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Mark Watson @ Book Festival Review |
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Written by Joe Reed
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 This year the International Book Festival have pulled off a coup, stealing Mark Watson from the funny lot up the road. However, putting a comic on the bill is no sign of dumbing down; the affable Welsh everyman has already published two novels and is in Charlotte Square to discuss his third book, a non-fiction account of trying to cut his carbon footprint.
Crap at the Environment details the struggles Watson underwent after making a commitment in his blog to cut his personal carbon emissions in half. The comedian, previously environmentally apathetic, was surprised to find that a bid to “improve my life a bit, but not too much” garnered almost instant support from his fans, with almost 500 people pledging to join him in his effort within the first 24 hours of his announcement.
Watson proceeded to take on weekly challenges (not eating meat or avoiding buying plastic for example) aimed at reducing his own negative impact on the world.
Today’s event begins with a reading of the original statement of intent as it appears in Watson’s blog (and reprinted in the book). His humour translates well to the page, but Watson is clearly less comfortable reading a text than using his usual, more meandering, speaking style. Consequently, a question and answer session with novelist Paul Johnston puts him at ease. The Edinburgh crime writer appears more immune to the comic’s easy charm than the rest of us, aiming, with a jovial but slightly schoolmasterish approach, to pin Watson down on the more complex issues surrounding his project.
Watson is able to offer a well reasoned view on most issues raised, and to his credit, knows where his limitations stand. On the use nuclear power for instance, he’s happy to suspend judgment for want of greater knowledge of the science. He also presents a detailed a well thought out analysis of his own profession (he flew to Australia twice last year for work), and discusses any perceived hypocrisy in his campaign.
The more environmentally aware, may find his book fails to go into enough detail, yet Watson’s attempt is avowedly populist. He is attempting to interest those who are normally turned off environmental issues, and a book which also details his love of parsnips and his inability to ride a bike is an extremely good vehicle to achieve this.
One of Watson’s trips to Australia was justified, in his eyes, by the opportunity to meet Al Gore and learn to deliver the ‘inconvenient truth’ presentation in his own style. He’s yet to do this in the UK, but it will be a treat when he does. Always engaging, funny and most importantly sincere, he should be commended for putting his talents to good use.
- Mark Watson
- Edinburgh International Book Festival
- August 23rd
- 16:30
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