Book review: In 'Fen, Bog and Swamp,' Pulitzer-winning novelist Annie Proulx digs into the history and value of the world's wetlands.
“Fen, Bog and Swamp: A Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis”According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, “Wetland habitats in Alaska are numerous and complex, making up 43.3% of the state’s surface area.” That’s a good reason to pay attention to Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx’s latest book. Proulx is perhaps best known for her novels “The Shipping News” and “Barkskins” and the story collection “Close Range.
Most of the world’s wetlands, we learn, formed at the end of the last ice age and in ancient times supported tremendous communities of plants and animals — which in turn supported the lives of humans. As human populations increased, wetlands were drained for farming, grazing and the expansion of cities. In the last 300 years, as much as 87% of the world’s wetlands have been lost.
Much of the fens section recounts recent archaeological and anthropological studies about the original extent of peatlands and the lives of people who lived in the fens for thousands of years. In the 1930s North Sea fishermen began to pull up in their nets pieces of old peat they called “moorlog,” along with bones, flints and bits of trees.
To be sure, efforts are underway to protect and restore wetlands. As examples, Proulx points out a 2011 European Union action to forbid the cutting of peat and, in England, the Great Fen Project, a modest experiment in paludiculture, or wet farming. But as she also points out, “Bogs and swamps take thousands of years to build up and develop; humans and their machinery can wipe out those centuries in a few months.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
San Jose State-Wyoming: What to know before Spartans’ conference openerThe Spartans have won all the one-score games in series history, while the Cowboys have won all the blowouts.
Consulte Mais informação »
Apple Annie's Pumpkin Festival officially bringing fun and smiles for the fall seasonThe Pumpkin Festival is officially open at Apple Annie’s in Willcox. Apple Annie’s Pumpkin and Produce Farm in Willcox is starting its 36th season.
Consulte Mais informação »
Frank Harris sets record in UTSA's win over Middle Tennessee“It’s exciting, but we definitely have things to work on,” said UTSA quarterback Frank Harris. “We are 1-0 in conference play, so it definitely means a lot.” Story by StephenWhit89.
Consulte Mais informação »
UTSA beats Middle Tennessee in Conference USA opener“It’s exciting, but we definitely have things to work on,” said UTSA quarterback Frank Harris. “We are 1-0 in conference play, so it definitely means a lot.” Story by StephenWhit89.
Consulte Mais informação »