We have a double whammy of global celebrations that are a perfect fit for Ultimate Library this week – World Book Day fell on 07 March while Earth Day was 22 April. After all, education supports conservation. So here are 13 riveting reads designed to inspire you to take action for Mother Earth – from Blue Machine – a fascinating deep dive into how our oceans shape our world, to Sacred Nature – a guide to rediscovering our spiritual connection to the natural world and The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis – some of these tell some tough truths – but all of them are very much focused on solutions.
1. It’s Not Just You: How to Navigate Eco-Anxiety and the Climate Crisis by Tori Tsui
The world is in desperate need of this book’ (Greta Thunberg). An empowering guide for anyone struggling with eco-anxiety in the face of the climate crisis. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, scientific research and practical advice, Tori Tsui helps us understand and navigate the complex emotions that come with facing the environmental challenges of our time. She offers strategies for managing anxiety and stress, as well as ways to take action and make a positive impact.
It’s Not Just You: How to Navigate Eco-Anxiety and the Climate Crisis by Tori Tsui
2. Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski
A fascinating dive into the essential engine that drives our world’ (Gaia Vince). Blue Machine tells the untold story of our ocean – not just its inhabitants, but its vast engine that drives weather, culture, and history. Helen Czerski dives deep, revealing the intricate workings of the ocean, its currents, and the creatures that thrive in its depths. By understanding this crucial system, we can grasp our place on this ocean planet and chart a sustainable future.
Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski
3. Sacred Nature: How We Can Recover Our Bond with the Natural World by Karen Armstrong
In Sacred Nature, Karen Armstrong argues that reconnecting with nature’s spiritual bond is vital for averting environmental disaster. Drawing from religious traditions, she offers practical steps to foster gratitude, compassion, and non-violence. This book speaks to anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature and seeking practical solutions to save our planet.
Sacred Nature: How We Can Recover Our Bond with the Natural World by Karen Armstrong
4. It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World by Mikaela Loach
A powerful guide to climate activism and the true meaning of climate justice’ (Jack Harries). An incredibly powerful and timely book that presents a revolutionary perspective on climate action, challenging the mainstream narrative that upholds capitalism and ignores systemic oppression. Mikaela Loach argues that true climate justice requires dismantling the root causes of poverty, exploitation, and inequality. This book inspires readers to take radical action for a better world, offering a hopeful vision of collective liberation and a sustainable future for all.
It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World by Mikaela Loach
5. Rewilding the Sea: How to Save our Oceans by Charles Clover
A thought-provoking call to action for ocean conservation, arguing that by restoring natural processes and implementing sustainable practices, we can help reverse the damage caused by human intervention and protect the future of our oceans. This book offers a hopeful vision of a healthier, more balanced marine ecosystem and galvanises readers to take action for the sake of our planet.
6. The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future by David Wallace-Wells
The most terrifying book I have ever read’ (The New York Times). The Uninhabitable Earth reveals the stark reality of climate change, challenging the notion that it’s a distant threat. It’s not just about sea-level rise, but a cascade of catastrophes. The Anthropocene era, shaped by human activity, has provoked a climate system that will now pose a threat for centuries. We must confront this living nightmare, transforming how we live, or risk being destroyed.
The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future by David Wallace-Wells
7. Nature is a Human Right: Why We’re Fighting for Green in a Grey World by Ellen Miles
An inspiring anthology that explores the importance of nature for mental, physical and social wellbeing, highlighting the urgent need for equitable access to green spaces. Edited by Ellen Miles, founder of Nature is a Human Right, it features a collection of engaging essays, interviews and exercises on topics like mental health, inequality and activism from a range of expert ambassadors and supporters.
Nature is a Human Right: Why We’re Fighting for Green in a Grey World by Ellen Miles
8. Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: How the Natural World is Adapting to Climate Change by Thor Hanson
Hanson supplies abundant reason to marvel at nature’s ingenuity, but also to fear for it in the face of the drastic changes we are generating’ (The Guardian). A fascinating book exploring how plants and animals are adapting and evolving in response to the impacts of climate change, from lizards developing larger toe pads to grip more tightly during hurricanes to plastic-eating squid emerging in polluted waters.
9. Not the End of the World: How we can be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Ritchie
A book for anyone who finds it difficult to believe in a better future’ (The Times). Amidst doom and gloom headlines, this book offers a radically hopeful perspective. Data scientist Hannah Ritchie argues that we’re making unprecedented progress towards sustainability and challenges common beliefs about the environment, providing research-backed insights and practical guidance.
10. The Seasons Alter: How to Save Our Planet in Six Acts by Philip Kitcher & Evelyn Fox Keller
In November 2015, the Paris Agreement on climate change offered hope for a better future, but challenges remained. Two scholars now present groundbreaking arguments to reframe the issue, shedding light on vested interests and political barriers. This timely book channels the urgency of Rachel Carson and the passion of Naomi Klein, providing a roadmap to environmental salvation.
The Seasons Alter: How to Save Our Planet in Six Acts by Philip Kitcher & Evelyn Fox Keller
11. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates
This insightful book presents Bill Gates’ insights into the causes of and solutions to climate change. Drawing on expert knowledge, Gates outlines the path towards net-zero emissions and the obstacles we face. He explains current and emerging technologies, proposes practical policies and actions, and encourages individuals to play their part in this critical endeavour.
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates
12. Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands in a Rising Ocean by Christina Gerhardt
Sea Change shines a light on island nations fighting against climate change, highlighting Indigenous and Black voices as well as communities seeking climate justice. This unique atlas combines compelling stories, science, and calls for action, inspiring readers to join the battle against climate change and make informed decisions for a sustainable future.
Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands in a Rising Ocean by Christina Gerhardt
13. The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis by Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Garnac
A rallying cry for hope and action, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, instrumental in the Paris Agreement, urge us to embrace optimism and take concrete steps towards renewing our planet. This book provides practical guidance for individual and collective action, empowering us to create a better, sustainable world beyond the climate crisis.
The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis by Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Garnac
