Human use of fossil fuels is altering the chemistry of the atmosphere; oceans are polluted and depleted of fish; 80 per cent of Earth's forests are heavily impacted or gone yet their destruction continues. An estimated 50,000 species are driven to extinction each year. We dump millions of tonnes of chemicals, most untested for their biological effects, and many highly toxic, into air, water and soil. We have created an ecological holocaust. Our very health and survival are at stake, yet we act as if we have plenty of time to respond.

A book is like a single tree in a forest, in that it exists in conjunction with and because of a great many others around it.

Hydraulic fracturing requires massive amounts of water. Disposing of the toxic wastewater, as well as accidental spills, can contaminate drinking water and harm human health.

How you imagine the world determines how you live in it.

We have altered the physical, chemical and biological properties of the planet on a geological scale. We have left no part of the globe untouched.

But human borders mean nothing to air, water, windblown soil or seeds or migrating fish, birds or mammals.

So now the challenge is to imagine a different world where our wealth is in human relations and the things we do together, and we learn to live in balance with the rest of nature.