I am very grateful for a lovely book review by Emma Young of WA Today of How to Survive The Next 100 Years: Lessons From Nature. Please read Emma’s full review on her Substack here: https://emmayoungbookfiend.substack.com/p/how-we-reactivate-activism-for-nature
‘Anyone involved in or concerned about conservationWhy is animal conservation important? Animal conservation is important, because animals are the only mechanism to create biodiversity, which is the mechanism that creates a habitable planet for humans. Without animals, the energy from today’s plants (algae, trees, flowers etc) will eventually reach the atmosphere and ocean, much of it as carbon. The quantity of this plant-based waste is so More, environmental science/public service/policy, or communicating about these issues through journalism or public relations, listen up! I didn’t really have time to write this review, but I am making time, because it is important to cover this sane, wise and vital book: How to Survive The Next 100 Years: Lessons From Nature.‘
I don’t write books to make money. Or to please anyone specific. I write them to help myself understand complex issues and find my own way. Then what happens is that the stories I find become too great to ignore, which is why I love sharing them.
What I also believe is important, is communicating through stories, rather than just explaining the intricacy of the science.
‘… big-picture thinking is illuminated by captivating small-scale examples – such as how the behaviours of rays, turtles and sparrows are constantly affecting human societies and urban landscapes –an altering of perspective giving this jaded journo the mental equivalent of a breath of fresh air.’
Why I write books
Non-fiction has rather lost its way. It’s become about explaining everything in nauseatingly greater detail – especially when it comes to environmental issues. Every year, award-winning books are more and more exacting and often lack coherence, feeling and emotion. There is no narrative arc beyond ‘we’re doomed’ and there is no space for the mind to rest and come to terms with what to do next.
How to Survive The Next 100 Years: Lessons From Nature has been a journey towards a new understanding that drives the work I do. Buying it supports that work (I spend half my time building conservation programs that I couldn’t, if it wasn’t for the righting and expedition leading). The book has enabled me to articulate a new paradigm in how we approach conservation. It’s driving change and enabling outcomes.
What I hope most of all, which Emma has so nicely recommended, is that people who care about nature read it. Because it contains the key to unlocking a way of thinking and making a positive difference that’s lacking elsewhere.
I would argue that it is required reading for that person whose life’s work or passion involves the environment, in any way. For them, it could be a game-changer. It is not a depressing book. Passion and enthusiasm radiates through it along with its stories of where all around the world, humans are doing things in new, exciting, positive, and potentially transformative ways.
Please read Emma’s full review on her Substack here: https://emmayoungbookfiend.substack.com/p/how-we-reactivate-activism-for-nature
