đź“– What book inspired us this month?
A few weeks ago, we put out a poll on LinkedIn to ask our followers whether they would be interested in us talking about books that touched upon the themes at the heart of V.I.A.L. RC (sustainable development, the interconnectedness between people, animals, and ecosystems, gender equality and women empowerment…)? The answer was a resounding YES!
So welcome to the first instalment of what will become (we hope) a bi-monthly series.
Today, we’d like to introduce you to a captivating read that intertwines personal adventure with historical exploration: The Two-Headed Whale: Life and Loss in the Deepest Oceans by Sandy Winterbottom.​
What’s it about?
In 2016, environmental scientist Sandy Winterbottom embarked on a six-week tall-ship voyage from Uruguay to Antarctica. During a stop in South Georgia, she came across the grave of Anthony Ford, an 18-year-old whaler from Edinburgh, a discovery that sparked a deep dive into the history of industrial-scale whaling, a darker side to the Antarctic deeply enmeshed with Scotland’s past.
⏪ Let’s rewind a bit
Whale oil was the “fossil fuel” of its time, powering industry and daily life.
In the early 20th century, Antarctic whaling became a massive industry, with nations like Norway, Britain, and Japan establishing whaling stations and factory ships to process whales at sea. This led to the harvesting of hundreds of thousands of whales.
Eventually, demand for whale oil declined as electricity replaced oil lamps and petroleum-based products took over as industrial lubricants. By the late 1950s, whalers were already struggling to find enough whales, leading to reduced catches and dwindling profits.
Despite this, commercial whaling continued until 1986, when the International Whaling Commission  finally imposed a ban. By then, the industry had largely collapsed under its own excesses.
Whaling is a textbook example of unsustainable wildlife exploitation—following the all too familiar pattern of overexploitation, population collapse, and economic decline.
Why did we like it?
A powerful reflection on environmental degradation.
The Two-Headed Whale prompts readers to reflect on humanity’s role in environmental degradation by examining how our actions have led to the destruction of ecosystems and species. It invites us to confront the long-term consequences of exploitation and challenge how we can reshape our relationship with nature to create a more sustainable and ethical future.
Human stories of the whaling industry
Sandy Winterbottom delves into the personal stories of the whalers with sensitivity, shedding light on the lives of individuals often overlooked in the larger historical and environmental narrative. Many Scots were involved in whaling, working as sailors, harpooners, and engineers. Some, like Anthony Ford, were just teenagers when they set sail. These men, often from poor backgrounds, saw whaling as an opportunity for a better life, though it often led to isolation, danger, and early death.
The economic and colonial forces behind whaling.
The Two-Headed Whale reveals how deeply economic systems and colonial expansion shaped the trajectory of whaling and its devastating impact on whale populations and ecosystems. The book serves as a reminder of the power dynamics that not only influenced the history of whaling but also had a lasting effect on the broader global environment.
PS: Continue your discovery by visiting the website of the🔗 South Georgia Museum, a treasure trove of information on the island’s history, human heritage and natural history.