Ten Journeys on a Fragile Planet

Book excerpt: Humanity is sliding toward a collision between global warming, resource depletion, and population growth. The evidence is daunting but we are hampered by anti-science demagogues who tell us everything’s okay, that we’ll run forever on our current course. The problem we are facing is on a global scale, far beyond any individual. It can be overwhelming and it is difficult to remain cheerful. In Ten Journeys on a Fragile Planet, journalist Rod Taylor interviews ten outstanding Australians who have – and are – doing something to confront the perilous state of the environment. This book tells their stories. Featuring: The Activist: Simon Sheikh The Solar Pioneer: Professor Andrew Blakers The Maggot Farmer: Olympia Yarger The Accidental Activist: Charlie Prell The Thoughtful Salesman: Leonard Cohen The Politician: Susan Jeanes The Climate Game Changer: Inez Harker-Schuch The Advocate: Professor Kate Auty The Lady with a Laser: Monica Oliphant A Question of Hope: Dr Siwan Lovett 'The ten case studies, showing what dedicated people can achieve, give us hope for the future. This is an important book.' - Dr Mark Diesendorf 'With the massive bushfires fresh in our minds, we need a remarkable turnaround in policies and actions. The remarkable people who contributed to this book provide us with a wide range of ideas and actions to get us on the right track toward a sustainable future.' -Professor Will Steffen 'Since Homer the world has needed its heroes – people whose deeds and words inspire us, galvanise us, uplift us, afford us glimpses of a better future. In Ten Journeys and a Fragile Planet, Rod Taylor summons ten heroes for our time, the most perilous time that human beings have ever faced: real people, facing real challenges and setbacks, passionate, driven, courageous, wise, unbowed. If there is hope for humanity, he has distilled its essence.' - Julian Cribb, author of Surviving the 21st Century