Ecologist Thomas Crowther to Release His Debut Book, Nature’s Echo, With Harper Horizon on June 2, 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Professor of global ecology Thomas Crowther will release his debut book, Nature’s Echo: Harnessing Ancient Feedback Loops to Heal a Changing Planet, with Harper Horizon on June 2, 2026.

"Sustainability is so often about trade-offs or sacrifices. But when nature’s feedback loops simultaneously tackle poverty, food insecurity, pandemics and climate change, then it’s a win-win for everybody," said Thomas.

Share

Known for his groundbreaking work in global ecosystem ecology and described in The Guardian as “the Steve Jobs of nature” and as “the John Lennon of ecology, and this book his ‘Imagine’” (Mark Stevenson, author of An Optimist’s Tour of the Future), Thomas Crowther draws on cutting-edge ecological science, ancient philosophy, and gripping personal narrative from the frontlines of global restoration. At a moment when so many people feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, Thomas argues that human agency can be born from the simple, self-reinforcing patterns that shaped the stars: feedback loops.

From the birth of galaxies to the revival of forests, the greatest transformations in our universe have been driven by quiet, self-reinforcing processes known as feedback loops. These ancient forces created the universe, they allowed biodiversity to proliferate, they gave rise to climate change and the idea that we exist as separate, isolated selves. However, if we can stop resisting them and begin to work with them, these immense natural forces can become powerful engines for social and ecological regeneration. Nature's Echo reveals how the mechanisms that shaped our world can also be the ones to revive it.

Nature's Echo presents the scientific basis for environmental optimism. In this book, you'll discover:

• How feedback loops drive everything from the explosion of life to our own inner suffering.
• Why the illusion of a separate "self" may be the root cause of our environmental crisis.
• How nature can rebound when we relieve the social inequality that degrades it.
• Why the knowledge that we can build a brighter future is a prerequisite for environmental success.

“Sustainability is so often about trade-offs or sacrifices. But when nature’s feedback loops simultaneously tackle poverty, food insecurity, pandemics and climate change, then it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Thomas. “If we can allow our attention to nourish the regenerative opportunities that improve our health, wealth, joy or fashion choices, then these feedback loops can grow with planetary-scale momentum.”

“One of the biggest challenges of publishing books on climate change or environmental concerns is the fact that it seems so daunting. Most of us only partially understand it and our ability to do something about it seems limited at best,” said Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President and Publisher of HarperCollins Focus. “Thomas Crowther’s incredible book solves both of those things in a way that is accessible and motivating. By also tying it to methods in which we can use the same concepts to change our personal lives is simply astounding.”

Discover how millions of rural communities are reviving local nature to improve their own livelihoods; how customers are choosing sustainable products that are tipping entire industries into new states; and how efforts to address poverty are driving ecological recovery at massive scales. But most importantly, discover the personal agency that comes from the realization that we are not doomed to a bleak environmental future. Through this journey across the scales of existence, you will realize that we are not passive witnesses to planetary collapse, but active participants in the greatest regenerative opportunity in Earth’s history.

By tapping into ancient feedback loops, we have the power to drive the inner personal healing that can jumpstart massive environmental recovery.

Nature’s Echo will be available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook with Thomas narrating. You can pre-order today at: https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/harper-horizon/natures-echo/.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Thomas Crowther is a professor of global ecology and founding chair of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. He is the president of the Branch Institute, an international network of research groups in leading universities across 6 countries, focused on understanding the linkages between global biodiversity and human wellbeing. In 2020, he founded Restor.eco, an online platform that supports hundreds of thousands of community-led nature initiatives to access data and sustainable financing. In 2022 the WEF recognized Crowther as a Young Global Leader for his work on global biodiversity protection.

ABOUT HARPER HORIZON:

Harper Horizon is a Nashville-based imprint of HarperCollins Focus focused on the stories, values and diverse voices of Americana and beyond, publishing authors such as Shea McGee, Penn & Kim Holderness, Willie Nelson, Luke Russert, and more. For more information, please visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com/Harper-Horizon.

EARLY PRAISE FOR NATURE’S ECHO:

“Must read: Nature’s Echo is the scientific basis for optimism, showing that true regeneration is truly within our grasp.”
– The Edge, U2

“A vital, hope-filled manifesto for regenerating our planet.”
– HRH Princess Esmeralda of Belgium

“You cannot read this book without developing a deeply grounded sense of hope and optimism.”
– Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce

“Nature's Echo changes how you see the world—and your place within it.”
– Rhett Butler, founder and CEO, Mongabay

“Compared with the age of the universe, you’re only on this planet for the briefest spell of time. Make it count—and start by reading this book.”
– Mark Lynas, environmental and climate change author and journalist

“Earth-restoring and life-affirming with a vital message for our times. Dive in.”
– Kate Rayworth, author of the bestselling book Doughnut Economics

“Finally—the antidote to endless climate doom we have all been waiting for.”
– Alice Aedy, cofounder of Earthrise Studios

“Stunning. Crowther proves that the forces that created stars can restore forests—and he does it without losing the magic or the science.”
– Finn Harries, designer, filmmaker, and founder

“Tom Crowther’s tireless pursuit for revitalizing the world’s ecosystems is critical.”
– Runa Khan, CEO of Friendship NGO and an Earthshot Prize Winner 2025

“A love letter to the natural world, and a wake up-up call for anyone who’s forgotten they’re a part of it.”
– Clover Hogan, Founder, Force of Nature & Activist

“Tom Crowther has cemented his status as one of the very best science communicators on the planet.”
– Jason Knauf, CEO Earthshot prize

“Insightful, ambitious, and urgently relevant.”
– Dr William Ripple, Director of Alliance of World Scientists