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The climate crisis can often feel terrifying and, like any effort to slow its progression, utterly futile. But before you resolve yourself to complete apathy, many environmental scientists have a more optimistic view of things — and, more importantly, comprehensive plans of action that anyone and everyone should take.
I reached out to a couple of environmental agencies to find out which books can not only educate readers on climate change but spur us into action, effectively taking one step towards a more hospitable future for all.
Scientists, conservationists and other environment experts from groups like The Nature Conservancy helped compile the following list of science-based reads that are vital, not just for Earth Day, but for every day of the year.
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“Drawdown – The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever to Reverse Global Warming” by Paul Hawken
“100 substantive solutions to address climate change, in one book. Broken down in solutions, it shows that climate change CAN be addressed and the solutions are concrete and achievable.” — Matt Miller, director of science communication for The Nature Conservancy
“Losing Earth: A Recent History” by Nathaniel Rich
“Highlighting major events affecting the discourse of climate change since 1979, this book covers our recent history of climate change policy and practice, the birth of climate denialism, how we got here, and how we must move forward to change the narrative.” — Sean Mobley, senior policy associate for climate in Indiana with The Nature Conservancy
“Eat, Poop, Die: How Animals Make Our World” by Joe Roman
“I really like [this] book. I think it’s a creative way to explore/understand the importance and fragility of ecological connectivity.” — Alex Wegmann, lead scientist with island resilience at The Nature Conservancy in California
“Climate Change from the Streets: How Conflict and Collaboration Strengthen the Environmental Justice Movement” by Michael Méndez
“[This book] describes the progression of climate policy making in California through an environmental justice lens, from local to international connections.” — Mari Rose Taruc, energy justice director for California Environmental Justice Alliance
“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“The subtitle of the book says it all. So many people believe climate change is a technological challenge, and we must find technological solutions. ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ reminds us that what got us here is not going to solve the climate crisis. It presents a different way of understanding climate change — our relationship to the earth, and the solutions we need, embodied in ‘two-eyed seeing,’ which Dr. Kimmerer describes learning from both Western science as well as traditional, Indigenous ecological knowledge (using both eyes). Every chapter of ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ is a story, with experience and insights on approaches that will help us achieve a livable climate, healthy communities, and thriving nature. I recommend listening to the audio book, which Dr. Kimmerer reads. Listening to her stories in her beautiful voice has a particular power. The stories of Braiding Sweetgrass remind us that tackling climate change is really about culture, meaning it’s about us and our relationship to the wider natural world, and how we appreciate and understand that, including just being grateful for the many gifts the Earth provides.” — Bill Ulfelder, executive director of the nature conservancy in New York
“What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming” by Per Espen Stoknes
“It gets at the root causes of human beings’ natural tendencies to avoid talking about and taking action on climate change.” — Nikki Rovner, associate state director, The Nature Conservancy Virginia Chapter
“On Indigenuity: Learning the Lessons of Mother Earth” by Daniel Wildcat
“Daniel Wildcatʻs new book, ‘On Indigenuity: Learning the Lessons of Mother Earth,’ applies indigenous worldview and environmental relationships to deal with modern environmental problems.” — Sam ‘Ohu Gon, senior scientist and cultural advisor at The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii and Palmyra
“Ignition: Lighting Fires in a Burning World” by M.R. O’Connor
“One of the best features of those who are (literally) lighting the way in the use of beneficial fire and leading the movement.” — Marek Smith, North American fire director for The Nature Conservancy
“The Soil Will Save Us: How Scientists, Farmers and Foodies Are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet” by Kristin Ohlson
“A fantastic analysis of how we can feed the world sustainably and use natural systems to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.” — Mobley
“Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter” by Ben Goldfarb
“It’s about the history of overharvesting beavers, the ecological ramifications, and success stories of beaver rewilding with positive outcomes for humans and beavers. It is well-written and a good read for the general public – not a niche read for trained scientists.” — Gregor Hamilton, conservation practitioner with The Nature Conservancy, New Mexico chapter