Earth in the Balance is an environmental outlook on the degradation of our earth. Former Vice President, Al Gore wrote this book in 1992 to stress the importance of the many environmental problems we face in today's society. Al Gore is a pro-environmentalist who believes that the earth is on the brink of catastrophe. The title, Earth in the Balance, means humanity and earth must be in balance in order for human civilization to exist and live in harmony. Al Gore discusses the many problems with the environment and then maps out a plan for human civilization to return to harmony with the environment. The problem with the book is that the environmental problems are a little over exaggerated and are based on opinions rather than fact.
The book is divided up into three sections: "Balance at Risk," "The Search for Balance," and "Striking the Balance." In the first section, "Balance at Risk," Gore introduces the many environmental problems of: global warming, extinction, erosion, toxic waste, water pollution, as well as many other problems. The middle section, "The Search for Balance," touches on cultural, spiritual, political, and economical issues and their role within the environment. The end of the book, "Striking the Balance," is a solution that Gore has proposed to help us find balance with the earth and civilization. It is called the "Global Marshall Plan" which outlines five strategic goals: stabilizing world population, the development of environmentally friendly technologies, a new global economic plan (that stresses the environment), a new generation of international treaties and agreements, and establishing a plan for educating the world about the environment. .
Gore's persuasive writing style is a philosophical explanation of his personal feelings towards the environment. Environmental problems Gore encounters are treated as major crises, and the worst case is always the most likely case.
