Our recommended list of environmental books covers a broad range of topics on conservation issues.

The End of Nature

Published in 1989, The End of Nature describes the relationship between nature and humans. It expresses the idea that nature was previously independent of humans but has now been affected by them in every way. According to author Bill McKibben, the idea of wilderness (荒野) is lost, and nature is no longer complete. The book focuses on the concepts of nature and wilderness and the value they have lost.

Silent Spring

Written by Rachel Carson, Silent Spring has been described as a landmark work of environmental writing and has brought an environmental movement into mainstream focus. The book highlights the bad effects of insecticides (杀虫剂) on the environment, especially DDT, which was a very popular insecticide until it was finally banned in 1972. The book eventually changed the insecticide policy in the United States and contributed to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Sixth Extinction

The Sixth Extinction, by Elizabeth Kolbert, describes previous mass extinction events and connects them to many extinctions currently taking place. Kolbert studies the relationships between humans and the environment and finds that we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction, which is caused by humans.

The Uninhabitable Earth

This book by David Wallace Wells provides a detailed look at how we treat the Earth and how our actions will affect us and the planet’s future. The Uninhabitable Earth argues that current actions will not be enough to prevent the effects of climate change. The author examines the disasters that have already occurred and looks ahead to the year 2100 and what climate change will do if we continue on our current path.

【小题1】Which book led to the establishment of an environmental organization?

A．The End of Nature.	B．Silent Spring.
C．The Sixth Extinction.	D．The Uninhabitable Earth.

【小题2】What is special about the book The Uninhabitable Earth?

A．It deals with the sixth mass extinction.	B．It expresses that nature is not complete.
C．It is the most important environmental work.	D．It mainly discusses future climate change.

【小题3】What can we learn about the authors of the four books?

A．They are experienced environmental conservationists.

B．They disagree on changing the attitudes towards nature.

C．They agreed insecticides are harmful to the environment.

D．They believe mankind caused extinctions of some species.