Although the present generation and the previous generation have been lucky to live in the most prosperous half century of human history, the other species that share the planet with humans might disagree over how extraordinary it has been. In typical anthropocentric fashion, this does not faze the average American, who sips lattes while driving SUVs, oblivious to the gathering storm our mismanagement of the ecosphere will bring in the future.

In "The Handbook for the Deep Ecologist," author Scott Neuhaus illustrates the components of that storm. Whether the challenge may be the super...