Overview
The science is clear: Homo sapiens teeters on the brink of extinction. Industrial civilization is an omnicidal heat engine, yet terminating civilization heats the planet even faster in an outcome termed the McPherson Paradox. Only Love Remains: Dancing on the Edge of Extinction describes a way forward in light of our terminal diagnosis. In this book, professor emeritus of conservation biology Guy McPherson describes how we can proceed with urgency in the face of habitat loss for our species. While describing the evidence underlying human extinction within a few years, McPherson also provides an urgent and reasoned response to this prognosis.
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Description
The science is clear: Homo sapiens teeters on the brink of extinction. Industrial civilization is an omnicidal heat engine, yet terminating civilization heats the planet even faster in an outcome termed the McPherson Paradox. In this book, professor emeritus of conservation biology Guy McPherson describes how we can proceed with urgency in the face of habitat loss for our species. While describing the evidence underlying human extinction within a few years, McPherson also provides an urgent and reasoned response to this prognosis. In other words, this book describes a way forward in light of our terminal diagnosis.
Inspired by a 2016 speaking tour in New Zealand by the author, this book moves beyond the idea of attempting to preserve human life at all costs and into the idea of living in hospice. Our species has never faced a trial such as this one. How shall we live?
McPherson convincingly argues that how we live matters. There is no better measure of our character than how we act in the face of impossible odds. Taking action when actions are futile, and dancing over and into the abyss are joyous acts of rebellion.
Do we adhere to principle? Do we pursue excellence in our lives? Do we live fully, lovingly, even if we have no legacy? McPherson argues for a radical approach even if —especially if — no one remains to critique our last dance. Even if —especially if — no one remains to admire our fortitude in the face of our inevitable fate.
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About the author
Dr. Guy McPherson is an internationally recognized speaker, award-winning scientist, and the world's leading authority on abrupt climate change leading to near-term human extinction. He is professor emeritus at the University of Arizona. His published works include more than a dozen books and hundreds of scholarly articles, which have for many years focused on conservation of biological diversity.
Dr. McPherson has appeared on TV and radio and in several documentary films. He was featured in National Geographic's Bill Nye's Global Meltdown episode. He is a blogger, cultural critic, and co-host of his own radio show "Nature Bats Last." Dr. McPherson speaks to general audiences across the globe, and to scientists, students, educators, and not-for-profit and business leaders who seek their best available options when confronting Earth's cataclysmic changes.
Guy taught and conducted research for more than twenty award-winning years at Texas A&M University, University of Arizona, University of California (Berkeley), Southern Utah University, and Grinnell College.
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