The Fate of the Forest

Book excerpt: Susanna Hecht and Alexander Cockburn show the panorama of destruction as it unfolded, and also reveal the extraordinary turnaround that is now taking place, thanks both to the social movements and the emergence of new environmental markets. Exploring the role of human hands in destroyingùand savingùthis vast forested region, The Fate of the Forest pivots on the murder of Chico Mendes, a legendary labor and environmental organizer who was assassinated after successful confrontations with big ranchers. A multifaceted portrait, complete with a new preface and afterword by the authors, this book demonstrates that those who would hold a mirror up to nature must first learn the lessons offered by some of their own people. --Book Jacket.