Sagarin's new book on observation and ecology now available
From Rafe:
Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues,
I am very happy to announce the release of my new book, “Observation and Ecology: Broadening the Scope of Science to Understand a Complex World” (Island Press) which I wrote with Aníbal Pauchard of Chile. It is essentially a “Back to the Future” story, where the old ways of doing science—through intensive natural observation and a sense that studies of the biological world have direct relevance to human societies—meet today’s enormous environmental challenges, modern observational technologies, and greater openness in science to observers from all walks of life. We argue that observations of the world--whether handed down through the hunting stories of tribal elders, taken by citizens counting neighborhood birds, or compiled from millions of satellite observations of a rain forest--have enormous potential to help us understand a rapidly changing planet. Above all, the book tries to convey the current excitement in the life sciences as we enter a whole new era of discovery, driven by as much by urgency as curiosity.
We have written the book in an accessible style, so that it can be read as a stand-alone volume, or as part of any undergraduate course in the life sciences (a free study guide is also available). The book is punctuated by wonderful brief personal commentaries from astute observers of the world including Stuart Pimm and Gary Nabhan. It also makes a nice companion to my other recent book, “Learning from the Octopus” (Basic Books) which shows how observation of nature can yield unexpected insights into how society can adapt to deal with its greatest and most unpredictable risks. I hope you will enjoy “Observation and Ecology” and pass on the word to your social networks, students, and colleagues.
Both “Observation and Ecology” and “Learning from the Octopus” are available from the major online booksellers, or ask your local independent bookstore to stock them. Pre-orders get booksellers excited about a book, so buy early and buy often!
I hope you are all thriving!
Best,
Rafe
