The Arctic treeline is the frontline of climate change, where the trees have been creeping towards the pole for 50 years already. These vast swathes of forests, which encircle the north of the globe in an almost unbroken green ring, comprise the world's second largest biome.
Scientists are only just beginning to understand the astonishing significance of these northern forests for all life on Earth. Six tree species – Scots pine, birch, larch, spruce, poplar and rowan – form the central protagonists of Ben Rawlence's story. In Scotland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland, he discovers what these trees and the people who live and work alongside them have to tell us about the past, present and future of our planet.
At the treeline, Rawlence witnesses the accelerating impact of climate change and the devastating legacies of colonialism and capitalism. But he also finds reasons for hope. Humans are creatures of the forest; we have always evolved with trees. Through science, history, and vivid storytelling, Rawlence reveals how trees are responding to global warming and what this means for the planet’s future. The Treeline asks us where our co-evolution might take us next. Deeply researched and beautifully written, The Treeline is a spellbinding blend of nature, travel and science writing, underpinned by an urgent environmental message.
'Compelling' (Observer), 'Essential reading' (Spectator), 'Urgent and insightful... This is an important book' (Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment)
This free event is open to all. You can attend in person at the ҹèÊÓƵ or online via Zoom.
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 842 5727 9396 / Passcode: 750718
Meeting ID: 842 5727 9396 / Passcode: 750718
Please email plymouth.global.book.club@gmail.com if you have any queries.