Last Chance: Preserving Life on Earth

By Larry J. Schweiger

Book Overview

"This is an unabashed call to each and every American to moral duty for the future of life on earth," begins National Wildlife Federation president and CEO Larry J. Schweiger in this stirring expos?... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555917178
• ISBN13: 9781555917173
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A gift to all fo us....just in time

Those of us, who care about the health of the planet and the quality of life for our children and grandchildren, owe Larry Schweiger a deep debt of gratitude. Last Chance is a comprehensive, clear, concise, 200 page jewel of a book. Readers who are well educated on the looming dangers of climate change, as well as those who need to expand their knowledge, will appreciate this work of incredible scope presented in an eminently readable style. In addition, it offers readers practical recommendations on how to get involved and clearly presents the extensive, science based reasons supporting the urgency for action now. Last Chance is an easy yet critical read. We live in an interconnected world, and the many feedback loops illustrated in the book show us the existing evidence of an already changing world and fears about what is to come. Without a doubt, it is time to seize the moment as the planet is teetering so precariously out of balance. I hope everyone will heed Mr. Schweiger's call to action in whatever way they can. Future generations are counting on us.

This may really be our Last Chance.

"It is with our heads that we must think and ponder, while it is with our hearts that we muster courage to act boldly when loved ones are at risk." Larry Schweiger - LAST CHANCE Larry Schweiger is a much respected environmental leader. He is known for taking on epic battles. Global climate change is certainly the largest battle of our times. In LAST CHANCE the battle lines are clear - they extend from every human to the systems that sustain life on earth. While the complexity of climatic variables like feedback effects are imperfectly known, climate scientists are overwhelmingly and alarmingly of one mind - humanity is in trouble. Many of my colleagues in the science community believe it is the scientist's job to report the facts and nothing but the facts. But what is the scientist to do when the preponderance of evidence clearly suggests that the planet is in trouble? Schweiger's book provides the answer. It is time for everyone to act - the scientist, the politician, the consumer, the activist, the parent and every person interested in a sustainable future. It may well be our last chance. I finished reading Larry's book last night. It is the optimum mix of precise science, engaging storytelling, political history, and above all the orbital view required to see the critical interconnections of planetary systems. Lest anyone still believe that global climate change will result in simple sea level rise and more storms in the coastal regions, Larry documents the fundamental disruptions that will rip the ecosystem anchors from their complex moorings. These disruptions will leave no major ecosystem intact. For years, I have been mystified why the science is so clear and yet 53% of Wyoming citizens [my home state] still don't see the connections between their extravagant energy use and the melting glaciers of the Wind River Range. This book explains the mystery. What a writer! What a book! Last Chance is not just another pessimistic environmental diatribe but an action guide that conveys optimism and direction. Absent from most of the debate on global climate change is hope for our children. LAST CHANCE heralds the hope for our children and a sustainable biosphere. The denizens of denial will realize the truth and power in this book. It is our responsibility to first spread this message as far and as wide as we can.

Scientific, beautifully heartfelt and easy to read

This is a very readable explanation of global warming and its impact on all living creatures. Written by Larry Schweiger, who is both a devout Christian and a hunter, Last Chance provides a fresh, new perspective on the subject. Using Biblical quotes, true stories and hard science, Schweiger explains why global warming is the moral imperative of our time. Every bit of science mentioned in the book includes references to scientific studies. Schweiger invites readers to review these other sources of information to verify every fact and conclusion in the book for themselves. Anyone wishing to really understand global warming should start with this enjoyable, easy to read and well researched book. It is neither right nor left leaning, but scientific and beautifully heartfelt. If you read it - and especially if you take a little time to read some of the studies he mentions - you will have a solid understanding of the issue, without the politicized garbage politicians and talk show hosts spew on the topic. Schweiger quotes Proverbs "A good man [person] leaves an inheritance for our children's children". Last Chance is a must read for anyone who cares about the world we will leave to them.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly!

Global warming is an issue that is upon us. It is overwhelming, complex, and demands swift and serious responses from every government, business and citizen of the world. Larry Schweiger's book is accessible, informative and personal. If you are interested in learning more about the issue and what you and your family or business can do to help stem the advance of global warming, buy this book and read it. If you want to multiply your impact, but an extra copy and give it to a friend or family member. I've read many books on global warming, and this is one of the most readable and helpful books out there on the topic.

Excellent read on the impact of politics on science

When a friend asked me: "Yes but what can I do? It's *global* warming, after all," I recommended she read "Last Chance, Preserving Life on Earth." Yes, the title is daunting, but I just finished it, and this book is so readable. The author, Larry J. Schweiger, weaves his life journey through the three major parts of his book, and makes the case based on his own ethics. "Global warming will harm children on the right as well as those on the left," he writes. And then he tells readers what to do about it. "Last Chance" is an excellent contemporary read on the impact of politics on science, all in a human-sized proportion. It's about what's going on at levels greater than the reader, but, even more important, the author gives readers a role to play. We know there are problems, but don't quite know how to respond. This book is a great guide to our personal response to climate change. It includes sections called, "What You Can Do," loaded with practical, do-able actions that anyone - a child, parent or grand-parent -- can take.