The Watchman's Rattle: Thinking our Way out of Extinction by Rebecca D. Costa

The Watchman’s Rattle: Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction, by Rebecca D. Costa, is a thought-provoking book about the global challenges we face in the world today and potential solutions for a brighter, more secure tomorrow. The book examines the current state of our planet’s ecosystems and suggests numerous ideas for addressing these issues. Through her firsthand experience in the business world and interviews with experts from around the world, Costa propels the conversation forward on why human progress is out of balance and how to responsibly manage it for the betterment of all.

The main premise of The Watchman’s Rattle is that humans have reached a tipping point in their current state of environmental destruction. The book argues that the overpopulation combined with the exploitation of resources has created a situation of unprecedented crisis. In order to save the planet and ourselves, the book suggests that citizens must learn to think differently and make strategic choices to effect change.

To achieve this shift in thinking, Costa proposes employing the “watchman’s rattle”, a tool described as “the same force employed by early civilizations to wake slumbering citizens to imminent danger”. Costa argues that society should use this tool as a rallying call, an awakening of the collective consciousness to sense the urgency of the current situation and respond accordingly. Additionally, the book suggests that individuals must develop “visionary intelligence” in order to assess the deep urgent issues the world faces and “cultivate resilience” to inform better decisions and to survive the difficult problems we face.

Costa brings her ideas to life by discussing specific strategies for implementing the “watchman’s rattle"; strategies which are divided into three main categories: technological strategies, cultural strategies and political strategies. She outlines innovative ways to address human population issues, such as reducing fossil fuel dependency and pursuing renewable sources of energy, replicating successful practices such as public transportation, and investing in sustainable agriculture. Additionally, she identifies ways to redefine the role of government in a more cooperative and decentralized manner, and how to encourage civic involvement and education in local communities.

The second half of The Watchman’s Rattle focuses on three case studies, which illustrate the importance of forward- thinking, interdisciplinary strategies to save our planet. The first case study examines efforts to protect the coral reefs of Hawaii and how the Hawaiian people empowered themselves to take action. The second discusses the use of information technology to restore the economies of former Soviet states. The last case study demonstrates how Costa Rica managed to create a “biodiversity bank” worth billions of dollars and how this has been used to help protect the rainforests of the region.

In The Watchman’s Rattle, Rebecca D. Costa provides a comprehensive overview of the steps needed to ensure our collective global survival and security. Her book is a key resource for anyone who wants to understand the magnitude of the global problems we face and construct viable solutions. Through her thoughtful and penetrating analysis, she offers an inspiring and hopeful glimpse of the potential for a better future.