Manifesto: the Battle for Green Britain - Dale Vince

Chris Packham is said to have sent every MP a copy of this book by Dale Vince and John Robb, urging them to read it. At this moment, in the midst of an election, it seemed a good idea to read a book that looked at actions that could be taken by politicians in the face of climate change.

The book covers Dale Vince's life as a traveller and protester, living outside the mainstream, on the road and in camps. The description of the Battle of the Bean Field was vivid and personal. He then moves into wind turbines, developing the early large structures to supply local homes, leading into the creation of energy supplier Ecotricity. Electric cars are the next interest, in collaboration with Tesla. In all cases Vince sees a problem and seeks the answer, as he strives for solutions to issues others are leaving to the unknown future. He encounters many problems, including underhand business practices (beware suitcases left behind by your competitors), and seems to relish the challenges. He is not worried by failure, and has a remarkable level of self confidence.

We felt the book could be repetitive at times, but this is a flaw in the ghost writer or editor. Dale Vince's self belief and confidence could grate at times, but presumably this is a vital trait if you are to be a successful entrepreneur. Our acceptance of the status quo means we allow old tired ideas to continue. By fighting for what he believed in he moved us into the future of green energy, electric cars and mainstream plant based foods.

We found the book to be a quick and easy read, and can be found in local libraries, so please do read it to find out if you agree. It did not seem to cover new ideas, but that may be because a future of electric cars, wind turbines and plant based diets has become the mainstream philosophy precisely because of people like Dale Vince.

Elizabeth Eveleigh