About the Book
The Green Chain looks at the past, present and future of forestry through interviews with environmentalists, loggers, scientists and others. Raw log exports, environmental devastation, making a living . . . all are discussed in this exploration of the problems facing our forests, and the possible solutions.
It’s an emotional topic, especially in British Columbia, where Greenpeace and the Raging Grannies were born but where the economy has been fuelled largely by forestry. Both the logging industry and the environmental movement are facing unprecedented challenges, and the world is watching to see how BC and Canada respond.
Mark discusses the topic with 22 eloquent, knowledgeable and passionate people, including:
- ForestEthics and PowerUP Canada founder Tzeporah Berman;
- activist Severn Cullis-Suzuki;
- author John Vaillant (The Golden Spruce);
- former Greenpeace executive and Greenspirit founder Dr. Patrick Moore;
- poet laureate and former logger George Bowering;
- Forest Products Association of Canada president and CEO Avrim Lazar;
- union spokesman Wade Fisher;
- documentary filmmaker Velcrow Ripper (Fierce Light).
The book also includes the screenplay for Leiren-Young’s award-winning film The Green Chain.
About the Author(s)
Mark Leiren-Young is a journalist, filmmaker and author of numerous books, including Never Shoot a Stampede Queen, for which he won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, and The Green Chain, which is based on his award-winning film of the same name. His article for the Walrus about Moby Doll, the first orca publicly exhibited in captivity, was a finalist for the National Magazine Award, and he won the Jack Webster award for his CBC Idea’s radio documentary Moby Doll: The Whale that Changed the World. Leiren-Young is currently finishing a feature length film documentary on Moby Doll.
Reviews
"In this fascinating book Mark talks to people in both the industry and the environmental movement with a curiosity that brings out the true essence of forestry." —Bill Tieleman, 24 Hours
"All change starts with conversations, and right now the world needs a lot more of them. The Green Chain book will spark a lot of important conversations about the future of forests and forestry." —Leif Utne, journalist, activist
"Through the most subtle, yet powerful form of social commentary—letting people speak for themselves—Leiren-Young weaves an informative, and at times moving, narrative that will inspire thought and action." —Joel Bakan, author of The Corporation
"Leiren-Young's profiles of activists, loggers and politicians give readers true insight into the complex world of forestry." —Vanessa Farquharson, author of Sleeping Naked Is Green
