A Book Review: World Without Us

During my commute to work and when I ride trains, I like to read.  My latest recommendation is World Without Us by Alan Weisman.

We all know how those profiteering from the status quo always attack serious defenders of the environment (and sensible transportation) often for a quite understandable viewpoint that their business may suffer and their customers want more of the same products and services.

Weisman goes to the extreme; take humans suddenly away and see what would happen to the Earth.  You read about how quickly nature would take down our cities and other man-made things without humans to tend them. It is very dramatic and may make naysayers at least discuss what is happening and what we might do about it.

While some may look at it as another doomsday screed, I think it might encourage the continuation of a responsible and thoughtful civilization.  Enjoy!

—Jim Churchill, NARP Mid Atlantic Vice President