The Edge: The Pressured Past and Precarious Future of California's Coast [Paperback]

The Edgeis a dramatic snapshot of the California coast's past, present, and probable future in a time of climate change and expanding human activity. Written by two marine experts who grew up on the coast,The Edgeis both a celebration of the coast's natural and cultural uniqueness and a warning of the many complex changes that threaten that uniqueness.

The Pacific coast is the most iconic region of California and one of the most fascinating and rapidly changing places in the world. Densely populated, urbanized, and industrialized -- but also home to wilderness with complex, fragile ecosystems -- the coast is the place where humanity and nature coexist in a precarious balance that is never perfectly stable. As ocean levels rise, coastal communities are starting to erode, and entire neighborhoods have been lost to the sea. Coastal ecosystems and wildlife that were already stressed by human settlement now face new dangers, some threatening their very existence. The combined impacts of climate change, housing and commercial growth, commercial fisheries, oil drilling and production, along with environmental advocacy, all come together to define the future of the region. A masterful and sweeping synthesis of environmental and social science,The Edgepresents a comprehensive portrait of natural and cultural history -- the story of the people, communities, industries, ecology, and wildlife of the California coast. Steinhardt and Griggs have marshaled a wealth of compelling evidence, intriguing lore, and unabashed advocacy to rally our steadfast support of California's 'Edge.' Listen and learn. Donna McCrohan Rosenthal,The News ReviewA sweeping and dramatic portrait of today's California coastline -- its communities, people, culture, and environmental challenges. The Edgeis an important reminder that life in nature can only survive if we accept our responsibility to be good stewards. -Leon Panetta, former congrlC3