Thread by @IrishDocsEnv

Looks like a rainy Sunday perfect for a book and a cuppa.

Our next book in the #IDEBookClub is: REGENESIS by @GeorgeMonbiot.

George Monbiot never fails to court controversy (telling the truth will do that for you!), and his latest book did not fail to follow suit.

“Regenesis" caused quite the stir on publication, most likely as he ambitiously suggests the rapidly evolving science of precision fermantion could soon replace animal agriculture in its entirety. This controversy was perhaps aided and abetted by the front cover.

However, we should know better than to judge a book by its cover, and never is this more true than Regensis.
This book is so much more...

Monbiot opens by bringing us on a tour of the evidence and the wonders of the soil beneath our feet. However, soil quality is simultaneously understudied, under invested in and being rapidly eroded around the world. Without soil, what hope does humanity have?

Next, Monbiot takes aim at the true planetary cost of organic farming. However, organic horticulture takes the brunt and the seemingly green systems flaws are exposed.

Trade-offs for pesticide use vs scalability, carbon emissions from farm machinery are weighed against paying labourers a living wage whilst delivery affordable produce.

Solutions are presented by Monbiot, but the flies and aphids are always attached and explored. And yes, the true carbon cost of organic animal agriculture is detailed and the flaws of Alan Savoury's wildly popular TED talk discussed.

Perhaps the most rewarding chapter is left to last when we are reminded of the sheer costs, instability and opportunities lost due to the current global food system, especially where the most carbon intensive and polluting food products receive by far the greatest subsidies.

Perhaps only independent journalists have the ability to challenge the reader that it needn’t be this way.

Finally, Monbiot is if nothing else, very funny. His take on the Country File glow we all seem to get from watching sheep farmers wince across the dales on cold crisp winter mornings rings true to those who indulge on the Sunday slow farming TV.