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The Nature of Nature: Why We Need the Wild Hardcover – August 25, 2020

by Enric Sala (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 340 ratings
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In this spirited memoir, world-renowned conservationist Enric Sala weaves fascinating tales of the natural world, revealing how connections in nature promise a thriving economy as well as a healthy planet.

Enric Sala wants to change the world--and in this compelling book, he shows us how. Once we appreciate how nature works, he asserts, we will understand why conservation is economically wise and essential to our survival.
Here Sala, director of National Geographic's Pristine Seas project (which has succeeded in protecting more than 5 million sq km of ocean), tells the story of his scientific awakening and his transition from academia to activism--as he puts it, he was tired of writing the obituary of the ocean. His revelations are surprising, sometimes counterintuitive: More sharks signal a healthier ocean; crop diversity, not intensive monoculture farming, is the key to feeding the planet.
Using fascinating examples from his expeditions and those of other scientists, Sala shows the economic wisdom of making room for nature, even as the population becomes more urbanized. In a sober epilogue, he shows how saving nature can save us all, by reversing conditions that led to the coronavirus pandemic and preventing other global catastrophes. With a foreword from Prince Charles and an introduction from E. O. Wilson, this powerful book will change the way you think about our world--and our future.
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  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    National Geographic
  4. Publication date
    August 25, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    6.23 x 0.96 x 9.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1426221010
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1426221019
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Natural ecosystems are the most complex, interdependent and carefully balanced machines on
Earth and very easy to upend through human intervention, inattention and blindness. Enric Sala’s
The Nature of Nature shows how utterly intertwined we are with nature, and how dependent.
He tells a fascinating story and presents a cautionary tale. A must-read." –James Cameron –
Filmmaker, engineer, environmentalist, and National Geographic Explorer at Large

“Enric Sala’s The Nature of Nature makes a case for protecting our planet that appeals just as strongly to our sense of reason as to our sense of humanity. Building on a lifetime of work exploring harmful human impacts on our ecosystems, he artfully weaves together his experiences as an explorer and scholar to explain how the natural world works. Sala makes the case for environmentalism, as he puts it, to both the brain and the heart. The Nature of Nature highlights the wonders of the wild and makes a beautifully argued and heartfelt case for why we must do all we can to protect them.” —Leonardo DiCaprio, actor & environmentalist
 
“Incisive, impassioned, pragmatic, and compelling, Enric Sala’s beautiful book The Nature of Nature is both a gift of wonders and a call to arms. His observations of how nature works and, crucially, how it sustains human life, provide the clearest argument of all for the world to change its ways.” —Isabella Tree, author of Wilding: The Return of Nature to Our Farm
 
“In The Nature of Nature, Enric Sala surveys records of experiments and academic works on nature to advance an urgent argument for the economic value and moral necessity of preserving our planet’s wild places on land and in the ocean. He is also inspired by the wonder and the miracle that he discovers our planet to be and argues that we are able to recover and safeguard this gift of God—namely, the planet's uniquely distinctive endowment with life—only through our joyful contemplation of the mystery of our planet's being and functioning, as Pope Francis has also observed.” —Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican
 
“The Nature of Nature makes a compelling case for why giving more space to nature is essential to human and economic prosperity. Every leader should read it and apply its insights." —Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum
 
“Enric Sala has a unique ability to explain complicated issues in a simple way. He helps us to understand the world, but also how to act in order to protect it better. Faced with the urgent need to protect our Planet, he provides us with enlightening insights and solutions for action. This book will be of invaluable help to those who refuse to give up." —HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco

“Enric Sala writes in clear and highly readable prose about a complex subject, drawing on personal experiences and stories gathered from others. I highly recommend The Nature of Nature for anyone wishing to learn more about the interconnectedness of all living beings, the destructive impact of unsustainable human actions, and how we need to act together to heal the harms we have inflicted. It’s a clear account of the variety and interconnectedness of life forms on Planet Earth—our only home.” —Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace
 
“This is an accessible—indeed a charming—account of how natural systems work; as we are now wrecking those intricate systems at a frightening pace, this could serve as an antidote, reminding us to be far more careful, and far more appreciative.” –Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature and Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?

