Read more
A ferociously intelligent, funny, misanthropic book about the 'innocent' habits of consumers and how they contribute vastly to climate change.
People hunting monkeys in the jungle once devised a simple trap that proved remarkably effective. It was nothing more than a stout glass jar with a comparatively narrow neck, into which they put a large juicy banana. Plunging its paw into the jar to grab the banana, the creature found its fist was now too bulky to fit through the jar's neck; unless it let go of the banana, it was stuck. The Monkey is of course us, and the way we are paralysed by our inability to relinquish or even change our modern way of life and its consumer goodies, despite the undeniable damage to the environment.
In Stuck Monkey, James Hamilton-Paterson uncovers the truth about our everyday habits and their contribution to climate change. The subjects treated to his acerbic analysis include gardening, sports, the growth of eco-tourism, the wellness industry, our obsession with online shopping, mobile phones, military carbon, biofuels and electric vehicles, as well as our pets and their hidden carbon pawprints. This is a powerful, accessible book about how extremely difficult it will be to change the way we live if we are to prevent environmental and human catastrophe.
About the author
James Hamilton-Paterson
Summary
People hunting monkeys in the jungle once devised a simple yet effective trap: When the creature found a banana in a large jar with a narrow neck, it would plunge its paw in to retrieve it. But it couldn't let go. And unless the monkey released the banana, it was stuck.
We are, of course, the stuck monkey, paralysed by our modern lifestyles and consumer habits: our constant stream of online shopping deliveries, our compulsive dependence on digital devices, our obsession with our
pets. These addictions, as small and harmless as they may seem, are quietly destroying the planet. And the eco-friendly alternatives that alleviate our guilt are often not much better.
In Stuck Monkey, James Hamilton-Paterson uncovers the truth behind the everyday habits fuelling the climate crisis. Drawing on eye-opening research and shocking statistics, he mercilessly dissects a wide spectrum of modern life: pets, gardening, sports, vehicles, fashion, wellness, holidays, and more. Ferociously unflinching and
intelligent, this book will make you think twice about the 'innocent' habits we often take for granted.
Foreword
James Hamilton-Paterson investigates the 'innocent' habits of consumers and how they contribute vastly to climate change.
Additional text
PRAISE FOR JAMES HAMILTON-PATERSON:
'A superb book, not only meticulously researched but also supremely readable' - Daily Mail
'A terrific story, told with tremendous relish, elegance and attention to detail'
Report
PRAISE FOR JAMES HAMILTON-PATERSON:
'A superb book, not only meticulously researched but also supremely readable' Daily Mail.
'A terrific story, told with tremendous relish, elegance and attention to detail' Sunday Times.
'An exhilarating book... By turns, thrilling, joyful, wistful and provocative' Rowland White
