The terrifying scenarios of Alan Weisman's Countdown may resemble science fiction, but they are the products of extensive scientific research. In his follow-up to The World Without Us, Weisman travels the world to examine different cultures, attempting to answer four difficult yet vital questions: How many people can the planet hold? Is there an acceptable, nonviolent way to reduce population growth worldwide? What parts of the ecosystem can humans absolutely not live without? And is there an economic design that can prosper without depending on constant growth?
Human societies encourage reproduction in order to outnumber their enemies and prepare for possible wars. In order to make room for their expanding numbers, they force the extinction of other species and destruction of ecological systems, poisoning the land used to grow food. Humans must take action to reverse this dangerous game of dominoes before nature does so through famine and disease.
Weisman's discussion considers both the causes of overpopulation and the efforts being made to counter its ill effects. The science and data may at times be overwhelming for the average reader, but Weisman's anecdotes and explanations balance out the scholarship and draw a clear picture for everyone.
Countdown asks the hard questions; readers will be left pondering the probability of whether those questions can be answered. More importantly, they will be cognizant of how their own actions will shape the not-so-distant future. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts