Jonathan Watts

The tragic triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown that occurred in northern Japan on March 11, 2011 hit a nation already in crisis; both economically and spiritually. This Precious Life takes us through the unfolding events of 2011 documenting efforts by Japanese Buddhist priests, temples, and organizations to respond to both the sudden disaster of the tsunami and the ongoing disaster of the nuclear power plants. While Japanese Buddhism has been struggling to recover show more its meaning for people in this highly modernized nation, the past year has shown its great ability to serve people in times of crisis and trauma. Meanwhile, Japanese Buddhism is slowly starting to take on the nuclear issue and deeper structural problems that face the nation. This Precious Life is filled with many moving stories from this epoch making year; provides a variety of critiques of both Japanese society and Japanese Buddhism; and a presents the work of a small group of Buddhist visionaries already working to create the new Japan of post 3/11. show less

I decided to read this book because of it's interesting and catchy title. But unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the scariest and depressing books I've ever read. We all know about the booming Chinese economy, but using very convincing statistics, as well as personal histories Jonathan Watts demonstrates how this rapid economic boom is coming at a huge cost to the environment. He talks of the attempts China is making to "go green" but with a population of 1.4 billion all trying attain show more a higher standard of living based on the western models of consumption, Watts sees little chance of China being able to achieve these standards without further irrevocable damage to the environment. And what makes the book really scary is that with China making up 1/5 of the worlds population, if they totally destroy their environment, it's going to put the health of the entire planet in real jeopardy. show less

Sort of backed up what I knew in a general sense. Contained many details about the terrible damage to the environment and animals numbers that happened during the great leap forward, and the large scale development and pollution that has gone on over the last 20 years.

I get a sense that things are starting to turn around but there is stiil a massive way to go. Eg China has strong environment protection laws, but 90% are ignored.

The green developments appear small and or symbolic, show more outweighted by the ongoing developemts and continued growth in coal power and industry.

I get the sense that the real truth will become known in around 5 years time.

Hopefully China will make those Green Moon shots and help lead the way to a better world before it is too late. A lot of the Western world seems to be dragging their feet. show less

A truly remarkably inventory of environmental jeopardy in today's China.
Similar to Rachel Carson's Silent Spring in its alarming description of what has already been lost or is seriously threatened as Watts (who covers China and environmental issues for the Manchester Guardian) takes us on a tour of nearly every province in China. This is essential but disturbing reading.