Using the ecological collapse of Easter Island as an example of a failing environment, the authors present the historical, scientific, and ethical backgrounds to the environmental challenges faced currently, and in the near future, by all humanity. Nothing less than the fate of life on Earth lies in the balance, which makes for an engrossing plot, made more poignant by the scientific research and data that back it up. Black-and-white cartoons clearly explain, define, and graphically display terms, events, and situations. They also impart both an awareness of the destructive behavior of humankind and its consequences while imparting a sense of hope for the future. The foreword, the brief notations dispersed throughout the drawings, and the bibliography provide information about sources used in formulating the book. Gonick's humor helps to lighten the dark realization of what is happening to the Earth. Teens will be drawn to the format, the short chapters, and the drama of the our planet's fate, a potentially frightening scenario that should motivate more research about the environment.?Pam Johnson (From School Library Journal)