Beast Mode: Wildlife Recovery & Ecological Restoration with Environmental Philosopher Christopher J. Preston

Beast Mode: Wildlife Recovery & Ecological Restoration with Environmental Philosopher Christopher J. Preston

Author: Serenbe Media Network June 20, 2023 Duration: 52:10

During the early weeks of the pandemic, when human activity and movement were significantly reduced, there were reports of various animals returning to urban landscapes. Think coyotes in San Francisco, wild boar in Barcelona, and dolphins in Italian port cities. These unique resurgences pose interesting questions about the relationship between humans and animals, our ability to coexist, and wildlife resilience in general. In today’s episode, we’re joined by renowned environmental philosopher Dr. Christopher J. Preston to discuss his most recent book, Tenacious Beasts: Wildlife Recoveries That Change How We Think About Animals. This book highlights the incredible species that have come back from the brink of extinction against all odds. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Preston poses fascinating questions about the role of technology, the right level of human intervention, and how climate change impacts this entire conversation. 

Christopher Preston is an environmental philosopher who teaches at the University of Montana. His writing has appeared in publications such as The Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, Discover, Slate, the Wall Street Journal, Salon, and The BBC. He is the author of two books, The Synthetic Age: Outdesigning Evolution, Resurrecting Species, and Reengineering Our World, and a new book Tenacious Beasts.

Show Notes

Key Words: Animal, Animal Recovery, Wildlife, Wildlife Restoration, Ecology, Ecological Restoration, Ecosystem, Animal Welfare, Endangered Species, Environment, Environmental Philosophy, Philosophy, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Nature, Nature Based Solutions

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There’s a quiet but profound intelligence in the way a forest manages resources or how a mycelial network communicates-an intelligence we’ve often overlooked in our rush to build and innovate. Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers explores this very premise, asking what happens when we stop seeing nature as merely a resource and start recognizing it as the ultimate mentor. Hosted by Monica Olsen and her co-host, this podcast from the Serenbe Media Network delves into conversations that feel both urgent and restorative. You’ll hear from scientists, artists, urban planners, and philosophers who are applying nature’s blueprints to solve complex human problems in design, healthcare, community building, and leadership. Each episode is a deep dive into the patterns and processes that have sustained life for millennia, offering tangible, often surprising, ways to reintegrate them into our daily lives and systems. It’s not just about sustainability; it’s about reciprocity and learning to listen again. The dialogue in this podcast moves beyond theory, focusing on real-world applications that remind us our well-being is inextricably linked to the natural world. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration that bridges science, culture, and education, revealing how a rekindled connection can reshape our society from the ground up.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 119

Biophilic Solutions: Nature Has the Answers
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