Branner Blog

Almost 40 years ago, about the time of the first Earth Day, biology professor Barry Commoner published a succinct explanation of how humankind’s technological innovations were fatally upsetting the balance of nature. The closing circle: nature, man and technology explains in layman’s terms how continued exploitation of the environment (for short term profit) causes pollution, exhausts the soil, and is unsustainable.

Progress has occurred. Much remains to be remedied. Commoner’s book is still timely, and it’s refreshing to read a recent New York Times conversation with the 90-year-old scientist, writer, and one-time presidential candidate (June 19, 2007 by Thomas Vinciguerra).