Rising Tides

View other editions of Rising Tides.
View books by Rory Spowers.

The development of a the green movement in broad brush-strokes - Rated
Rory Spowers' `Rising Tides` is on the surface a history of the environmental movement, but the sweep of it makes it more significant than that. Taking in the book of Genesis, the ancient Greeks, the Romantic tradition, the industrial revolution, and right into the modern era, it's really useful to see the way people's attitudes to the earth have changed. It's also interesting to pick up on the early roots of today's environmental movement, such as Gerard Winstanley and the Diggers, sticking it to the man back in 1649, and follow it right through to the founding of Greenpeace.

Like any passionate writer, there are probably a couple of things you'll want to ignore, particularly the insinuated conspiracy theory over foot and mouth, but overall it's helpful. Especially towards the end, where the tone is much more hopeful than many.

Highly recommended especially if, like me, you've come a little late to the environmentalist movement and need to catch up on the key players.

Required reading for our politicians - Rated
The heroism and vision of key players in the environmental movement, as described by Rory Spowers in this book, is nothing short of inspirational. Many books on most topics simply "preach to the converted". His accessible style means that Rory Spowers is sure to reach the wider audience he seeks. Indeed, if Rising Tides cannot call the environmental waverers to action, nothing will. However, this book is wide-ranging and should not be overlooked by die-hard campaigners. The comprehensive references mean that readers can pursue a particular thread of inquiry, making it an excellent reference too. And, unlike other books of its genre, it concludes on an upbeat note.

For example, Michael Braungart of EPEA visualises a utopian economic system where 'consumables' are bio-degradeable and 'durable' goods like cars can only be leased. To prevent profits being wiped out by the heavy penalties for waste disposal, manufacturers design products that can be refurbished, upgraded or recycled. 'Molecular markers' on 'unsaleable' goods like nuclear waste mean that leaks are traced and the defaulter punished. The inclusion of such examples makes this book a manifesto for change and ought to be required reading for our politicians. However, anyone interested in our environment and the history - and possible future - of the environmental movement should read this book.

The ideas raised in this book have ebbed and flowed in my mind ever since reading it. The book covers such a broad canvas that it is impossible to agree with everything, surely ? Perhaps perversely, it is the parts with which I did not agree that I found the most thought provoking. For example, the book begins by considering why we trash our environment. Some blame Judaeo-Christianity for placing humankind at the top of the Great Chain of Being, at liberty to exploit all other creatures and our environment. Others implicate the 'clockwork universe' paradigm created by scientists like Newton. However, these traditions cannot explain the demise of civilisations that predate them. After all, many civilisations bring about their own downfall because they damage the environment upon which they depend. This is what happened on Easter Island apparently. Moreover, unless coerced to act responsibly, people pursue their own self-interest, often at the expense of our environment. This idea is developed in 'The Tragedy of the Commons', an article published by Garrett Hardin in the journal Science and available on the net. It is one of the few omissions from this comprehensive book.

Also, Rising Tides betrays an environmental movement ill at ease with science, cherry-picking what evidence to believe, assessing the credibility of scientists according to who pays their wages. The author suggests that there is "incontestable proof" for global warming. The inference is that anyone who challenges this must have an alterior motive. However, most dissenting scientists are discussing the evidence in a narrow academic sense and would be happy to adopt a precautionary approach. Besides, does our preoccupation with global warming provide a smoke-screen for other more invidious threats raised in the book - soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity for example ? I have a sneaking suspicion that this notion might appeal to Rory Spowers. After all, what he says about the foot and mouth crisis and the 11 September attacks are no less provocative.