Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse

This was a kindle book purchase. I have read several of the authors books all of them excellent. This one did not disappoint. A well written thoughtful book about the climate crisis we are in and how are existence is so interlinked and dependent on the very things we have been trying to destroy in the name of progress for over 200 years. A must read

This has the feel of a lockdown book, something conceived, banged out and published in a year. It is an overview of the world's environmental woes, illustrated with examples from the insect world. Goulson is at his best writing about insects, less convincing when writing on the subjects of agricultural intensification or climate change. My favourite parts were the rather random thumbnail sketches of random insects between the chapters. The book has a rather lazy, formulaic feel to it, enhanced by the scant references and notes. There is nothing new here, no fresh ideas. Not his best book - it's not bad, just okay.

Fantastic book, each argument was backed with scientific evidence. Everybody should read it and try to help save our insects by trying to follow action points suggested in the book.

Pesticide use is increasing,neonicotinoides are still being used in UK and there are many similar toxins in increasing use.meanwhile wildlife is in massive decline,the UK is one of the world's worst places for biodiversity for goodness sake!Rachel Carson won her battle but not the war,things are worse then ever and this book details what needs to be done

I have gotten, so far, to the 'Brief History of Insects.I hope this author doesn't continue with his unproven hypothesis of evolution!Whilst I can accept some forms of evolution, usually from breeding or adaptation, I really do get upset, when these guys keep expounding the unproven as fact.I expected more from you Mr Goulson. I thought science was about dealing in fact, and not to what amounts, so far, in this book as fiction.I have read that Mr Goulson is a professor. A definition of professor is: One that teaches or professes special knowledge of an art, sport, or occupation requiring skill.So since when has special knowledge included hypothesis. Surely special knowledge should be factual?

One of the very best books I have read recently.It is by Dave Goulson, the Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex. He opens up with an alarming exposé of what he calls the Insect Apocalypse. It is a component of the geological epoch called the Anthropocene, in which the Earth’s ecosystems and climate are being fundamentally altered by the activities of humans. A particular feature is the accelerating decline of biodiversity, the loss of plants and wild animals and whole communities of organisms. a comprehensive, engaging and very readable book, that really should be read by all who are interested in the preservation and enhancement of the biological life of our planet and our experience of it.

This book reviews one area of the climate crisis in detail and gives a picture what lies ahead if we do not change our world and, in particular, agriculture.It also gives some fascinating insights into the insect world.I found it a really enjoyable read.

If we’re to invert the insect apocalypse, this is a must read and is up there with Rachel Carson’s book.