Shrinking the Earth

In Shrinking the Earth, renowned environmental historian Donald Worster examines how the discovery of the Americas and subsequent global developments have shaped human society over three centuries, highlighting issues of abundance and scarcity. He explores whether contemporary America is transitioning from a culture of abundance to one of limits and considers the influence of global resources on national behavior. Engaging with key thinkers and his own analysis, Worster offers insights into the roles of capitalism and government in shaping environmental and economic realities, ultimately presenting a hopeful perspective on humanity’s future on a planet whose size and resources are increasingly constrained.