61 pages • 2 hours read
A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future
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Book Brief
272
Book • Nonfiction
Earth • 2020s
2020
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
A Life on Our Planet, by David Attenborough, is part memoir and part call to action, urging readers to address the ecological crisis. Attenborough recounts his life as a naturalist and highlights humanity’s impact on the Earth, projecting a grim future if trends continue. He advocates for sustainable practices and rewilding efforts to avert environmental disaster and preserve biodiversity. The book discusses climate change, natural disasters, extreme heat, and hunger threatening humanity and Earth’s future.
Informative
Inspirational
Nostalgic
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
37,774 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
David Attenborough's A Life on Our Planet is widely praised for its urgent yet hopeful message on ecological preservation. Many readers appreciate Attenborough's engaging narrative and personal anecdotes. However, some feel the solutions proposed are somewhat idealistic. Overall, the book is a compelling call to action for environmental sustainability.
Who Should Read A Life on Our Planet?
Readers who appreciated Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert will find much to love in David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet. This work captivates those passionate about nature, environmental science, and urgent conservation efforts, blending personal reflection with crucial global insights.
37,774 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey
A biologist noted for her extensive research on gorillas in Rwanda, contributing to conservation efforts and public awareness about gorilla habitats.
Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau
An oceanographer and filmmaker whose exploration of the underwater world was brought to audiences through his television programs.
Roger Payne
Roger Payne
A scientist recognized for his groundbreaking recordings of humpback whale songs, which have contributed to the study of marine life and the conservation movement.
Kate Raworth
Kate Raworth
An economist whose work focuses on sustainable and equitable development, influencing discussions on balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.
272
Book • Nonfiction
Earth • 2020s
2020
Adult
14+ years
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