The silver lining : the benefits of natural disasters.

Includes bibliographical references and index

Argues that the traditional, equilibrium paradigm - according to which "stability" produces healthier ecosystems than does sudden, sweeping change - is fundamentally flawed. It describes a radically different model of how nature operates, one that many ecologists and population biologists have come to understand in recent years: a concepts founded on the premise that disturbances help create and maintain the biodiversity that benefits both the ecosystem and ourselves. Demonstrates that ecosystems need disturbances to accomplish indispensable tasks such as the production of clean air and water. Recommends changes in environmental management to incorporate the essential role of natural disturbances