For Your Reading Pleasure: Books and the Environment
For the second installment of the media’s ties to the environment, books have become a popular platform for spreading environmental awareness. Whether discussing environmental activism, the effects of human activity on other species, or the constantly changing atmosphere, the book market has found its place in the discussion on climate change.
However, a large number of books discussing aspects of climate change can be overwhleming due to how scientific and serious in nature they are. While these books are important reads, they can be daunting especially to those beginning their journey into the world of environmental science.
In the hopes to provide a place to start, here are some of my favorite environmental reads that I started with!
The Sixth Extinction
In this non-fiction anthology, Elizabeth Kolbert brings to light the role that humans have had on bringing forth the sixth extinction in Earth’s history. Beginning by discussing the previous five great extinctions, Kolbert introduces the sixth extinction and explores it’s broad nature. By exploring the fate of several different species from around the world, Kolbert creates a compelling case, backed by scienctific evidence and historical accounts, for the new era of the sixth extinction. I was first introduced to this book as a required english summer reading assignment in high school. However, unlike many of my fellow classmates, I found this book to be very interesting despite being quite technical at times. Kolbert was able to create a narrative full of travel and adventure while still emphasizing the detrimental effect humans have had on the world around us.
The Water Will Come
In this almost expose-like piece, Jeff Goodell discusses the harsh realities of how our changing climate is affecting our oceans. Goodell, a seasoned environmental reporter, discusses the traditional topics regarding rising water levels as well as many fresh ones. Expanding his horizons beyond the ever growing sea-level threshold, Goodell examines how major cities, such as Florida’s own Miami, are destined to drown by exploring architecture, politics, and insurance programs. Goodell also explores how some cities have tried to prevent further negative impacts on occupied land such as Venice’s MOSE retractable barrier. In a heavily reporter-style narrative, Goodell is able to not only prove that the waters are rising to meet us, but also introduces the reader to the numerous, not typically considered, effects this confrontation will pose.
No One is Too Small to Make a Difference
One of my most recent purchases, Greta Thunberg’s pocket sized companion is an inspiring read, especially for those just starting out. This is also a great starter book for those who do not want to be overwhelmed by complicated science. This book is a compliation of all of Greta Thunberg’s public speeches over the past 2 years. It includes eleven speeches given at a variety of events such as the ones hosted by the United Nations as well as School Strike for Climate Protests. While this short read is not heavily rooted in science, it is a gripping read that will spark your passion for climate justice!
A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future
This is one of my heavily anticipated yet to be read titles! As always, Sir David Attenborough delights his fans and new readers with what he calls his “witness statement”. Throughout the book, Sir David recounts many of his adventures from traveling the globe, but also compares the Earth when he traveresed it to what Earth is now. The book also discusses what Sir David Attenborough hopes for the future as well as how we each can contribute to this vision. From discussing plastic use to personal diets, Sir David provides a new perspective for many on the state of the Earth and what role we have, and will, play. Much like his Netflix documentary, which was released in 2020, Sir David Attenborough attempts to reach another audience with his message through this book.
What You Can Do
Well, for this week’s blog, it is kind of self explanatory– read a book! A environmental science one, that is. Also spare a glance at the reading lists linked below for some other good reads.
My other suggestion is that, if you happen to read any one of these books, leave a comment about what you thought about it! Conversations in which we share opinions help us to broaden our horizons as well as discover bigger and better things.
Finally, if you have any environmental or climate change literary favorites, leave them as a comment down below as well! I am always looking for new books!
Expand Your Horizons
New York Times: The Year You Finally Read a Book about Climate Change