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Title details for Ignition by M.R. O'Connor - Available

Ignition

Lighting Fires in a Burning World

by M.R. O'Connor
M.R. O'Connor
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
In a riveting investigation of the science and ecology of wildfires, journalist M.R. O'Connor ventures into some of the oldest, most beautiful, and remote forests in North America to explore the powerful and ancient relationship between trees, fires, and humans. Along the way, she describes revelatory research in the fields of paleobotany and climate science to show how the world's forests have been shaped by fire for hundreds of millions of years. She also reports on the compelling archeological evidence emerging from the field of ethnoecology that proves how, until very recently, humans were instigators of forest fires, actively molding and influencing the ecosystems around them by inserting themselves into the loop of a natural biological process to start "good fires." As she weaves together first-hand reportage with research and cultural insights, O'Connor also embeds on firelines alongside firefighters and "pyrotechnicians." These highly trained individuals are resurrecting the practice of prescribed burning in an effort to sustain fire-dependent forest ecologies and prevent the catastrophic wildfires that are increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of global warming. Hailing from diverse backgrounds including state and federal agencies, scientific laboratories, and private lands and tribal nations, these fire starters are undertaking a radical and often controversial effort to promote, protect, and expand the responsible use of fire to restore ecological health to landscapes. At the heart of Ignition is a discussion about risk and how our relationship to it as a society will determine our potential to survive the onslaught of climate change.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    April 2, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781666655520
      • File size: 319047 KB
      • Duration: 11:04:40

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      M.R. O'Connor recalls her surprise when first hearing about controlled burns while visiting Australia, although there isn't much surprise in her voice as she narrates. The Brooklyn journalist got firsthand experience with the prescribed fires that help revitalize forests, joining crews around the U.S. Her narration is a bit rough, and listeners might get bogged down in the background information. However, listeners will feel her anxiety as she describes the puff of a failed controlled fire. O'Connor's recollections of awkwardly handling a fire hose and the smell of burning debris will resonate. Her admiration for the crews that work full-time with controlled burns comes through clearly. O'Connor's journey into the traditional method of keeping forests in good health might surprise listeners, too. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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