New Scientist Podcasts
The Last of Its Kind - Gísli Pálsson | Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize Conversations
Oct 4, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Gísli Pálsson, an Icelandic anthropologist and author of "The Last of Its Kind," delves into the poignant story of the great auk, a flightless bird hunted to extinction. Pálsson reveals how British ornithologists sought its specimens in vain, resonating with the broader implications of human-induced extinction. He shares personal motivations behind his work and sheds light on Alfred Newton's pivotal yet overlooked role in extinction studies. Their conversation highlights the urgent connection between past and present ecological crises.
18:53
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights how Alfred Newton's expedition to Iceland marked a pivotal moment in recognizing human-induced extinction, challenging previous notions regarding the naturalness of extinction.
- Gísli Pálsson emphasizes the importance of understanding historical extinction events like that of the Great Auk to raise awareness about current biodiversity crises and conservation efforts.
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