People the Planet Needs Now: Voices for Justice, Science, and a Future of Promise by Dudley Edmondson
I love finding people who combine their passions in unique ways to make the world a better place. Dudley Edmondson is one of those people.
A photographer, author, filmmaker, and speaker, Edmondson uses his talents to unite his passion for nature and travel with his interest in connecting diverse communities with the outdoors.
In his latest book, People the Planet Needs Now: Voices for Justice, Science, and a Future of Promise, Edmonson shares the narratives of 25 scientists and activists of color. With personal interviews,complemented by his beautiful photography, Edmondson provides an intimate look into the lives of these individuals, shedding light on their professional endeavors and the personal challenges they’ve faced. I felt connected with each storyteller, as they shared insights into their childhoods, health struggles, and experiences with racism. These personal accounts highlight how such factors influence life, from scientific understanding to access to quality healthcare and education.
This book offers a rare opportunity to see and hear from scientists and activists about problems with traditional science and the current methods of addressing everything from climate change to city design. People of color are often most directly affected by these problems, so their unique insights offer the possibility for new solutions. Their stories can spark conversations about innovative ways to address social, environmental, and related issues.
This book is more than a collection of stories—it’s a call to action. By amplifying the voices of those often marginalized in environmental and scientific discussions, Edmonson challenges us to reconsider traditional approaches and to recognize the value of diverse perspectives in creating a sustainable future.
Edmonson will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Connecticut Land Conservation Council Conference on March 22, 2025.
To learn more, visit www.dudleyedmondson.com.
To purchase, visit Adventure Publications.
Recommended by Marissa Latshaw