Our Planet

May 1, 2019

Based on the 2019 Netflix documentary series of the same name, this attractive guide by producer Fothergill (Planet Earth; Frozen Planet), Keith Scholey (director, Silverback Films), and Fred Pearce (When the Rivers Run Dry) is a call to action. The forward by David Attenborough refers to the first photos of Earth taken from space some 50 years ago. While demonstrating the unique beauty of the planet, these images also underscore its limitations. Indeed, Earth has sustained serious damage from human activity; biodiversity has declined and numerous species have become extinct. Nevertheless, the message here is not dire, but hopeful. We have begun to understand the consequences of our actions, and examples of nature's resiliency provide methods for possible restoration. A wide range of threatened habitats are displayed in exceptional color and detail, including frozen worlds, deserts, forests, and oceans. The pictures eloquently emphasize the value of these environments and the need to protect them. Although this book is meant to complement the Netflix series, it more than stands on its own through its striking photographs and with its crucial message. VERDICT Highly recommended for viewers of the documentary and for anyone concerned about the health of our planet.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

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