J.R. McNeill's exhaustive research, and logical approach to, the environmental history of the past century makes this a wonderful read. The book is neatly divided into two sections: the first focusing on the “spheres” of the earth (litho-, pedo-, atmo-, hydro-, and bio-), and the second on the “engines of change” (the social, economic and political trends of the century) affecting these regions of our planet. The title of the work is a play on words based upon Ecclesiastes: “What has been is what will be, and what is done is what will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun.” McNeill disagrees and argues that there is something new under our sun, and that something is the place of humankind within our natural world. His proposed thesis is that the most significant events of twentieth-century history will no longer be seen as political conflicts, nor the struggle between communism and democracy, but as our impact of the environment.
The book's audience includes anyone wishing to gain a more in depth look at the interconnections between our planet's natural history and the history of its inhabitants. I would recommend it in its entirety to inquisitive teachers looking for a strong reference book, and in doses to their students. There are a vast number of case studies that reflect the current scientific, economic and cultural issues that predominate in environmental studies. McNeill is quick to point out his anthropocentric biases, as he is a history professor at Georgetown. He often points out the limitations in his writing due to the pure scope of the topic (numerous footnotes abound, and the bibliography is more than adequate). It is refreshing that a book taking on the loaded topic of humanity's effect on the environment does not attempt to provide the final answers to what is good and what is bad, but simply allows the reader to make informed decisions.
A highlight of this work is its ability to lead the reader to major themes in environmental history without giving them away. Such themes include: transportation as the catalyst for environmental change through disrupting natural cycles, environmental issues drawing embattled countries into accords, the idea that humanities effect on the global environment was kept in check for millions of years simply because we only wielded club and stone, the tragedy of the commons as a reason for degradation of resources, the political demonstrations of power through the ability to alter ones environment (i.e. dams), and how globalization has comodified nature. I find McNeill's prose balanced, multi-disciplinary, loaded with case studies and examples that use benchmarked data, and if read carefully, slightly witty and sarcastic. On the other hand, his “rough estimates” too often are the backbone of general statements, data shown in tables would be better visualized through graphs, and arguments are sporadically lost with overly-extensive detail and some redundancy throughout the chapters.
The fact that humankind has become disproportionately influential in coevolution, and has had an unprecedented effect on the “spheres” of the planet in the last century is indisputable. McNeill offers a wonderful resource to understand the particulars of our effect on the earth. This book will ignite discussions among faculty and students alike.
review ©2003 by Brian Michaels and RSiSS
Palmer Trinity School
Miami, Florida