Reviewed by Literary Titan
Brian McLean’s Our Global Crisis is a sobering exploration of humanity’s impact on the environment and the systems that underpin our global society. Drawing comparisons between historical collapses of civilizations, like Rapa Nui, and the current trajectory of our interconnected world, McLean crafts a compelling narrative about the consequences of unsustainable practices and human shortsightedness. The book delves into topics ranging from overexploitation of resources, as illustrated by the extinction of the passenger pigeon, to the structural vulnerabilities of modern society, offering both cautionary tales and hopeful visions.
McLean’s writing is both educational and provocative. I found his account of the passenger pigeon extinction in the opening chapter especially haunting. The sheer numbers—billions of birds gone in mere decades—felt like a punch to the gut. This wasn’t just about pigeons; it was about how greed and the “tragedy of the commons” spiral out of control. He doesn’t mince words when connecting this loss to modern issues like deforestation and overfishing. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the grimness of it all, but his ability to weave historical anecdotes with modern parallels kept me riveted.
What really stands out to me is McLean’s ability to critique without partisanship. He doesn’t simply rail against “Big Oil” or blindly champion environmentalism. Instead, he dissects the failures of all sides; industry, policy, and individual inaction. McLean’s exploration of solutions in the latter chapters felt grounded and achievable. His vision for a society where humanity operates as thoughtful stewards of the biosphere resonated with me. I particularly enjoyed his reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic as a “litmus test” for global adaptability. While the pandemic highlighted our collective weaknesses, McLean also saw it as proof of our potential for rapid change.
Our Global Crisis is both a warning and an invitation to act. It forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity’s flaws and responsibilities. But it’s also inspiring for those ready to face these challenges. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in environmental issues, sustainability, or even just understanding the bigger picture of human existence.