general reader, this book effectively marries scientific content with a conviction that the way to solve environmental and social problems comes not from legislation or technology, but from humankind's awakened and caring hearts. Recommended.--F. T. Kuserk, Moravian College

Christopher Uhl, professor of biology at the Pennsylvania State University, has written an intriguing book that tackles perhaps the most fundamental issues of our times, specifically, how to achieve sustainable societies that integrate, as opposed to alienate, the ecological world upon which we depend. Whether or not the reader agrees with Uhl's individual points or not is immaterial. It is the connections drawn throughout the book which, like ecology, make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.--Mark A. Cochrane, Michigan State University "Conservation Biology "

I was so excited when I discovered the first edition of Developing Ecological Consciousness. It was exactly what I needed in a course book. I have used it every year since and in reviewing the second edition, it just got better.--Coleen O'Connell, Lesley University

Christopher Uhl provides a book that begins in wonder and concludes with applied hope. Developing Ecological Consciousness is a brilliant introduction to the complexities of ecology and mind, and a timely reminder that the world is still rich in possibilities.--David W. Orr, Oberlin College, author of Hope is an Imperative

Reading Christopher's second edition of Developing Ecological Consciousness has been a homecoming, a reminder of who we are, a reminder of what's really important. It should be required reading for all, because it gives us pause to consider the road we will take. And for the sake of the Earth and for our peace of minds, that will make all the difference. Christopher turns the environmental movement on its head by saying that the question is not how much stuff we can consume and still keep the Earth sustainable, but rather how our lives can nurture the Earth. He uses a variety of devices to accomplish this reorientation. Like Christopher himself, the book is passionate yet gentle; using poignant quotations, revealing vignettes, and easy-to-understand descriptions of how our planet works. Because Developing Ecological Consciousness celebrates the potential of the human spirit, it is uplifting. It brings out the best in the reader.--Steven Lachman, Ph.d, Political Columnist and Environmental Attorney, Pennsylvania State University

Christopher Uhl at once offers a loving, joyful invitation, and a profound challenge to transform our relationships with Earth. With great clarity and insight, Uhl shows us that the ecological crisis is fundamentally about who we are, as individuals and as a people. I feature Developing Ecological Consciousness in my introductory environmental courses, and my students and I agree: this is a magnificent, one-of-a-kind book.--Greg Lankenau, University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future, Florida Gulf Coast University

I enjoyed Developing Ecological Consciousness so much, I am going to add it to my fall reading list for my Politics, the Environment, and Social Change course. I think so highly of this book for my students in this course that is usually so negative and depressing that having an upbeat book is refreshing and will enhance the course immensely.--Joel Kassiola, San Francisco State University

Christopher Uhl has been developing his own ecological consciousness since the first edition, as is clear from this significant rewrite of that earlier gem. It is shorter, crisper, and significantly deeper, if that's possible. There is sadness and hope woven in the pages that give us a portrait of the world we share and the relationships that will foretell our common future. He has dug deep to share his collected knowledge and wisdom and opened his heart to all that needs mended. A textbook for sure, but much, much more. . . guide to living.--Terry Link, President, Starting Now, LLC

This book's title proclaims the author's purpose. An important chapter discusses economism and separation. According to Uhl, economism is central to the life stories of people today. Individuals see things in terms of money, without understanding the consequences of their actions on the Earth and on others. The author sees economism as a pseudo religion and believes the present time is an "age of separation." Uhl attempts, by description and by suggesting experiences to participate in, to point the way toward changing society so that people are no longer as separated and see the world through a non-economistic worldview. This edition (1st ed., 2004) is 100 pages shorter than the original, with new content added and outdated material removed. The first edition, says the author, concentrated on sustainability. However, he came to believe that even working hard toward sustainability will not get people out of the environmental mess they are plunging into. Radical changes are needed. He is probably right, and absorbing this book would help that. Although there is some scientific ecology in the book, it is an environmental stewardship work, not an ecology text. It is well edited, with a good index and documentation. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries.--CHOICE

About the Author

Christopher Uhl is a professor of biology at The Pennsylvania State University. As a young man, he had an interest in both medicine and ecology. At Penn State he has been able to join these interests under the rubric of "ecological healing." During the 1980s, he studied the ways in which rainforest ecosystems heal following deforestation. Then, in the 1990s he focused on the role that universities might play in healing by modeling sustainable ecological practices. He is also the author (along with his partner Dr. Dana L. Stuchul) of Teaching as if Life Matters: The Promise of a New Education Culture-a book reflecting a lifelong passion for teaching and learning. See Uhl's website at www.chrisuhl.net.

Edition details

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1442218312
• ISBN 13: 9781442218314
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 288