Explorer, diving pioneer, filmmaker, inventor, and activist, Jacques Cousteau was blessed from childhood with boundless curiosity about the natural world. As the leader of fascinating, often dangerous expeditions all over the planet, he discovered firsthand the complexity and beauty of life on earth and undersea--and watched the toll taken by human activity. In his last book, written over the last ten years of his life and finally available in the United States, Cousteau describes his philosophy about protecting our world for future generations. Weaving stories of his adventures throughout, he and collaborator Susan Schiefelbein address the risks we take with human health, the overfishing and sacking of the world's oceans, the hazards of nuclear proliferation, and the environmental responsibility of scientists, politicians, and people of faith. Cousteau's lyrical, passionate call for action is even more relevant today than when this book was completed in 1996.--From publisher description.

The drive to explore -- Personal risk -- Public risk -- Irreplaceable water, irreplaceable air -- The Holy Scriptures and the environment -- Saccage -- Catch as catch can -- Science and human values -- The hot peace : nuclear weapons and nuclear energy -- Life in a billion years -- The miracle of life : the human, the orchid, and the octopus -- Epilogue: An update since the writing of this book.