An environmentalist examines the factors influencing ecological decline, the options still available for restoring an optimum population-ecology balance, and the difficulties, scientific and cultural, of dealing with the problem. Four immediate prescriptions for improving the lot of future generations are offered. (SL)

Describes a role-playing exercise designed to allow students to make decisions on land use activities while requiring them to address a range of ecological and environmental issues. The activity uses data and information from soil survey manuals in conjunction with a student-created physical topographical model. (WRM)