Tony Juniper's new book: What Has Nature Ever Done For Us?

Craig Bennett

15 January 2013

So I read a new book over Christmas: 'What Has Nature Ever Done For Us?' by none other than Friends of the Earth's ex Executive Director Tony Juniper.

Personally, I think it is brilliant - one of the best environment books in a very long time.

Little wonder Business Green calls it a must read for anyone in the environmental movement. It does a fantastic job of countering George Osborne's nonsensical 'environment vs economy' type arguments by demonstrating unambiguously, with stories and figures, how the economy is totally dependent on nature.

Read more about that here and listen to Tony speaking in this Guardian Science Weekly podcast here.

Tony also explains how it is nature that meets our basic needs (food, air, water, shelter, flood protection, climate regulation etc) and how when it is damaged or destroyed, it is usually the poorest people that suffer most.

But the really clever bit is that in doing this he doesn't then fall into the trap of then only presenting an anthropocentric view of nature. He tells the whole story in a way that also highlights the social and psychological importance of nature, while celebrating its intrinsic and spiritual value.

Read an exclusive extract from Chapter 2 about oyster conservation here.

Tony is coming in to Friends of the Earth's London office in Old Street to give an informal talk about his book on 23rd January 1-2pm, and the public is invited. There are a limited number of places on a first come first served basis - come along! To reserve a place, contact foebookclub@foe.co.uk.

Copies are now also available from Friends of the Earth's shop for £9.99.

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