-
I’m just about to read it. I may well take you up on that very kind offer.
I’ve followed him for many years and have tried to find fault with his work before, but his research is very thorough. There’s one area where he has done work with that I’m reasonably familiar with on a practical level; natural woodland recolonisation, and another where he has done work on an organic farm I’ve been involved with for a long while, and if his research elsewhere is on a parallel then I am confident it’s sound.
Unlike most of those currently farming he has no vested interests other than trying to save humanity from itself. Many farmers will feel threatened by having their practices so roundly critiqued. A bit like taxi drivers having their rat runs closed off.
You are reading a single comment by @adroit and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
adroit
Hi, I’m currently doing my PhD in what I would describe broadly as the field of ‘land system’ science and in fact I share an office with an Agronomist who specifically research’s agricultural sustainability.
I haven’t read this book in particular but have read his other books and listened to him speak about the content of this book so I have a good overview of the points he’s making.
I would start by saying that it’s important to be aware that, despite the system of peer review, scientific research of dubious quality still makes it to publication in all fields. But the evidence base regarding the negative impacts of the current global system of industrialised farming is too extensive to not be considered good science. Monbiot’s critics tend to respond by highlighting research conducted by agricultural lobby groups that are all to often opinion pieces masquerading as robust science.
If you find a reference in the book for a scientific paper you want to read but can’t because it’s behind a paywall (as most are unfortunately) send me a message and I’d be happy to download a copy for you.