Nature Delusion

Tom Oliver is Professor of Applied Ecology and Research Dean for Environment at the University of Reading. He is a prominent systems thinker, advising both the UK government and the European Commission. His first book The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of Our Connection to Each Other and the Natural World (W&N, 2020) was published to critical acclaim and translated into Korean and Italian.

"Billionaires aren't going to rescue us from the climate crisis. The real change we need must come from ordinary people. This excellent book helps us to better understand how we can trigger a positive transformation in our culture, and ourselves." Russell Warfield, Head of Communications at climate charity Possible.“A pathbreaking synthesis – accurate in its science, fearless in its analysis, and promising in its prescriptions. It should be read by every college student, for example, because young people hold the promise of grasping and acting on the powerful insights Oliver offers. I love this book.” Gus Speth, former Dean, Yale School of the Environment, and author of The New Systems Reader: Alternatives to a Failed Economy“Passionate, engaging and illuminating... takes us down to the very heart of our current crises: a sense of separation from our world. Oliver’s solution is compelling: to re-imagine what it means to be human and to recognise our deep interconnectedness with others and with nature. A much-needed resource for all of us wanting to see genuine, enduring change in these troubled times.” Mick Cooper, University of Roehampton

• IntroductionPart 1- The hidden dynamics of a planet in perilChapter 1 – Tipping points and vicious cyclesChapter 2 – Nasty and BrutishChapter 3 – XenophobiaChapter 4 – Losing our placePart 2- Superficial ‘solutions’ from a sense of separationChapter 5 – Escape the polycrisisChapter 6 – Spaceship EarthChapter 7 – Iron RuleChapter 8 – Grow the economy to save nature?Chapter 9 – Monetising loveChapter 10 – A society of individualsChapter 11 – How we built a selfish worldPart 3 – Sticking plaster fixes from a logic of isolationChapter 12 – Techno-FixationChapter 13 - Locked-inChapter 14 – The new SingularityPart 4 – Overcoming the Nature DelusionChapter 15 – Inner transformationChapter 16 – EmpowermentChapter 16 – Systemic healingBibliography