Product Description

From Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Humes comes Eco Barons, the story of the remarkable visionaries who have quietly dedicated their lives and their fortunes to saving the planet from ecological destruction.

While many people remain paralyzed by the scope of Earth's environmental woes, eco barons—a new and largely unheralded generation of Rockefellers and Carnegies—are having spectacular success saving forests and wildlands, pulling endangered species back from the brink, and pioneering the clean and green technologies needed if life and civilization are to endure.

A groundbreaking account that is both revealing and inspiring, Eco Barons tells of the former fashion magnate and founder of Esprit who has saved more rainforests than any other person and of the college professor who patented the "car that can save the world," the plug-in hybrid. There are the impoverished owl wranglers who founded the nation's most effective environmental group and forced a reluctant President George W. Bush to admit that humans cause global warming. And there is the former pool cleaner to Hollywood stars who became the guiding force behind a worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

At a time when there is no shortage of dire news about the environment, Eco Barons offers a story of hope, redemption, and promise—proof that one person with determination and vision can make a difference.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #124175 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-01
• Released on: 2009-03-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.30" h x 6.30" w x 9.40" l, 1.22 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780061350290
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

From Publishers Weekly
Pulitzer Prize–winner Humes (Mississippi Mud) profiles a band of idealistic environmentalists devoting their lives and fortunes to protecting nature, including such tycoons as Doug Thompson, the founder of fashion house Esprit, who now spends his millions buying up thousands of acres of land to create nature preserves, and Roxanne Quimby, creator of the cosmetics giant Burt's Bees, who is purchasing huge tracts of forests in Maine woods to trump the real estate investor's visions of resorts, golf courses and suburban homes on clear-cut lands. But other barons are more David than Goliath. The Center for Biological Diversity, a cash-strapped nonprofit founded by an owl expert, scientist and mystic and a former engineering student turned philosopher, is responsible for the recent campaign to fight climate change by protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Engineering professor Andy Frank has spent 20 years battling a recalcitrant [auto] industry and confused policy makers to produce an affordable, plug-in hybrid car. Readers concerned with conservation will appreciate this optimistic if starry-eyed introduction to these little-known giants of the environmental movement. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
*Starred Review* An eco baron is the opposite of a robber baron, using talent, gumption, and wealth not for personal gain but for environmental good. Award-winning journalist Humes brings a fluency in complex issues and a love of David-Goliath stories to this illuminating group portrait of embattled visionaries who “are showing the world that nature can be nurtured.” Douglas Tompkins, a Mayflower blueblood, dropped out of high school, cofounded the Esprit clothing empire, then abandoned corporate life to devote himself to preserving the wilds of Patagonia, in spite of vehement resistance. Roxanne Quimby, the artist who founded the company Burt’s Bees, faced vicious opposition to her efforts to preserve the Maine Woods. Carole Allen, a citizen of modest means but immense passion, received death threats for her volunteer advocacy on behalf of endangered sea turtles. Eco-philanthropist extraordinaire Ted Turner has been harshly criticized for his part in re-wilding the West. The most maddening tale of derailed eco-ingenuity is the sabotaging of Andy Frank’s plug-in hybrid car; the most encouraging story is that of a gutsy not-for-profit, the Center for Biological Diversity. A dramatic, insightful history of environmental conflicts and breakthroughs threaded through timely and inspiriting profiles in courage and creativity. --Donna Seaman

Review
"A dramatic, insightful history of environmental conflicts and breakthroughs threaded through timely and inspiriting profiles in courage and creativity." (Booklist (starred review) )

"ECO BARONS...offers encouraging, often inspirational, profiles of nearly a dozen would-be planet savers. . . .[Humes'] urgent message is clear: We must all strive to become "eco barons" in our own right if we are to save Planet Earth." (New York Times )

"Eco Barons reminds me of the best that journalism has to offer as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Humes has a knack for flowing the narrative in his tales as well as any fiction writer....offers welcome tales of people making positive change." (Reuters )

"Humes is a master story teller, illuminating the compelling lives of an unlikely cast of characters who just may save us from ourselves, while inspiring us to save our planet." (Terry Tamminen, former Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and Chief Energy Policy Advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger )

"Humes' in-depth reporting makes the book stand as a solid portrait of the new face of American environmentalism." (Outside magazine )

"I know some of the heroes chronicled [in ECO BARONS]--they are unlikely champions, but united by passion, hard work, and a willingness to think outside of conventional paths. Their stories will dramatically expand your sense of what you can do for the environment! (Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature and Deep Economy )

"This is a fine little book: a collection of starry-eyed portraits of environmentalists who have devoted their lives and/or fortunes to saving the Earth." (Los Angeles Times )

"What [ECO BARONS] uncovers are folks who have taken their profitable businesses and turned them into seriously beneficial enterprises. . . .These profiles are lessons in the lasting power of conservation, which, even more than corporate profits, remains an essential part of the great American identity." (E - The Environmental Magazine )

Customer Reviews

Inspiring
Fascinating book. So much environmental literature can be depressing but this is an inspiring account of men and women who are making very real steps towards bettering the planet. Not only is the book well written, interesting and hopeful, but it helps the reader by providing real steps anyone can take to become an eco baron.

Must read this compelling book!!
Pulitzer Prize winning Journalist/Author Edward Humes ascribes the name eco baron to the innovative conservationists/ environmentalists striving to save the earth. The opposite of the former robber barons, they are having a positive impact on saving the natural environment instead of merely accumulating wealth and power. Mr. Humes shares the inspiring stories of devoted men and women committed to being the protectors of the planet, thereby ensuring a better future for all the earth's inhabitants. These little-known white knights have dedicated their entire lives and fortunes to this cause. They all valiantly fought against insurmountable obstacles and overwhelming opposition. One example is Doug Tompkins, who used his Esprit fashion company profits to buy and preserve thousands of rainforest acres in Chile's Patagonia. Also, described are the fascinating history and monumental accomplishments of the non-profit Center for Biological Diversity, including their plan to fight climate change. Roxanne Quimby sold her cosmetics company, Burt's Bees, and used the proceeds to save the Maine Woods. Volunteer Carole Allen advocated and saved a species of endangered sea turtle. These are just a sampling of the individuals profiled. Also included, is a list of simple things that every household can accomplish to save both money and the environment. The book concludes with an appendix of resources to assist in further educating oneself. Mr. Humes has magnificently written an engrossing book that had me eagerly turning the pages. He provided proof that one person can make a difference. Each one of us, in our own way, have the ability to be an eco baron with these exceptional individuals showing us the way. At times, we may feel the need to be inspired and this book can do just that. I absolutely loved this outstanding book and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it as a 'must read' for everyone.

Two books in One- Eco philanthrophist and tech visionaries
While this book profiles the 'Conservancy' style of Roxanne Quimby (Burts Bees) and Doug Thompkins (Patagonia), what especially stuck with me was learning more about Andy Franks, a big mover behind the electric car/California Car project. Humes also has an excellent summary of how our freeway/road system was a gift to the auto industry at the expense of the electric trolleys, etc, that were once a common feature of American Cities.
In the long run, while conservation is crucial, praiseworthy, etc, in the long run what this country needs now is futurist and opinion makers who can reshape society into a healthy place for children and for those of a collaborative spirit. The idea of milking 'the commons' for all it's worth ala Bernie Madoff, Kenneth Lay...has got to stop. Humes does an excellent job of putting a positive spin on these changes.