November 21, 2009
UTNE READER

Earth Friend Avoids Overkill

September 27, 2002
Sara V. Buckwitz 
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Earth Friend Avoids Overkill

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Conservation of species requires sacrifice, but that sacrifice is nothing compared to the gains it reaps, according to Edward O. Wilson's new book. InThe Columbus Dispatch, Andrew Gard reviews The Future of Life, noting Wilson's optimism for a green planet.

Wilson, a Harvard biologist, has been one of the more prominent scientists to voice his concern for species extinction. Wilson's strongest argument for biodiversity is its use in medical research, Gard writes. In his book, Wilson writes, 'Nine of the 10 leading prescription drugs originally came from organisms.'

And though the future may seem grim as one studies how many species have already become extinct, Wilson manages to outline concrete hopes for the future. 'He points to the rapid expansion of conservationist organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (with a membership of 1.2 million) and the Nature Conservancy (more than 1 million members), noting that with increased size comes increased political and economic power,' Gard writes.

In addition, Wilson notes that it not only behooves us, it is required of the human race to make a commitment to end the extinction of any more species.
--Sara V. Buckwitz
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