People usually see the Earth’s modern ecological problems as being unique in human history. We tend to think that our society, with 6 billion people gobbling up non-renewable resources is something new. While it’s true the way we live our daily lives is quite harmful to Mother Earth, plenty of ancient societies have completely collapsed due to their negligence for the land around them.

Jared Diamond’s “Collapse” takes the reader on a ride through history where ancient societies like the Mayan, the Greenland Norse and the ancient Easter Islanders all met their fate through similar means. Deforestation, soil erosion and a general decline in the environment around their land usually ends up being the cause for their whole populations to either starve or move on to a new location. More recent collapses are also examined, including Rwanda and its genocide in 1994.

By examining details of past collapses, Diamond offers comparisons to today’s world and notes the parallels seen repeatedly through time. The book argues that through globalization and the communications revolution, our entire planet might as well be the same size as the isolated Easter Island, which is only about 63 square miles. Each nation depends on others for imports and exports, and size has little significance when one half of the earth relies on the other to sustain its well being.

Diamond is worth listening to regardless of your viewpoint on environmental matters. The book isn’t biased. The CEO of an oil company may appreciate it as much as a chair member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. No matter what side any reader is on, the author’s final argument is clear: If humans keep exploiting natural resources, they’re screwed. A balance needs to be found for First World citizens to adjust their lives so that this planet can sustain its population and not fall apart like societies of the past.

Often defending himself by claiming to not be a pessimist, Diamond goes to great lengths in an attempt to bring to light a glimmer of hope when all his research and evidence points the other way. He does this at least four times, which reaffirms my belief that he is trying his hardest not to make sure this sounds like another depressing “end of the world” piece of literature.

“Collapse” is mostly geared toward environmentalists and those interested in history. Subject matter may become dry at times, leaving the reader to question where exactly the author is going with it. But once all the boring parts are trudged through, it’s an insightful read.

Contact all correspondent Garrison Ebie at [email protected].