How to restore ecosystems

SYLVIA HIKINS welcomes a science-based case for optimism, with positive examples of positive ecological adaptation

Cinema / 1 October 2026 Film round-up: October 1, 2026 1 October 2026 MARIA DUARTE, JAMES WALSH and ANGUS REID review Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie, The Weight, The Portuguese House, and Child

GAVIN O’TOOLE is chilled by astounding reportage of Donald Trump’s first year in office, and its deployment of retribution as spectacle

PAUL DONOVAN welcomes Brown's embrace of active social citizenry and a multipolar world. But what about Corbyn, Gordon?

WILL STONE participates and enjoys an evening that treats pop as another uniform to wear

TONY BURKE speaks to Clotilde Rullard Nacoulma and Achille Nacoulma of the band Kananaye from Burkina Faso

JOHN GREEN savours a laconic, witty and evocative exploration of the overlooked beauties of lesser- and un-known Britain

WE have just endured the hottest year on record, one underlying cause being man-made climate change. In this highly readable book, author Thomas Crowther, professor of global ecology and founding chair of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Regeneration, outlines a science-based case for optimism, how we can help nature regain its balance.

Crowther believes science, restoration and social change all fit with each other. When we notice a signal we must act, otherwise we must live with the consequences, ie: heatwaves.

He gives us positive stories of communities across the world making successful ecological and economic adaptations, action that both the human race and nature can benefit by.

Don’t just stick trees into the ground. Listen to nature, respond, learn to live with her, create the conditions for climate recovery — renewable energy, less fossil fuels, regenerative agriculture — all are ways of positive, systematic change. No need to panic.

Crowther explains the meaning of feedback loops, how a process can reinforce agents of growth and momentum. He also gives positive examples of the knock-on effects of change, like in 1995, when the reintroduction of wolves in America’s Yellowstone Park that reduced the elk population, led to the recovery of trees, which in turn reduced riverbank erosion, increased beaver populations and improved water quality for fish. This one act brought an entire ecosystem back to a natural balance.

Ecosystem restoration can and will play a major role in addressing climate change. Crowther makes the case that we must be proactive in allowing attention to shift towards actions that can build momentum, like people feeling satisfaction in the financial savings that come with solar panels and heat pump installation; the health benefits associated with a vegetarian diet; the exercise gained walking to work or the shops rather than driving.

Positive experiences will encourage us to continue engagement in a regenerative future. Individual actions can contribute to a better world where both people and biodiversity thrive together.

The book’s nine chapters are a fascinating read, covering issues such as, “Bonfire Beneath Our Feet — reconsidering capitalism”; “The Story We Tell Ourselves — a foundation for positive change”; “The Fountain of Nature — realising our own future.” We are all on a journey and can influence where it takes us next.

In his book, Crowther does not gloss over the challenges, but this stunning read leaves us with a genuine sense of hope and optimism. Nature wants to heal and we are integral to this highly interconnected natural world. He writes: “We are not passive witnesses to planetary collapse but active and empowered participants in the greatest regenerative opportunity in Earth’s history.”

Optimism, when based on proved possibilities, has its place. Read this book. Respond. Go out. Do it. Actions speak louder than words.

Books / 17 September 2026 An introduction to Immanuel Kant 17 September 2026 GORDON PARSONS enjoys Kant’s ‘mind-boggling’ theory of human reality: that we create the reality we experience

Book Review / 3 September 2026 An introduction to Immanuel Kant 3 September 2026 GORDON PARSONS enjoys Kant’s ‘mind-boggling’ theory of human reality: that we create the reality we experience

Book Review / 23 July 2026 To save the planet, take to the streets 23 July 2026 SYLVIA HIKINS welcomes a an in-depth study of environmental activism that shows how governments work against citizens who put community before profit

Book Review / 19 April 2026 The co-operative path of resistance 19 April 2026 SYLVIA HIKINS welcomes a survey of successful contemporary worker co-operatives and economy-based co-operative systems