Education is such an important aspect of understanding the climate crisis. But, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Below is a curated list of books to read to gain a better understanding of our changing climate and how to help written by a plethora of different voices.
- All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis is a collection of essays and poetry is edited Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson. It provides several essays written by several women in different areas of the climate movement, highlighting the theme that not one group of people can solve this great issue. Page count: 448 pages.
- Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet by Bonnie Wright. Calling all Harry Potter fans, Ginny Weasley is an environmentalist and I am loving it. Wright lays out small steps we can each take everyday to be more environmentally conscious. A crash course on climate change, if you will. Page count: 304 pages.
- The World We Need: Stories And Lessons From America’s Unsung Environmental Movement by Audrea Lim (editor) is a collection of original reporting, interviews, profiles, artwork, and more that showcase grassroots environmental movements that are making real changes. Many people are now aware of the need for diversity and inclusion in environmentalism: but true environmental justice isn’t just about servicing communities that most need protection, it’s also about highlighting the work being done by these communities themselves. Focusing on tangible, smaller issues/ areas with commitment and over a long period of time is often more effective than broad-stroke rhetoric that leaves one feeling powerless. This book is informative and empowering, and may just inspire you to be a leader in your own community.
- Half-Earth Socialism: A Plan to Save the Future from Extinction, Climate Change, and Pandemics by Troy Vettese and Drew Pendergrass argues for a truly radical solution to the truly radical problem we’re facing: rewilding half the earth, rapid transition to renewable energy, global veganism, and worldwide socialist planning. The actual implementation of these points may prove next to impossible, but it’s also hard to not applaud their boldness.
- The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet by Leah Thomas introduces readers to the intersection between environmentalism, racism, and privilege. This kind of lens on solving the climate crisis is imperative, especially knowing that women and communities of color are more disproportionately affected. Page count: 208 pages.
- A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind by Harriet A. Washington is a powerful read concerning the catastrophic consequences of climate change as it relates to marginalized communities. Page count: 384 pages.
- How to Save our Planet: The Facts by Mark A. Maslin is considered to be a pocketbook of information one would need in order to move our planet forward. Maslin lays out the facts while also adding solutions to our planets’ challenges. Page count: 256 pages.
- How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates is a culmination of over a decade of climate science studies by Gates himself. Since investing in innovations to address issues stemming from the climate crisis, our author creates a vision for how the world can continue to prosper sustainably. Page count: 272 pages.
- Earth’s Climate Heroes by Danielle Horton is one for the young climate activists! This children’s book illustrates the reason for climate change, solutions for a brighter future, and suggests that everyone can make a difference no matter how big or small. It’s never too early to be a climate hero! Page count: 48 pages.
These books are only a few of the copious amount of environmental books that exist. Education is a great first step in combating climate change, after all knowledge is truly the best power. If everyone were taught the contents of these books while in school, our planet would arguably be in a much healthier state. So, let’s get reading!
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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling
