Ben Goldsmith, financier, environmentalist and author, speaks movingly about his grief for his daughter Iris and how he found solace in nature. He discusses the importance of nature as a coping mechanism, the return of beavers in Britain and their impact on the ecosystem, the resistance to change in traditional vested interests, exploring spirituality and finding connection, and his book 'God Is An Octopus: Loss, Love and A Calling to Nature'.
Finding solace in nature can provide healing and connection during times of grief.
Restoration of nature is crucial for addressing climate change and promoting mental and spiritual well-being.
Deep dives
Nature as a Source of Solace and Healing
Ben Goldsmith's book, 'God is an Octopus: Loss, Love, and a Calling to Nature,' explores his personal journey of finding solace in nature after the tragic death of his 15-year-old daughter, Iris. Goldsmith shares how his love for nature, instilled in him from childhood, became a powerful tool in coping with his loss. He emphasizes the healing power of nature and its ability to provide moments of relief, beauty, and connection during a time of immense grief. Goldsmith also highlights the importance of preserving and restoring nature for the well-being of individuals and communities, advocating for increased access to nature for all.
The Urgency of Nature Restoration
Goldsmith brings attention to the intertwined nature and climate crises, stressing that the restoration of nature is crucial for addressing these challenges. He emphasizes the need to fix the nature crisis alongside efforts to combat climate change, as natural systems play a vital role in carbon capture and regulating the hydrological cycle. Goldsmith argues that nature restoration is not only essential for planetary health but also for mental and spiritual well-being. He calls for increased funding and support for reintroducing species and restoring habitats, highlighting the positive impact that nature restoration can have on the environment, our communities, and future generations.
Challenges and Obstacles in Nature Restoration
While advocating for nature restoration, Goldsmith acknowledges the obstacles that need to be overcome. He identifies disconnection from nature as a significant challenge, emphasizing the need to reconnect people with the true beauty and vitality of nature. The influence of traditional vested interests, such as the National Farmers Union, is also highlighted as a barrier to progress in nature restoration. Goldsmith argues for a just transition for farmers and increased support for sustainable farming practices that prioritize nature conservation. He calls for political will and a collective effort to overcome these obstacles and make nature restoration a priority.
Social Justice and Access to Nature
Goldsmith underscores the importance of making nature accessible to everyone and addressing social justice issues related to nature conservation. He highlights the need to ensure that marginalized communities have equitable access to nature and meaningful experiences in natural environments. Goldsmith advocates for increased funding for initiatives that bring urban dwellers, especially children, closer to nature. He emphasizes that reconnecting people with nature is not only crucial for environmental sustainability but also for their overall well-being. Goldsmith shares his efforts to address these issues, including setting up the Rewilding London Task Force to explore ways of bringing nature to people.
Ben Goldsmith’s daughter Iris was killed in a tragic accident when she was only 15 years old. Hopeless in grief and searching for answers, he turned to nature in his darkest moments to find a way through. Ben speaks movingly about his grief for Iris, how he sought connection to her in the year after her death, and why he's hopeful that nature restoration will not only be a central part of tackling the climate crisis, but for finding solace and healing for ourselves too.
Guest
Ben Goldsmith, financier, environmentalist and author (@BenGoldsmith)
More information
Ben Goldsmith is the author of God Is An Octopus: Loss, Love and A Calling to Nature, published by Bloomsbury Wildlife. You can buy a copy here.
Listen to his podcast series 'Rewilding the World with Ben Goldsmith' here.