Voices for Change
An oral history of the environmental movement in the UK, 1970-2020
Toby Butler (Author), Felix Driver (Author), Barbara Brayshay (Author), Chris Church (Author), Jeremy Iles (Author), Oli Mould (Author), Saskia Papadakis (Author)
Voices For Change is a groundbreaking history of environmental activism across the four nations of the UK since the early 1970s, revealed in first-hand testimony by some of those who were most closely involved. It highlights the lived experiences of generations of environmental campaigners engaged in a wide variety of protest, projects and policy during this period, from grassroots actions in local communities to the leadership of major national organisations. The book draws on a unique archive of one hundred in-depth life-history interviews with environmental campaigners involved in action on a wide range of concerns, from conservation and transport to energy and climate change. It situates the experience of activism biographically and historically, exploring the role of family, region, class, ethnicity, gender and generation in the lives of participants in the key campaigns of the period. The voices of campaigners whose contributions have never been widely recognised appear here, alongside some of the most high-profile, including Jonathan Porritt, Caroline Lucas, George Monbiot, Jane Goodall and Swampy. There are also links to hundreds of freely-available audio clips and associated transcripts from the interview archives. Together, these voices highlight the achievements and the challenges of activism across more than 50 years, revealing diverse and unsung stories from the movement. Through this focus on life stories, the book provides a vital resource for today’s environmental activists, throwing new light on the diverse origins, forms and impacts of their campaigns.
Related titles
Voices for Change
An oral history of the environmental movement in the UK, 1970-2020
Voices For Change is a groundbreaking history of environmental activism across the four nations of the UK since the early 1970s, revealed in first-hand testimony by some of those who were most closely involved. It highlights the lived experiences of generations of environmental campaigners engaged in a wide variety of protest, projects and policy during this period, from grassroots actions in local communities to the leadership of major national organisations. The book draws on a unique archive of one hundred in-depth life-history interviews with environmental campaigners involved in action on a wide range of concerns, from conservation and transport to energy and climate change. It situates the experience of activism biographically and historically, exploring the role of family, region, class, ethnicity, gender and generation in the lives of participants in the key campaigns of the period. The voices of campaigners whose contributions have never been widely recognised appear here, alongside some of the most high-profile, including Jonathan Porritt, Caroline Lucas, George Monbiot, Jane Goodall and Swampy. There are also links to hundreds of freely-available audio clips and associated transcripts from the interview archives. Together, these voices highlight the achievements and the challenges of activism across more than 50 years, revealing diverse and unsung stories from the movement. Through this focus on life stories, the book provides a vital resource for today’s environmental activists, throwing new light on the diverse origins, forms and impacts of their campaigns.
‘This groundbreaking book weaves together the life stories of environmental activists in the UK to narrate a unique modern history of a hugely successful movement for change. Their voices are woven into thought-provoking themes like mobilisation, diversity and how activists sustain themselves, demonstrating the overlapping legacies of the last 50 years of environmentalism. Understanding this history is crucial in generating hope for our contemporary environmental battles. I urge everyone to read and listen to the voices and lessons shared in this fabulous and inspiring book.’
Jenny Pickerill, University of Sheffield
‘Astonishing in its range and scope, this all-embracing and long-overdue history of UK environmental activism in all its modes draws on an impressively diverse array of life stories. The vibrant voices we hear help us make sense of a complex, multi-layered movement over five decades which has brought us to our vital awareness of the climate emergency.’
Rob Perks, former Lead Curator of Oral History, British Library
‘Voices for Change showcases living legacies of change-makers. The choice to focus on the diversity of the movement, on marginalised voices and on stories that don’t get enough play – those of resilience and joy – demonstrates close engagement with current scholarship and responsivity to the context in which we live.’
Laura Jean Cameron, Queen’s University, Ontario
‘This unique volume is both a commentary and a key archive resource that surfaces the practice and purpose of British environmentalism. It helps us understand where far-reaching new ideas came from and how they are constantly refreshed.’
Joe Smith, Director, Royal Geographical Society
