Why Preserve Natural Variety?

Norton presents a review of moral, economic, and philosophical rationales for preserving natural variety, i.e., biological diversity and the habitats that support it.This is not a "bleeding heart" tree-huggers guide to preserving nature. It is, on the other hand, an academically sound presentation of ideas and rationales that can help one understand that the discussion of the value of, say, a tree goes much further than the amount of money one could obtain by cutting it down and selling it for lumber or pulp.The book focuses on definitions and examples of different methods of applying value systems to diversity. After all, in this world there is little hope of preserving a thing when its value cannot be identified. Three main value systems are discussed in the book: 1) Demand value (the economic or market value of a thing or access to a thing)2) Intrinsic value (the value of the existance of a thing, regardless of its market value -- i.e., the value of a thing because "it is"3) Transformative value (the likelihood that contact with a thing will change the way humans view that thing and other entities in nature)Norton uses those value systems to present ideas about why natural diversity ought to be preserved. This book is, in my opinion, a must read for anyone who teaches about the environment. It should also be read by legislators, and, to tell the truth, it wouldn't hurt many environmentalists to read it either!A highly recommended book. 5 stars!Alan Holyoak, Director of Environmental Studies