Ecology

In a book written and published at the same time as Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, it is almost inevitable that Dune have a heavy ecological theme. It begins on the planet Caladan, where water is so abundant people take it for granted. On desolate Dune, House Harkonnen wastes water as a sign of prestige and wealth, angering the native population. When he takes over Dune, Duke Leto Atreides finds this repulsive and orders it stopped. He learns from Imperial Planetologist Liet-Kynes, a half-Fremen scientist who has studied ecology under his late father, the legendary Pardot Kynes, that Arrakis one day will return to a "normal" state and the Fremen are working diligently to implement the practical steps that must be taken. They practice severe recycling and a variety of survival skills. Stillsuits retain bodily moisture and filter it for use as drinking water. Experimental growing stations are located...