This is a sobering account to the lasting effect we humans have had on the planet. Many of our legacies from nuclear to plastic to toxins (PBCs, dioxins, etc...) to species extinctions are frightening. And sad. There is hope. At least for other species unless we turn it around.
Well written and engaging this is a recommended read.
Also wanted to note that [b:Freedom|7905092|Freedom|Jonathan Franzen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1316729686s/7905092.jpg|9585796] from Jonathan Franzen came right from these pages. The mountain top removal, the cerulean warbler, and the one child per female all are mentioned in The World Without Us. No acknowledgements in Freedom so don't know if this is an influence.