Eric Sanderson

The author of "Mannahatta" took a good look at historical maps and discovered a surprise.

Many experts agree that energy is the defining issue of this century. Ecologist Eric Sanderson explores the interconnections between oil and money, cars and transportation, and suburbs and land use. In Terra Nova: The New World After Oil, Cars, and Suburbs he charts a path toward renewed economic growth, enhanced national security, revitalized communities, and a sustainable environment.

We take a look at the future of New York’s waterfront post-Sandy and discuss some innovative ways to protect the harbor and city. Guests include: Justin Davidson, classical music and architecture critic at New York magazine; Eric Sanderson, author of Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City and a Senior Conservation Ecologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society;Catherine Seavitt Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at the Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York and co-author of On The Water: Palisade Bay.

Landscape ecologist Eric Sanderson takes us back to what the isle of Manhattan must have looked like back in 1609. Sanderson combed through historical and archaeological records, geographically matched an 18th-century map of Manhattan to the modern cityscape, and used modern principles of ecology and computer modeling to re-create the ...