Arctic Wars, Animal Rights, Endangered Peoples

Library Journal

This is one of the first offerings in the ``Arctic Visions'' series, which plans to explore political, economic, environmental, and cultural issues relevant to the Arctic regions. Outsiders often hold a simplistic view of the Artic, and Lynge combats this by writing from the perspective of the people indigenous to the polar regions. These societies have long been dependent on animals for food, shelter, clothing, and transportation, and they advocate the ``wise use'' of animal resources rather than no use at all, as suggested by animal rights activists. Environmental groups are often ignorant of the rights and needs of the Arctic populations, and their well-intentioned actions can actually harm the species they set out to protect. Translated from the Danish, Lynge's book is mainly concerned with the Arctic regions of Europe, Greenland, and Canada. Libraries with more comprehensive collections may want to consider this title because it presents a unique and well-documented approach to the animal rights issue.-- Deborah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll., Rochester, N.Y.