Peter Sale
Author, Ecologist, Explorer
In 1998, for the first time ever, coral reefs bleached one after the other, around the world. Simply because the world had got a little bit warmer.
What a signal! Coral reefs around the world turning white overnight, with substantial death of corals following on. Far more powerful than a lonely canary falling off its perch deep in a coal mine, this signal should have been the wake-up call mankind had been waiting for. Only, it didn’t happen. We did not wake up.
We know coral reefs are dying. Most of us understand why. But few of us appreciate the existential message here. Nor do we appreciate the existential message in the news that humans and their domesticated animals now account for 96% of the biomass of mammals worldwide, that most birds are chickens, that over 20% of the Amazon rainforest has been lost since 1970. Or that this planet loses 1.2 trillion tons of ice every year because of warming. You get the picture.
We are massively altering this planet yet we seem incapable of coming together to remedy our excesses in any meaningful way. This website is my way of navigating a confusing time on a damaged planet. I hope you find some useful information here, perhaps some reasons for cautious optimism, as we watch for signs of wisdom and creativity amid the selfish quest for power and glory.
Peter Sale
2025
Our Dying Planet
Our Dying Planet is my attempt, as an ecologist, to convey the complexity and severity of the environmental crisis, and the need for quick and determined action if we care at all about our own children. There is still time to act, and economically viable paths to take, that will bring us to New Atlantis, a future in which humans live rich and fulfilling lives as stewards of an ecologically sustainable Earth. Join up for the journey of our time.
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Coral Reefs: Majestic Realms
Coral Reefs, a 2021 book about coral reefs: Colourful, exotic, of immense value to humanity, and disappearing rapidly because of our mismanagement of the planet — we are deluged daily by evocative photos and videos of coral reefs, and most everyone knows their story. But most of us don’t really give a damn – coral reefs are simply another just-so nature story. This book reveals that coral reefs and their messages are far more important to our lives.
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Speaking Events
I frequently speak to community groups and participate in workshops and conferences that deal with the environment, climate change, or coral reefs. I also discuss my books.
I prefer speaking in front of a group. But I’m now learning to enjoy the way the internet permits you to Zoom all over (recent events are here) and talk at far away places!
Peter Sale
Blogs
The tipping point is behind us. What do we do now?
This post was previously published in Reef Encounter, the news magazine of the International Coral R…
My Costa Rica Holiday in 2025 – Part Two
Saturday 8th Today, like early gods, we all rested. The long day, strenuous activity and heat yester…
My Costa Rica Holiday in 2025 – Part One
Tuesday February 4. The siblings had decided to have a tropical vacation together. Just the four of …
Explore Peter’s Favourite Reads on Shepherd
Looking for great books through the lens of a coral reef scientist? Peter has hand-picked some of his favourites on Shepherd — a site that connects readers to meaningful books through expert recommendations.