Ecology, the optimistic science

Many of us grew up on doomsday predictions of a run-away greenhouse effect and an ever-expanding ozone hole. Such is life in the Anthropocene, characterized by ongoing species extinctions, habitat loss, and toxic pollution. Though the environmental movement has made progress in particular areas over the years, the biggest challenges remain unsolved. It is easy to feel depressed when looking at the impacts that humans have had on this planet. Is...