ABSTRACT
Just days before I mailed this manuscript to my publisher, someone deeply concerned about tropical deforestation asked about the book. Pressed for time, I quickly reviewed its multiplicity of perspectives and problems. I was surprised to see her frustrated and perplexed. "I see", she said, limply dropping her arms to her side. "It all seems a big, hopeless problem. What can anyone do? What can I do?" Telling her that many scientists shared her frustration seemed only to deepen her anxiety. Assuming my professorial posture, I inquired about her skills and ambitions, hoping to encourage her to join the hopelessly small band working on the problems. I soon realized, however, that her concern was not over how she might help. Instead, she was concerned whether or not whatever she might do would have any meaningful impact on the problem. Fair enough. For her and those like her, I offer a coda.