About the Author

ENRIC SALA is a marine ecologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence dedicated to restoring the health and productivity of the ocean. He is widely recognized for his worldwide conservation efforts, based on solid observational and experimental research, combined with strategic communications and policy discussions. Previously a professor at the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California, he founded National Geographic Pristine Seas, a global project that combines exploration, research, and storytelling to inspire leaders and communities to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 22 marine reserves encompassing almost 6 million square kilometers of ocean, more than half the area of all 50 United States.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic (August 25, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1426221010
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1426221019
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.23 x 0.96 x 9.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 340 ratings

About the author

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Enric Sala

Enric Sala

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Dr. Enric Sala is a former university professor who saw himself writing the obituary of ocean life, and quit academia to become a full-time conservationist as a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. He founded and leads Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 22 of the largest marine reserves on the planet, covering an area of 5.8 million square km. Sala has received numerous awards, including 2008 World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader, 2013 Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award, 2013 Environmental Media Association Hero Award, 2016 Russian Geographical Society Award, and 2018 Heinz Award in Public Policy. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
340 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the language clear, compelling, and understandable for non-scientific minds. They also describe the book as well-written and a great read that utilizes the right level of detail.

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LanguageReadability
9 customers mention "Language"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's language clear, compelling, and understandable for non-scientists. They describe it as highly informative, down-to-earth, thoughtful, and balanced. Readers also mention that the author is easy to understand and down-to-each. In addition, they say the book utilizes the right level of detail to tell a nuanced story.

"...The result is a book that provides inspiration to participate in an essential transformation for all of us to be humble and respectful stewards of..." Read more

"Beautifully written book that everyone should read. I’m not a biologist or a big science person but this book really changed my perspective...." Read more

"A well-written book that utilizes the right level of detail to tell the reader a nuanced and complex story of how our environment lives and matures...." Read more

"...Now more than ever. Enric Sala makes a clear and compelling scientific, economic and moral case for protecting nature. "..." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written, well-researched, and compelling. They also say it's informative.

"...A lovely book to have and to hold." Read more

"A well-written book that utilizes the right level of detail to tell the reader a nuanced and complex story of how our environment lives and matures...." Read more

"This is a well researched book and highly informative...." Read more

"This is an excellent book about how humans are causing the pollution of our earth...." Read more

An open hand that says, without pretension, "right this way"
5 out of 5 stars
An open hand that says, without pretension, "right this way"
As a PhD ecologist, reading this book was a pure delight for me.Dr. Sala is the first of scientist I know that has so eloquently summarized the fundamentals of ecology (competition, succession, etc.) in 10 or so readable and approachable chapters. He manages to explain complex experiments and theories by weaving together lyrical scenes and brightly colored metaphors. The true joy comes from reading the final chapters in which Sala paints a bold -- and realistic -- picture for a healthy future on planet earth. The solutions are known, he says, but we must be bold enough to try them.The book's final sentiments, written during the onset of the global pandemic, are quite emotional. No reader will put down this book without feeling, deep in their gut, the call of environmental activism.One final note: I bought this book for my dear uncle who has been a victim of climate and environmental misinformation campaigns. He read it and ask me so many great questions afterwards. If you have a family member who is lacking in ecological literacy or climate change awareness, consider this book as a gift. It's like an open hand that says, without pretension, "right this way" into the heart of nature herself.
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Top reviews from the United States

Sassy
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Insights
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
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This is a beautiful book—from the cover and interior book design to the author’s thoughts on nature and his inspiring pleas to “use our intelligence and compassion to protect the right of all creatures to exist.”

The result is a book that provides inspiration to participate in an essential transformation for all of us to be humble and respectful stewards of the natural world.

