Ecclesiastes, authored by King Solomon in his later years, discusses the concept of vanity in relation to earthly possessions that hold no lasting value. It emphasizes that many things in life are temporary. Solomon asserts that throughout history, humanity has consistently sought individual, short-term profits and gains, and this pattern will continue. In contrast, McNeill challenges Solomon’s perspective through the title of his book, “Something New Under The Sun.” The author argues that due to technological advancements, the twentieth century brought unprecedented global impacts previously unseen by the world. McNeill presents a comprehensive account of the last century, highlighting humanity’s newfound ability to profoundly influence the world’s ecology over extended periods of time. He also stresses the importance of examining modern ecological and socioeconomic history together to gain a comprehensive understanding.
J. R. McNeill, a Duke graduate and history professor at Georgetown University (John Robert McNeill, 2009), authored this book as a contribution to the Global Century series, edited by Paul Kennedy. Despite lacking clarity on the intended audience, the book proves to be a valuable resource for students across various disciplines, the general public, and politicians due to its language, meticulousness, inclusion of case studies, extensive coverage, and interdisciplinary approach.
In this 421-page book, McNeill offers a comprehensive examination of intricate matters. The author incorporates historical data, well-defined terminology to facilitate comprehension of scientific ideas, and visual elements such as pictures, maps, and tables. McNeill delves into the influence human beings have had on Earth throughout the twentieth century. The initial segment of the book is named “The Music of the Spheres” and concentrates on four primary spheres: the lithosphere and pedosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
The book is well-structured, with chapters that include a concise introduction, relevant case studies, and cohesive conclusions that effectively illustrate the author’s arguments. Part Two, titled “Engines of Change,” delves into the significant factors influencing our current environmental state: social, economic, and political trends. McNeill demonstrates how the twentieth century has granted humanity an unprecedented ability to impact all living organisms on Earth.
In his writing, McNeill aims to show readers the reasons behind and effects of the changes made by humans to their environment. He emphasizes the interconnectedness that has caused environmental shifts, particularly through two main trends: rapid population growth and the shift from coal and wood to petroleum as an energy source. The increase in population can be attributed to advancements in food supply and disease prevention, while the change in energy production is a result of technological progress.
The author uses two trends to show that the strategies and development which brought about our present environmental situation were rational considering the political, economic, and social conditions of the twentieth century. In addition, many of these strategies and developments that caused problems also acted as preventive measures. For instance, population growth had a dual effect on soil erosion by both causing it and preventing it. In specific areas, the increase in population led to agricultural expansion into less productive lands with steep slopes and unstable soil, thus hastening erosion.
According to McNeill, the transition from coal, wood, horses, and trains to petroleum and automobiles was a significant change in the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the twentieth century. It allowed for population growth in certain areas which resulted in the availability of a workforce capable of implementing soil conservation initiatives. The previous economic system heavily relied on trees and caused air and street pollution through smoke, dust, and feces.
The switch to petroleum and automobiles has led to improvements in air quality and the elimination of animal waste on the streets, as it no longer requires the use of forests as a fuel source. However, this transition has also resulted in the production of greenhouse gases, vast wastelands, and depletion of the ozone layer due to our heavy reliance on petroleum and automobiles in our economy. McNeill (328) further emphasizes that during this period, science focused on revealing nature’s mysteries and using scientific knowledge for human well-being and prosperity.
The author of McNeill’s piece has crafted a well-researched and well-supported work that is clear and engaging. Unlike other works in this genre, it does not have a depressing overtone. The author skillfully makes numerous connections throughout the book, often referring back to information from previous chapters. This creates a meticulously woven together piece. Furthermore, the author provides analysis, arguments, and scientific information while also informing the reader about noteworthy individuals who have had significant impacts on our environment. These individuals include Fritz Haber and Karl Bosch, known as the fathers of artificial fertilizers, as well as Thomas Midgley, the inventor of leaded gas and Freon.
He skillfully combines history and science in a writing style that is informative and captivating. For instance, in chapter two, the author compares soil management to alchemy, showcasing his creative descriptive abilities. However, as a student of Environmental Studies, I have identified two main weaknesses in McNeill’s work. Firstly, his timeframe is limited to the twentieth century, yet many of the case studies he refers to originate from much earlier periods. McNeill himself acknowledges that the North American dust bowls of the 1930s were influenced by the rapid population growth and poor agricultural practices of the late 1800s.
One can easily go one step further and trace this issue back to the Columbian Exchange. The second flaw is McNeill’s clear separation of “people and the environment” (McNeill, XXIV). The author is clear in labeling his work as anthropocentric, but throughout the book discusses the environment as a resource for human use. In the conclusion of chapter two McNeill discusses soil degradation in terms of agriculture, but soil’s purpose goes far beyond providing food for the human population on this planet – it provides a home and food for millions of other organisms.
The author’s division of us from our shared home, as explained by McNeill, is questioned. This separation is at the core of the philosophy that has brought us to where we are now. McNeill’s book is both poignant and inspiring. King Solomon’s writings caution against focusing on immediate gratification, which can ultimately lead to disaster, a truth often only recognized later in life. Despite this, McNeill remains hopeful that we still have the opportunity to change course.
The author stresses the significance of learning from past mistakes and taking decisive actions, despite recognizing that we cannot alter the factors leading to our current environmental situation. It is emphasized that although we carry substantial responsibility for various environmental problems, we also possess the ability to address them effectively. Hence, the author underscores the potential influence every individual can exert.
References
John Robert McNeill (2009). In Contemporary authors online. Retrieved January 14, 2009, from http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC Massell, D. 2002). [Book review]. [Review of Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world]. The Journal of American History, 88(4), 1570. Retrieved January 14, 2009, from http://proquest.umi.com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/pqdlink?did=110659782&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=12520&RQT=309&VName=PQD McNeill, J. R. (2000). Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Soluri, J. (2002). [Book review]. Review of Something new under the sun: An environmental history of the twentieth-century world]. Journal of Social History,36(1),183.Retrieved January 14 ,2009 ,fromhttp://proquest .umi .com.myaccess .library .utoronto.ca /pqdlink ?did =376490671& ;sid =2 & ;Fmt =3 & ;clientId =12520 & ;RQT =309 & ;VName=PQD Squatriti,P.(2002) .
[Book review].[ReviewofSomethingnewunderthesun:Anenvironmentalhistoryofthetwentieth-centuryworld ].The Historian ,64(3-4) ,874.RetrievedJanuary14 ,2009 ,fromhttp://find.galegroup.com.myaccess.library.utronto.ca/itx/start.do?prodId=ITOF
