Paul Wapner Book order

Selected as one of The Progressive’s ‘Favourite Books of 2020’ Wildness was once integral to our ancestors' lives as they struggled to survive in an unpredictable environment. Today, most of us live in relative stability insulated from the vicissitudes of nature. Wildness is over, right? Wrong, argues leading environmental scholar Paul Wapner. Wildness may have disappeared from our immediate lives, but it’s been catapulted up to the global level. The planet itself has gone into spasm - calving glaciers, wildfires, heatwaves, mass extinction, and rising oceans all represent the new face of wildness. Rejecting paths offered by geoengineering and de-extinction to bring the Earth under control, Wapner calls instead for ‘rewilding’. This involves relinquishing the desire for comfort at all costs and welcoming greater uncertainty into our own lives. To save ourselves from global ruin, it is time to stop sanitizing and exerting mastery over the world and begin living humbly in it.

Focusing on the intersection of environmental harm and political understanding, this book provides educators with strategies to instill a sense of ecological reality in students. It emphasizes the importance of teaching about environmental issues while maintaining an optimistic perspective on the future, equipping learners with the knowledge and tools to engage with global environmental challenges effectively.

In a post-nature age, the book explores how environmentalism can evolve by balancing genuine ecological awareness with the realities of technological advancement. It critiques both naive naturalism and technological arrogance, proposing a nuanced approach that embraces innovation while respecting natural systems. The text argues for a redefined environmentalism that acknowledges the complexities of modern life and advocates for sustainable practices that integrate human ingenuity with ecological stewardship.

Focusing on transnational environmental activist groups like Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, this study explores their significant influence in global environmental politics. It posits that these organizations engage in world civic politics, shaping international responses to environmental challenges. By analyzing their strategies and impacts, the book highlights the crucial role activists play in addressing pressing ecological concerns on a global scale.