Losing Paradise The Growing Threat to Our Animals, Our Environment, and Ourselves Paul G. Irwin

ISBN: 0-7570-0003-7 Length: 240 Pages Size: 6 X 9-inch Format: Trade Paperback Category: Nature/Environment Price: $14.95 Availability: In Print   Contents Reviews

In a world colored by quick sound bites and media spin, it often seems that we are making great strides in cleaning up our air and water, preserving the earth's natural treasures, and protecting our wildlife. But looks can be deceiving, for the last few decades of the twentieth century saw an unprecedented assault by humans on nature and animals throughout the world. Thus, instead of moving toward a better world, we are now facing a tidal wave of ecological challenges that threatens to sweep away whatever progress we have painfully achieved.

In this landmark book, author Paul G. Irwin goes beyond the headlines to present a compelling and alarming look at what we have done--and continue to do--to wildlife, to farm animals, to our environment, and to ourselves. Losing Paradise first examines the beliefs that lie at the core of our destructive and brutal actions--beliefs that place humans above and against nature in general, and animals in particular. It then details the results of these distorted values, including the cruel treatment of animals through factory farming, hunting, and trapping; the contamination of our food supply; and the destruction of our environment. But while Losing Paradise shows the damage we have done, it also shows the simple and effective steps that we can and must take to build a truly humane society and reclaim our wondrous natural world. Most important, it reminds us of the paradise this earth can be--for us and for all of God's creatures.

Paul G. Irwin is the president and chief executive officer of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The author also serves as president of the World Society for the Protection of Animals headquartered in London, England, EarthVoice, the Center for Respect of Life and the Environment, the International Center for Earth Concerns, and Humane Society International.

Contents

Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction

PART I THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF ANIMALS
1. Loving Animals for Their Own Sake

PART II THE THREAT TO OUR CIVILIZATION
2. Are We Killing Our Planet?
3. The Demise of American Agriculture

PART III OUR INHUMANE SOCIETY
4. Hunting--Sport or Slaughter
5. Trapping--Legalized Torture of Animals
6. Species Extinction and the Threat to Humanity
7. Sustainable Use or Unsustainable Slaughter?

PART IV HOW WE CAN SAVE THE ANIMALS AND OURSELVES
8. Towards a Humane Society Notes About the Author Index

Reviews

"This book will spark discussion and broaden awareness of just how interconnected humans are with their environment. Recommended."

--Library Journal

 

"It is a warning of the inevitability of an impending catastrophe ..."

"This is scary stuff, but it's equally crucial to be able to face it and take action ... The author offers hope for concerned citizens."

--NAPRA ReView

 

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