I’m a bit of a bookworm. I love spending time in bookstores and libraries; I’ve dreamed of writing my own book one day; and my idea of a good time is reading all afternoon. Maybe all this doesn’t come as a surprise, seeing as I’m a blogger. So naturally, it’s pretty fitting I’ve read my fair share of environmental books. I’m currently reading Saving Us and loving it. So I decided it was high time to assemble a list of climate reads. Many of the books on this list are either on my radar, or past reads. These books don’t just give you climate problems – they talk climate SOLUTIONS. If you’re looking for your next climate read, here are the best ones on the market.
FYI, this is a guest post written by Sydney Montagna, a zero waste advocate and aspiring writer. Intro was written by Ariana Storniolo. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
10 Best Environmental Books For Your Next Climate Read
What are the three biggest environmental issues?
While there aren’t a set amount of environmental issues going on right now (there’s plenty more), here’s a list of the three most pressing environmental issues affecting humans and our planet:
1. Global Warming
This is a subject you’ve definitely been hearing about over the last several years. Global warming from fossil fuels in a grueling dilemma that needs to be dealt with immediately. 2023 was the hottest year on record, averaging temperatures around 34F above pre-industrial levels. The year was marked by two record-breaking seasons and six record-breaking months.
Carbon dioxide levels are also at an all time high. They’ve consistently been around 280 ppm (parts per million) for over 6,000 years of human civilization, but they’re now well above 420 ppm- more than doubling what they were before the onset of the 19th century industrial revolution. According to the NOAA, the steady annual increase is a direct result of human activity, mainly from burning fossil fuels for transportation, electricity generation, deforestation, and agriculture.
2. Biodiversity loss
Over the past 50 years, the rapid growth in human consumption, population, and global trade has resulted in using more of Earth’s resources than what it can replenish naturally. The population of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc. have experienced a decline of an average of 68%.
Humanity relies on biodiversity or its health and wellbeing. More than 500 land animals are on the brink of extinction. Scientists urge that booming human population, wildlife trade, destruction of habitats, and pollution all must urgently be tackled, as a recent analysis has found that the sixth mass extinction of wildlife on Earth is accelerating.
3. Food waste
A third of the food intended for human consumption is either wasted or lost- around 1.3 billion tons. Food waste accounts for approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions released annually.
In fact, in the US, 50% of produce thrown away is deemed “too ugly” to be sold for consumers, as if fruits and vegetables must meet certain beauty standards to be worthy of consumption. This causes perfectly good food to be lost, which leads to food security, another major environmental issue.
What is the best book about climate change?
As you’ll read below, there’s a wide variety of books on the subject of climate change. There’s many factors that make an environmentally conscious book worth reading:
- Author credentials: Look for authors that have extensive knowledge on environmental and climate issues. Such as activism, degrees in earth and environmental sciences, experience with climate change charities and organizations. Knowing that the author is qualified to discuss the book’s subject matter reassures the reader that what they’re about to read is reliable.
- Scientific evidence: The book should provide scientific evidence that climate change is caused by humans and is very real. Whether it’s by providing statistics, quotes from climate scientists, or using examples from natural sources (tree rings, ice cores, etc.)
- Educational: Along with scientific evidence, it’s important for someone reading about climate change to understand what exactly is at risk, such as more natural disasters, increased temperatures, high sea levels, etc.. Some topics to look for include: the cause of climate change, the damage of climate change, and ways to avoid a climate disaster/do better. Along with stating the effects of climate change, any books that also includes possible solutions is a huge bonus.
1. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- * Ariana’s personal favorite *
- This book explores reciprocal relationships between humans and the land, combining indigenous wisdom with the role of plants and botany in both Western European and Native American Traditions
- Author is a botanist, scientist, + indigenous
- Focuses on how plants offer us gifts and lessons
- Emphasizes the importance of giving back to the Earth
- Learn to love the land rather than seeking to understand it
- Themes of: reciprocity, spirit of community + gratitude
2. The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas
- This book discusses the intersection of racism, environmentalism, and privilege; and an acknowledgement that we cannot save the planet without uplifting the voices of its people.
