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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Source: Walter Dodds, 785-532-6998, wkdodds@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/doddsbio.html
Photo available: Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415.
News release prepared by: Stephanie Jacques, 785-532-0101, sjacques@k-state.edu

Monday, July 21, 2008

NEW BOOK BY K-STATE ECOLOGY PROFESSOR HELPS SIMPLIFY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

MANHATTAN -- Scientists have long been warning about the effects of global environmental impacts by using complex data and scientific terminology that can be misinterpreted or misunderstood by the general public. Walter Dodds, professor of ecology in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University, has a slightly different approach.

Dodds clearly depicts Earth's current health and future using nontechnical terms in his new book, "Humanity's Footprint: Momentum, Impact and Our Global Environment," published by Columbia University Press.

Using his background in ecology, along with pictures and simple tables, Dodds said he provides supportive evidence for the debate on human environmental impacts, while remaining realistic about sociological controls and limits. The book addresses impacts of humans on the environment, including population growth, habitat destruction and fundamental behaviors that lead to overuse of Earth's resources.

"As in most public debates, reality probably lies between the position of extreme environmental alarmists, who claim we are certainly doomed if we do not solve all major environmental problems immediately, and environmental deniers, who deny the existence of any major threats to humanity from environmental problems," Dodds said.

One inspiration for the book came when Dodds was serving on an undergraduate awards committee. A common question meant to encourage undergraduate students to use their talents to help change the world, made Dodds think about what more could he do. He began writing the book to provide people with information that would enable them to understand environmental issues and their momentum on a global scale.

"I think that the ability to see things at a global level is difficult for some people. The large scale of these impacts have created a momentum that may take 50 to 100 years to reverse and understanding the scale of these impacts will help people realize the lasting effects they have on the environment," Dodds said.

Dodds joined K-State in 1990. His research areas include aquatic ecology, water quality and conservation. He received his doctorate from the University of Oregon.

 

Image courtesy of Columbia University Press.