Wolves did not simply stumble back into Europe in the 21st century. Their return was facilitated by the rise of environmentalism in the 1970s, and progressive laws aimed at restoring biodiversity. Improved habitat and reduced efforts to kill the animals allowed wolves to flourish. Biodiversity benefits humans as well: Extensive natural systems are more resilient to climate change, offer food security, and buffer us from the risk of zoonotic diseases such as coronaviruses. “To have a good system you have to have every part of the system,” writes Weymouth, and this includes large carnivores. Although some might argue that the reemergence of wolves in Europe portends a return to the Bad Old Days, these creatures are also a sign that we are doing something right.
I never heard of Weymouth but the book sounds good.
I have seen how people are scared of their lives changing, how they want it all to stop, and how politicians of a certain stripe continue to stoke those fears while promising that everything can stay the same,” he writes.
Yes, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”
Lone Wolf – Walking The Line Between Civilization And Wildness By Adam Weymouth
The review is by Jonathan C. Slaght. He wrote the Owls of the Eastern Ice which I read and posted about here.
He has a new one on tigers. Given how good the owl book was I will likely read the tiger one. I like the cover.
Both books seem to fit Steve’s edge of the wild themes.