Fragile Web: What Next for Nature?

by Jonathan Silvertown (Editor)

Biodiversity is as close as your breakfast table. Your cereal and coffee are the products of at least a dozen species of plants and animals. And believe it or not, you are related to your morning meal—all life on earth is descended from a common ancestor, giving new meaning to the old saying “You are what you eat.”

            Making clear why the future of biodiversity matters, Fragile Web—which takes its name from the delicate mechanism that holds all life together—unites a team of international experts to explore the wonder of the natural world. Drawing on the very latest research, the book explains what biodiversity is and explores its evolution, from 3.5 billion years ago to the present day. It discusses the importance of the world’s ecosystems and how directly or indirectly humans are responsible for the fate of nature. Crucially, it also examines what can be done to protect the natural world and why it matters. Although we cannot undo all that we have done, ignoring the current crisis facing biodiversity could fundamentally change the lives of future generations.

Fully illustrated with color photographs, diagrams, and maps, and edited by celebrated ecologist Jonathan Silvertown, this book is a timely snapshot of the state of life on Earth. From the plant and animal products that make up our breakfast to the ecosystems that help to produce clean water, our very survival depends upon the variety of plant and animal life on our planet. The year 2010 has been declared by the United Nations the International Year of Biodiversity, and The Fragile Web will be an essential guidebook for our time.

Genres: Nature

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Jonathan was born and raised in London and his schoolboy nature watching was done while taking furtive short-cuts on cross-country runs across Hampstead Heath. He made much faster progress when running back from Hampstead’s bookshops in time to beat the end of lunch hour bell. His first scientific paper was submitted with an epigraph by Walter de la Mare which the editor removed with a snide comment, and ever since Jonathan has done his best to hide the poetry in his scientific prose. In Orchard Invisible the poet emerges barefaced in the very first line with the words: “Seeds have a mirrored life, the original in nature and another reflected in literature and the imagination.”

Reviews

[Shannen]

Disclaimer: I don't rate non-fiction books

I picked up Fragile Web from the library after watching Netflix's documentary Life on our Planet. I was absolutely fascinated by the content of that documentary and seeing a more comprehensive overview of life on our planet from its beginnings, how it has evolved over the millennia and how interconnected life is. This book was the perfect follow-up to the documentary for me and built on the knowledge I had, developing my interest in ecology further.

This text book is an ideal introduction to the broad strokes of ecology, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of ecology. It contains beautiful photographs throughout and is written accessibly without talking down to the reader. Having tried a lot of other books similar to this one, I really appreciated that. This read like a true scientific text that is factual, concise and engaging but still accessible.

The only thing that could've improved this book for me would've been a small section at the end with a call to action. It ends discussing what is next for nature, and paints a rather pessimistic picture in regards to climate change and the damage that humans are inflicting on the planet. As an offhand to that, a section outlining actions that every day people can take to help would've been appreciated. It would've been a more positive note to finish on and coming away with some the practical tips on how I can better help the natural world would've been great.

I would still highly recommend this book to all nature lovers. It's so engaging and an ideal entry point into ecology. There's so much interesting and insightful information about our natural world. I came away from this book with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and beauty of Earth and its life, and I look forward to reading and learning more about how I can make a positive contribution to our natural world.