Books, Websites and Documentaries

An upbeat and positive account of an ecological success story on our doorstep. This is the account of “rewilding” of a farm in Sussex. A real life account of letting nature recover through enhancement of natural processes and letting mother nature take over. Knepp Estate shows us that nature can recover if we give it the chance. Rewilding is a form of environmental conservation and ecological restoration that has significant potential to increase biodiversity, create self-sustainable environments and mitigate climate change. Further information and existing projects can be found at https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk and https://rewildingeurope.com. A rare success story and a glimmer of hope . [AP]

This is an engaging and stimulating book detailing existing technologies and measures that need to be implemented to limit global warming. It is the result of an international coalition of researchers, scientists and policy makers coming together to develop solutions. What I take from this book is that we already have all the technological solutions available to us now to reduce carbon emissions. Simple measures such as limiting HCFC, increasing composting, reducing soil tilling and investing in girls’ education can play key roles in maintaining our carbon budget. [AP]

Based on a series of essays, this book discuses the changes needed in our everyday lives, our politics and economics, including the ways we treat each other and the natural world required to restore balance. This is a good introduction to a variety of climate and environment related issues from which to base further research and reading. [AP]

This book did really change everything for me! Probably the book I would recommend as an opening gambit to understand the workings of the fossil fuel industry and the economic systems in place globally. Naomi Klein sets out the scientific case for urgent action on climate change and argues passionately that we need a revolution in our entire economic system to resolve the Climate Crisis. [AP]

More of an environment and ecosystems themed book. This book opened my eyes to soil ecology and how linked all processes are, for example the plight of our native wild flowers birds such as corn bunting and mammals through modern intensive farming techniques. Lewis-Stemple recounts his actions to restore wildlife and fertility through traditional practices. Since I have read other books by Lewis-Stemple and all have been enjoyable. It is also a book I have gifted regularly. [AP]

An oldie but a goody! Published in 1962, the chemist Rachel Carson calls out the devastating direct and cumulative effects of pesticides on the natural world. A world that falls silent in spring due to collapsing insect populations a food source for birds and other species. This book is hard going. Whilst it has served in raising the alarm ( and is credited for getting DDT banned), it highlights the huge battles and remaining risks to our and the natural worlds caused by pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and all other manner of chemicals we readily pump into our natural environment. A grim but essential read. [AP]

A quick easy read, full of interesting facts and tips useful to get us thinking about the footprint of our everyday actions. It has some surprising facts about some of our most common consumption items from the carbon equivalent emission of a google search to the carbon cost of a banana compared to beef! Have a read you will be surprised. [AP]

We have got ourselves into a fine mess these past 50 years, but Jonathan Porritt brings together a host of reasons to be optimistic about the future in his latest book. There have been some scary wake-up calls, unprecedented floods, fires and degradation of biodiversity but not all politicians have ignored their message. It’s not just science and technology, businesses, ngos and faiths that are embracing the call to answer the climate emergency. Young people – our future leaders - are raging against the complacency of the old regimes. Of course, it’s not that simple, there’s no assurance that we’ll counter the tipping point in time, but let’s support their fight for a sustainable world, a morally just transition. It’s a hell of a struggle but in it, there’s hope. [JB]

Fred’s message is, we need to massively increase the number of trees across the planet, but we need not fret over planting them. Trees have their own systems and connections and knowledge to manage this planting themselves. ‘Nature does it better.’ Our role is to not impede them, to just stand aside, give trees the space they need and allow the forests to grow back. Thus the Sahel has 200 million more trees since tree ‘management’ stopped, and crop yield has increased with this greening. [JB]