The Closing Circle: Nature, Man, and Technology

The Closing Circle is a classic and sobering examination of the root causes of climate change, potential solutions (a window of opportunity which is closing or possibly closed), and a clarion call to action. Written by Barry Commoner and originally released in 1971, this reformat and re-release Dover has 352 pages and will be available in paperback format. Other editions available in other formats.

This is a sobering retrospective look at human induced climate change and the dystopian course our society has been hurtling along. Almost every one of the predictions he made and meticulously built up (in 1971) have come true (as bad as or worse than predicted). The book is layman accessible, the author has a clear and readable style which connect the lines and show the undeniable science based conclusions which are playing out in our world today.  I found it very interesting that the author didn't just predicate the climate and ecology problem on people/population, but also shows the direct connections between greed and exploitation of uncontrolled capitalist systems as a primary driving force of the ecological crises facing us. His emphasis on compassionate and fair economic systems make so much sense.

This is an important book, and Dover's decision to re-release this book and others, many of which were mostly forgotten for a generation (or more) does them credit and is to our benefit. This book belongs beside Muir, Carson, Colbert and others. I was unfamiliar with Commoner's work prior to this.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes