Review
"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
(20101015)"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
(20091015)"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
(20091015)"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
Book Description
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.
(20091015)About the Author
Mark Leiren-Young was born in Vancouver and earned his BFA in theatre and creative writing from the University of Victoria. He is a screenwriter, playwright, performer and freelance journalist. His first book, Never Shoot a Stampede Queen, won the 2009 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Mark's plays have been produced throughout Canada and the US and seen in Europe and Australia. He has written articles for such publications as Time, Maclean's and The Utne Reader and is a regular contributor to The Georgia Straight and The Tyee. Mark is also half of a satirical comedy troupe, Local Anxiety, that has released two CDs. Mark currently splits his time between Vancouver, BC, and Haiku, Maui. For more on Mark, visit www.leiren-young.com.
