The Science Of Hope: Eye to Eye with Our World's Wildlife

Description

A breathtaking visual journey exploring why certain animal species capture our attention, and showcasing hopeful conservation efforts around the world. From polar bears to mountain gorillas, penguins to sea otters, certain animals capture our imagination. These are the animals that become mascots for conservation campaigns. By why these creatures instead of other equally endangered animals? The answer lies in their cuteness or charisma! The great white shark fascinates us even as we fear it. The comical waddle of the penguin entrances us. Illustrated with breathtaking images by one of the world's leading wildlife photographers, The Science of Hope informs as it educates, describing the psychology and science behind our desire to connect with these animals while promoting a message of hope by highlighting positive conservation efforts around the world.

Dr Wiebke Finkler is a creative marketing researcher, filmmaker and science communicator, with a focus on using storytelling to promote sustainable human-wildlife interactions. Scott Davis is a wildlife researcher, international photography expedition leader, and professional assignment photographer.

"When I first started reading The Science of Hope, I was immediately impressed by its beautiful illustrations and rich content. What most impresses me about this book is that it does not just point out problems but also provides workable solutions. It connects a spectrum of field professionals across disciplines so their messages are direct, stories are empirical, and suggestions are practical. Not to mention the amazing photos taken by Scott for each animal, making this book even more compelling for people to take action and make a difference." -- Our Narratives This book captures exactly that. In an age of talking about climate change, mass extinction, water levels rising and so forth it is very easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of it all. In response, Finkler, a lecturer from Otago University, teamed up with Scott Davis - a photographer of the highest class - to present some possible solutions to a world that seems to be tearing itself apart at the seams. Photographs throughout the book are stunning, they are vibrant and different to the usual collection that one may expect to see. But it is the writing that is really sublime in this book. It is the presentation of these animals in a way that exudes love and attention from Finkler. A marketing lecturer, it is clear that she knows how to use the methods of persuasion to make the reader really care about the plight of these animals, and what we can do to change the dystopian future for many of them. The book is wonderful, it really is. As much at home as a coffee table book as it is as a reference guide, this book is a revelation and a celebration of nature in its finest form. It is both a beautifully captured portrait of nature and an uplifting view of what can be if we are willing to take some risks and try something new. * NZ Booklovers * The book was a delight to read and it is a credit to the author and photographer. It will most certainly appeal to anyone who has even a modicum of interest in wildlife. * Wildlife Dectective * "A photographic journey which explores animals that humans are fascinated by alongside conservation initiatives" * Good Reading * "Illustrated with images by one of the world's leading wildlife photographers, The Science of Hope takes you on a visual journey and shines a spotlight on hopeful conservation efforts happening around the world. * The West Australian * "Not only celebrates the astonishing beauty of the natural world but focuses on the flagship species that fire our imaginations and the conservations efforts that result when we are inspired to act" * Noosa Style * "Providing hope in what often looks like a very doom and gloom environment when you look at the future for species or habitat or sustainability" -- Sonya Feldhoff * ABC Adelaide * "After reading this book, I do have hope for future of wildlife . . . if we all do our part to protect our environment." -- Rick Sammon "This book will make a wonderfully life-affirming gift - combining the power of professional photography with the power of professional wildlife research in a very accessible and impressive book." * Studio Magazine * "I love how positive this book is." "I think people of all ages would enjoy it." "The book is very inspiring. It is gorgeous." -- Jesse Mulligan * RNZ National Radio * "This book will make a wonderfully life-affirming gift combining the power of professional photography with the power of professional wildlife research in a very accessible and impressive book." * Studio Magazine * The book is wonderful, it really is. As much at home as a coffee table book as it is as a reference guide, this book is a revelation and a celebration of nature in its finest form. It is both a beautifully captured portrait of nature and an uplifting view of what can be if we are willing to take some risks and try something new. * NZ Booklovers * "Illustrated with images by one of the world's leading wildlife photographers, The Science of Hope takes you on a visual journey and shines a spotlight on hopeful conservation efforts happening around the world." * The West Australian * The book was a delight to read and it is a credit to the author and photographer. It will most certainly appeal to anyone who has even a modicum of interest in wildlife. * Wildlife Detective Blog * "I highly recommend purchasing this book to have for your own interest, as a reference book for your library and as a gift for others who appreciate and are interested in the conservation of our natural world. It has a permanent spot on our coffee table." * School Days * "this stunningly produced book, alive with Scott Davis stunning photography ... is guaranteed to rekindle childhood wonder in even the worst pessimist" * Good Organic Gardening * "Interwoven in the pages of The Science of Hope are theory, storytelling, beautiful imagery, thought-provoking statements, opportunities, and hope for the future. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, as it contributes to the climate solution, enhances feelings of hope and connection, and highlights that we all play a role in saving our planet." "The Science of Hope is a book that will inspire and educate those who are interested in opening its covers for it is thought provoking, has the most appealing and amazing photographs of animals in the wild and information that is more than what is usually found in a reference dictionary." * Science Teachers Association of Victorian * "Each chapter celebrates a different animal and concludes by highlighting positive conservation efforts." "Of course, there is a chapter about giraffes with beautiful photos and insight from Fred Bercovitch." * The Woman Who Loves Giraffes *