Norman Myers (1934–2019) was an English conservationist, ecologist, and author whose work reshaped global environmental thought. He studied the fragile relationship between human progress and nature, highlighting the urgent need for biodiversity conservation.
Born in Whitewell, England, he spent his early years on a rural farm before living in Kenya for over 30 years. After studying French and German at the University of Oxford, he worked as a District Officer in Kenya, later becoming a teacher and freelance writer. Fluent in multiple languages, he earned a PhD from the University of California-Berkeley, then served as a consultant for organizations like the UN and the World Bank.
His most influential research identified biodiversity “hotspots,” regions rich in unique species but under severe human threat. Myers authored several groundbreaking works, including The Sinking Ark: A New Look at the Problem of Disappearing Species (1979,) warning of rapid species extinction; Gaia, an Atlas of Planet Management (1984,) advocating better global resource management; Ultimate Security (1993,) linking environmental degradation to geopolitical instability; and Perverse Subsidies (1998,) critiquing harmful economic policies. His work continues to shape global conservation efforts.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Norman Myers
The only thing we know for sure about the future is that it will be radically different from the past. In face of this enormous uncertainty, the least we can do for future generations is to pass on as many of the planet’s resources as possible.
—Norman Myers
Topics: Wilderness
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