The Children of the Anthropocene

The Children of the Anthropocene

Stories from the Young People at the Heart of the Climate Crisis

Summary

'An inspirational manifesto for change' Caroline Lucas, former leader of The Green Party

'A remarkable and important book' Steve Backshall, Naturalist, Broadcaster, and Author


'Astute, erudite and crystalline, Bella writes with visionary clarity and passion [...] It's a wonderful book' Dara McAnulty, award-winning author of Diary of a Young Naturalist
_____

Across the planet, the futures of young people hang in the balance as they face the harsh realities of the environmental crisis. Isn't it time we made their voices heard?

The Children of the Anthropocene, by conservationist and activist Bella Lack, chronicles the lives of the diverse young people on the frontlines of the environmental crisis around the world, amplifying the voices of those living at the heart of the crisis.

Advocating for the protection of both people and the planet, Bella restores the beating heart to global environmental issues, from air pollution to deforestation and overconsumption, by telling the stories of those most directly affected. Transporting us from the humming bounty of Ecuador's Choco Rainforest and the graceful arcs of the Himalayan Mountains, to the windswept plains and vibrant vistas of life in Altiplano, Bella speaks to young activists from around the world including Dara McAnulty, Afroz Shah and Artemisa Xakriabá, and brings the crisis vividly to life.

It's time we passed the mic and listened to different perspectives. Bella's manifestos for change will inspire and mobilize you to rediscover the wonders and wilds of nature and, ultimately, change the way you think about our planet in crisis. This is your chance to hear the urgent stories of an endangered species too often overlooked: the children of the Anthropocene.
_____

'Extraordinarily moving, wild and engaging - the book of the moment' Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and author of Climate Justice


'A visionary statement for the future [...] Pragmatic, positive & beautifully written' Ben Macdonald, Award-Winning Conservation Writer, Wildlife TV Producer and Naturalist

Reviews

  • 'Bella is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. She has an eloquence and lucidity that is timeless, partnered with a powerful combination of positivity and belief. Bella and her fellow young voices are the best chance our planet has. I've seen Bella bring a theatre full of academics and conservationists to tears, and then to their feet. This young woman has an oratory gift that any storyteller would kill for, and a passion and energy that is infectious and dazzling. Bella believes she can change the world, and I believe her. The Children of the Anthropocene is a remarkable and important book'
    Steve Backshall, naturalist, broadcaster, and author

About the author

Bella Lack

Bella Lack is an 18-year-old conservationist and environmental activist. She is an ambassador for the Born Free Foundation, STAE, RSPCA and the Jane Goodall Institute. Bella spoke at Chris Packham's The People's Walk for Wildlife, the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in 2018 and she delivered a TEDx talk in Brighton in 2019.

Since 20019, she has been working on 'ANIMAL', a feature-length documentary with primatologist Jane Goodall. She has been interviewed on Sky, ITV, Channel 4, CGTN in China and made a short documentary for BBC Three. She has shared the stage with Steve Backshall and Chris Packham and helped create The People's Manifesto for Wildlife.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more