Earth emotions New words for a new world

Whether the concern is loss of biodiversity, worsening storm systems, or how to live more ecologically friendly lives, the reality of human-induced climate change has sparked intense pessimism and distress. For Albrecht (environmental philosophy, School of Geosciences, Univ. of Sydney, Australia) the issue is not only the sheer magnitude of these environmental problems, but also the lack of useful conceptual tools to help people understand and confront those problems. In Earth Emotions, Albrecht seeks to provide a new lexicon of emotional terms. The purpose of these terms is twofold: first, to allow people make better sense of themselves and of their relationship with the planet; second, to encourage development of a more meaningful and optimistic outlook toward the planet. For Albrecht, climate change is the byproduct of the Anthropocene era--an era defined by lack of regard for the health of the planet. What is needed, then, is to develop a sense of "biophilia" (love of life) toward the planet. This love is not a new phenomenon, according to Albrecht; rather, it is a feeling that has been lost in recent generations. The revitalization of biophilia, for Albrecht, is an important step toward overcoming the doom and defeatism now pervading discussion of climate change. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates; graduate students. --Jordan Liz, San Jose State University