A lovely book to have and to hold.
4 people found this helpful
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bryan camacho
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023
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Beautifully written book that everyone should read. I’m not a biologist or a big science person but this book really changed my perspective. Author is easy to understand and down to earth.
8 people found this helpful
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William L. Klesch
5.0 out of 5 stars Importance of Natural Environments
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2020
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After a career spanning over 30 years as a Marine biologist I found Eric Sala’s book excellent in his argument supporting the need for natural ecosystems and in particular how they benefit adjacent degraded systems. All government policy makers should be required to read and study this book, as Dr. Sala outlines, time is running out and efforts must be taken immediately. He makes a very important point with the example of the response to the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Private funds were immediately sought and provided for its reconstruction; however, with ocean ecosystems in dire conditions finance ministers often question the need for the funds questioning the return on their potential investment. How do we recognize the importance the ocean’s value to all of us in providing oxygen, food and carbon sequestration among others? If we don’t see the ocean’s importance to all of us, we may not be around long enough to marvel at the cathedral of Notre Dame.
14 people found this helpful
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JB
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, well-balanced and compelling
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2020
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A well-written book that utilizes the right level of detail to tell the reader a nuanced and complex story of how our environment lives and matures. A compelling read for anyone who believes humans do not rule the planet and wants to know what is needed to create a world where humans and non-humans can live in harmony.
2 people found this helpful
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Mark Opel
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2020
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The world needs this book. Now more than ever. Enric Sala makes a clear and compelling scientific, economic and moral case for protecting nature. "The Nature of Nature" should be read by everyone making decisions that impact nature - not just committed environmentalists and government environment ministers but also, and arguably more importantly, leaders in government (especially finance ministries) and businesses, investors and consumers whose decisions impact the natural world that we are part of - namely, all of us. Enric Sala's journey reminds me of a quote from the movie "The Cove": "you're either an activist or an inactivist." Enric shows us a path for effective activism.
11 people found this helpful
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Lawrence V. Cartmill, Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars An IMPORTANT book!! Must read !!
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2020
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This is a well researched book and highly informative. Sala gives us all the data we need to start paying attention to science as it relates to our ecosystem. The personal adventures and stories are intertwined with empirical evidence in a very readable manner. It is a wonderful book but also VERY IMPORTANT.
4 people found this helpful
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D. Lynn Boddy
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone needs to read this book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
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This is an excellent book about how humans are causing the pollution of our earth. I was very fortunate to hear Enric Sala speak via a Zoom presentation by National Geographic. The last chapter is about how encroaching on nature caused the current pandemic.
2 people found this helpful
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MDW
5.0 out of 5 stars Important
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2020
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I would rightly be considered an armchair environmentalist, having read rather extensively books such as this one. However, never have I encountered a book that addresses the economic value of saving the environment. At last a rebuttal to those that think that the GDP is about all that matters, and saving the environment is just an unnecessary expense. If only the policymakers will take heed.
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Guy Dauncey
5.0 out of 5 stars A great primer in ecology and biodiversity
Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
Enric Sala is one of the world's foremost champions for preserving the world's oceans, and the biodiversity that calls it home.

Here's one small story, where he describes what happened when he and his colleagues were trying to protect Gabon’s marine biodiversity in 2012. They had persuaded President Bongo Ondimba to join them on their vessel, and made a presentation with photographs and video clips, but they could see that his attention was drifting. They then invited him to pilot their submersible robot on the sea floor, 100 metres down.

At first, nothing – just sand. Then he directed it towards the edge of a seamount, and a host of brittle stars, scorpion fish and orange anthias filled the screen. Then a dogtooth grouper with the body the size of a bicycle showed up, followed by four more, staring at the camera. “I looked at the president, and I could feel that he had fallen in love with the underwater world of his own country – a natural wonderland that he did not even know.”

On his way back to Libreville he told them that he now understood, and he went on to create 20 marine protected areas, covering 28% of Gabon’s marine waters – the first in Africa. We need all our leaders to fall in love with nature. If they can’t pilot a submersible, a 360-degree video headset can give a close experience.

The awful reality is that thanks to our predatory fishing impulse, and our powerful technology, we humans have taken/removed/killed 90% of the world's marine creatures since 1950. But Sala understands how nature can recover:

"Our results show that a substantial increase in ocean protection could achieve triple wins, not only by protecting biodiversity but also boosting fisheries productivity and securing marine carbon stocks to avoid additional greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, by protecting 35% of the ocean, we could preserve 2/3rds of all possible benefits from biodiversity while increasing the global fish catch by 9 million tonnes (a year)."

These are just two fragments from a great book. There is so much more.
One person found this helpful
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VR
4.0 out of 5 stars Das schönste Buch in meinem Regal
Reviewed in Germany on August 10, 2021
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Der Einband ist ein Kunstwerk. Inhaltlich ist das Buch in einem anspruchsvollen Englisch verfasst. Ich lernte einige Vokabeln (bin aber auch fachfremd).
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simone
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in Italy on June 15, 2021
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In my opinion This book is a lighthouse for the entire humanity. It gives Solid answers to manage effectively the crucial convivence between production and protection. thank you Enric Sala.
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Mdaves
5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible to all
Reviewed in Canada on December 24, 2021
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A wonderful read and easy to understand. Great book to lend give and keep to reread. The jacket cover is simply beautiful …elegant.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A 'Must Read'
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Amazing book to share with family members!!! Current, and most
needed to show how important it is to value nature, and to try to
reverse man's destructive actions over the past years, and ways
to do better!!!
One person found this helpful
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