Plant Life: The Entangled Politics of Afforestation

Afforestation is the large-scale planting of trees in otherwise treeless environments, but it can either be an ultimate offering to thriving on this planet or a perversion of human agency. Rosetta S. Elkin explores the political implications of plant life as a tool of environmentalism in three supracontinental case studies, revealing that afforestation cannot offset deforestation and that there are many kinds of life to consider when advancing environmental policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

In her book "Plant Life," Rosetta S. Elkin delves into the intricate processes of afforestation, the widespread planting of trees in areas that were previously devoid of vegetation, such as grasslands, prairies, and arid regions. Elkin uncovers that the act of planting a tree can either be seen as a profound act of reverence towards the Earth and a commitment to thriving on this planet, or as a grotesque perversion of human agency over nature. Through the analysis of three supracontinental case studies—scientific forestry in the American prairies, colonial control in Africa's Sahelian grasslands, and Chinese efforts to dominate and govern territory—Elkin explores the political implications of plant life as a tool of environmentalism. By unveiling the human tendency to exploit other organisms to address environmental issues, this work exposes the intricate relationship between human and plant life, revealing that afforestation is not an ecological act but rather a deliberately political and socially distressing endeavor.

"Plant Life" ultimately demonstrates that afforestation cannot compensate for deforestation, a crucial distinction that sheds light on current environmental trends that suggest we can plant our way out of climate change. By radicalizing the concept of conservation and presenting plants as fully alive entities, Elkin demonstrates that there are diverse forms of life that must be considered when formulating environmental policies.

In conclusion, "Plant Life" is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that challenges our perceptions of nature, human agency, and the politics of environmentalism. Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Elkin provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of our planet and the role of plants in shaping it.

Dimension: 229 x 178 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517912628