- Author is BIPOC
- A pledge to work towards empowerment for ALL people + the planet
- Fight for the planet lies in tandem to the fight of civil rights
- We must dismantle systems of oppression in order to protect people + the planet
3. All We Can Save by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
- This book is an anthology of essays, poetry, and art by women at the forefront of the climate movement, discussing how feminine leadership and voices are vital for change for his planet.
- Insights from women working as journalists, scientists, farmers, lawyers, teachers, etc.
- Women are often missing from proverbial table
- To make change, we need everyone
- Focuses on creating a guide for knowing + holding what has been done to the world
4. The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg
- This book is a call to action for the government and individuals to address our current climate criss with urgency
- Explains the science behind global warming + offers practical solutions
- Author is a young climate activist
- Addresses the challenges of greenwashing
- We must listen to science before it’s too late
5. Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe
- * Ariana’s current read *
- This book discusses how to overcome skepticism and talk honestly about the environment by providing short summaries of climate threats & solutions
- Author is a climate scientist + professor
- Finds that the most important way to address climate change is to keep talking about it
- Must find shares values to connect our unique identities to collective action
- A multilayered look at science, faith + human psychology
6. Project Drawdown by Paul Hawken
- This book discusses comprehensive plans to reverse global warming
- Outlines approximately 100 solutions that can reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by world’s leading experts
- Examples: using clean energy, educating girls in low-income countries + land use practices that pull carbon out of the air
- Author is a climate activist who founded eco-conscious businesses + served on the board of several environmental organizations
- Reassurance that there’s hope and solutions exist
7. Climate Optimism by Zahra Biabani + Christina Figueres
- This book outlines how and why we should stay optimistic in the face of the climate crisis
- Focuses on highlighting the good things being done for our planet
- Author is a climate activist, influencer + CEO
- Includes two years worth of good news from the “Weekly Earth Wins” series
- Practical advice to change the way you think + feel about climate change
Credit: @zahranurbiabani
8. A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism by Harriet A. Washington
- This book explores how environmental racism damages young minds, especially young, impoverished African American children who are exposed inordinately to toxins + industrial waste
- Author has held fellowships at Harvard & Stanford, and a senior research scholar at National Center for Bioethics at Tuskegee University
- Investigated heavy metals, neurotoxins, deficient prenatal care, bad nutrition + pathogens to explain why communities of color are disproportionately affected
- Meant to outrage, transform the conversation + inspire debate
9. Toxic Communities by Dorceta E. Taylor
- This book explores a much deeper portrait of the environmental justice movement, examining connections among residential segregation, zoning, and exposure to environmental hazards.
- Outlines how low-income and minority communities have been dumped on, contaminated + exposed
- Author is a professor + field of studies coordinator at the School of Natural Resources and Environment
- There is a link between environmental transgressions + discrimination , drawing a clear picture of the state of environmental justice
- A landmark study, contributing to the study of race, the environment + space in the contemporary United States
10. What If We Get It Right? By Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
- This book is filled with essays, conversations, poetry, and art. It explores possible climate futures + how to create a better world
- Author is a marine biologist, writer, policy expert + co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab
- Guides us through solutions + possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture + justice
- We should focus on mitigating the impacts of climate change + adapting to the new world
- If you haven’t been able to picture a transformed + replenished world for you and your loved ones- this book is for you
So, what do you think of these environmental books? Did I miss any you’d like to see included? Let me know in the comments!
For more environmental books, check out this list of zero waste reads you may like.
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Guest post: Sydney Montagna is an advocate for animals and plastic-free living. She is studying English and is an aspiring writer. In her spare time, you can find her watching classic TV shows and researching all things Michael Jackson related.
