I actually like the concept of conservation according to Half-earth described in the book, but I doubt it will ever happen. This book is a collection of inspiring stories, focusing on the Americas. I found it entertaining and well written.

In his introduction, American biologist E. O. Wilson describes RESCUING THE PLANET by Tony Hiss as "a dazzling blend of science, travelogue, and history." Hiss argues that mass extinction of species can be curtailed by efforts to protect the wildness of half the land. He introduces readers to local activists like Steven Kallick and Stephen Kakfwi who are working together to create Indigenous Protected Areas. And, in subsequent sections, Hiss turns to others – explorers, engineers, geologists, ecologists, foresters, oceanographers and more – across time to describe numerous conservation efforts. Although the text can be a bit hard to follow due to Hiss' "wandering' from topic to topic and time to time, RESCUING THE PLANET received starred reviews from Booklist ("an inspiring chronicle"); Kirkus ("excellent..."); Library Journal ("exceptional work"), and Publishers Weekly ("eye-opening survey").