Bristol Humanists: Rebecca Nesbitt

Tickets for the Ark; why conservationists needs philosophy

Science and ecology communicator Rebecca Nesbitt explores the underlying, largely invisible, philosophy and values which sit beneath wildlife conservation.

A central dilemma of wildlife conservation is setting priorities to inform where limited funds are best spent.
Can we be guided by science alone? Or do we also need philosophy to help us protect the natural world?

Rebecca will speak about her exploration of these questions & the effect it has had on her work on conservation for the benefit of all animals, including humans.

Of her recent book Tickets for the Ark New Scientist said, “This is an ambitious and entertaining book, which foresees a dynamic and creative role for conservation in the future.”

Rebecca will speak about her journey as a wildlife conservationist, how philosophy and her understanding of colonialism and patriarchy, both change and redirect her work.

Dr Rebecca Nesbit is author of Tickets for the Ark, which tackles tough choices in wildlife conservation. Using case studies from around the world, the book challenges some of our deeply held views about what the natural world should look like.

Rebecca studied butterfly migration for her PhD, then worked for a start-up company training honeybees to detect explosives. She now works in science communication and her projects have ranged from a citizen science flying ant survey to visiting universities around the world with Nobel Prize Laureates. Her first popular science book Is That Fish in your Tomato? explores the fact and fiction of GM foods.

All are welcome, whether Bristol Humanists member, or not. The event is FREE if you are a member, or £3/£1 if not.