Why conservation matters

We must take strong conservation measures now to avert a biodiversity crisis that will be impossible for humanity to overcome. That is the very clear message from John Pickrell, my guest today on Inside Ideas.

An award-winning journalist, John’s latest book Flames of Extinction looks at last year’s tragic wildfires in Australia and the inspirational stories of those who were on the frontline saving lives.

“Flames of Extinction is the first book to tell the stories of Australia’s record-setting fires, focusing on the wild animals and plants that will be forever changed,” publishers Island Press said. “It tells the story of the scientists, wildlife rehabilitators, and community members who came together to save wildlife and protect them in the future.”

John also wrote Flying Dinosaurs and Weird Dinosaurs, and is the former editor of Australian Geographic magazine. Currently the Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief for Nature, he has worked in London, Washington, DC, and Sydney for publications including New Scientist, Science, Science News and Cosmos. His articles also appear regularly in National Geographic, Scientific American, Focus, BBC Future, The Guardian and the ABC.

The impact of his work has been recognised with numerous awards, including an Earth Journalism Award. John has also featured repeatedly in The Best Australian Science Writing anthology, and has been a finalist in the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes three times.

He studied biology at Imperial College in the United Kingdom and has a Master of Science in taxonomy and biodiversity from the Natural History Museum, London. 

I am delighted to have an expert like John on the show today to talk about issues that will ultimately determine what the future holds for people and planet.