Books on Climate Change
The year 2023 has witnessed significant climate extremes, highlighting the severe threats that climate change and environmental destruction pose to humanity. As we navigate through this period of major change, leaders and innovators are consistently presenting new solutions and perspectives that inspire reflection and optimism. Earth.Org's selection of top climate change books for the upcoming year reveals a vision that is both ambitious regarding humanity's future and modest about our role in the natural world—filled with hope for what's ahead while remaining realistic about the challenges we may face.
The year 2023 has been recorded as the hottest year ever, largely influenced by the return of El Niño, a weather phenomenon that has driven global temperatures to unprecedented levels and is anticipated to continue into 2024. This trend persisted into the early months of the new year, with March 2024 marking the 10th consecutive month of record-breaking temperatures, reaching 1.77°C above the estimated average for February from 1850-1900. In February 2024, the European Union's weather service, Copernicus, confirmed that the crucial global warming threshold of 1.5°C, established in the Paris Agreement For the first time in history, the temperature threshold was surpassed over a twelve-month span, reaching 1.58°C above the 19th-century average. Although this does not indicate a permanent violation of the limit— which scientists assert should be assessed over decades— it serves as a stark warning to humanity that we are nearing a point of no return more rapidly than anticipated. Books are among the most effective resources for breaking down this complex information and making climate science accessible to everyone. They provide a platform for experts to communicate their insights, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current environmental situation and the urgent necessity for collective action. If you're feeling overwhelmed by this critical issue and need to focus on other responsibilities, you might consider to get custom written essay from professional experts to help manage your academic workload. This is precisely why Earth.Org has upgraded and greatly broadened its book review series to feature regular discussions with authors and more comprehensive examinations of their works. In addition to highlighting award-winning authors, leading climate scientists, and influential thinkers who are contributing to a better future for humanity, we've compiled a list of the essential books on climate change that everyone should read.
Top Books on Climate Change to Read in 2024
1. The New Climate War, by Michael Mann
Michael Mann can be considered one of the closest individuals we have to a climate hero. His narrative strongly echoes the tales of cinematic superheroes. In 1999, Michael Mann made a significant impact in the field of climate science by co-authoring the well-known "hockey stick graph," which illustrates the role of human activity in the increase of average temperatures. Since then, he has faced intense criticism, scrutiny, and dismissal from a system upheld by the antagonists of our story, primarily the fossil fuel industry and other stakeholders with their own interests. However, our protagonist persevered and sought recognition for the developing discipline of climate science. In The New Climate War , Mann discusses how the fossil fuel industry has changed its strategies, moving from outright denial of climate change to obstructing progress and placing the responsibility on individuals, which has postponed essential actions for systemic reform. The book provides an intriguing analysis of the complex network of misinformation and misdirection that the fossil fuel industry has propagated since climate change became undeniable. While maintaining a cautious optimism, Mann asserts that the primary obstacles we encounter today are not due to a lack of technological or intellectual capability to implement systemic change, but rather a deficiency in the political will needed to achieve it.
2. Boost Me: Achieve Net Zero More QuicklyCertainly!
Supercharge Me (2022) This text examines the actions of governments, businesses, and individuals while evaluating the successes and failures in moving the global economy toward net zero emissions. Fund manager Eric Lonergan and sustainability consultant Corinne Sawers propose actionable strategies that encourage people to view the climate crisis as a chance for improvement. They suggest enhancing conventional economic measures, like carbon pricing, with EPICs—extreme positive incentives for change that can significantly boost behavioral shifts.
3. Post Growth: Existence Beyond Capitalism , by Tim Jackson
For the economics-inclined, Post Growth This could be our top choice for the most approachable and motivating technical environmental books of 2021. Professor Tim Jackson, a prominent ecological economist, initially rose to prominence with his 2009 book. Prosperity Without Growth , An extensive examination of the economic theories and frameworks that can lead us towards a more sustainable and thriving future.Jackson's 2021 venture is a captivating and heartfelt book that sheds light on what a future beyond capitalism, competition, and extreme self-interest could truly be like, largely eliminating much of the specialized language and economic terminology typically associated with the subject. Prosperity. Based on a strong comprehension of ecological economics, Post Growth presents a strong case that the economy is not independent from the natural environment but is fundamentally integrated within it. From this perspective, it becomes evident that perpetual economic growth is simply not sustainable.Regardless of your stance on Jackson’s core beliefs about capitalism and its place in a thriving society, this book offers insight into a future where having clear winners does not automatically mean there are clear losers. It presents a vision of prosperity that encompasses not just material wealth but also the wellbeing, health, and safety of every individual in the community. Post Growth does not inherently provide the answers and technical resources that Prosperity However, it offers a perspective on the future that is optimistic, promising, and completely attainable.
4. Under A White Sky , by Elizabeth Kolbert
If you have a scientific mindset and a focus on problem-solving, this book is a great choice for you. In her exploration, journalist and author Elizabeth Kolbert takes readers on a global journey, examining the various attempts humans have made to control the natural world. The main takeaway is that while we consider ourselves clever problem solvers—and we certainly have the capacity to be so—our interventions often lead to unexpected and far-reaching consequences for both ecosystems and human communities. Under A White SkyThe book is highly engaging and paints a vivid picture of various scenes, from the flooded marshlands of Louisiana to the astonishing advancements in genetic engineering. In each new location, the author, Kolbert, explores the latest technological solutions being implemented, often as attempts to mask the unintended effects of previous technological interventions. This entertaining read offers an insightful look at some of the most innovative and intricate approaches humanity has devised to tackle the environmental crisis. However, it also serves as a warning, highlighting the extent of our actions and their impact on the world.
5. This Alters Everything: Capitalism Against the Climate , by Naomi Klein
Rob Nixon of The New York Times described it as "the most significant and controversial environmental book since..." Silent Spring” Impassioned journalist Naomi Klein reveals the misconceptions surrounding the climate discussion, uncovering how influential and well-funded right-wing think tanks and lobbying organizations are behind the denial of climate change. This Changes Everything In 2014, Klein critiques the prevailing "free market" ideology, suggesting that it falls short in addressing the crisis of climate change.
6. Regenesis: Nourishing the Global Population Without Harming the Earth , by George Monbiot
Conventional agriculture is harming our planet, endangering wildlife, contaminating water supplies, and ravaging forests and land; yet, in spite of all this, However, as George Monbiot, a talented British writer and activist, eloquently illustrates in... Regenesis According to Monbiot (2022), it is possible to nourish the world while preserving the environment. He has dedicated years to exploring various ecosystems around the globe and has encountered individuals who are developing groundbreaking techniques that could secure humanity's future. This includes innovators in fruit and vegetable cultivation who are transforming our comprehension of soil fertility, breeders of perennial grains who are freeing the land from traditional plowing and harmful substances, and researchers exploring novel methods for producing protein and fat.
7. The Nature Fix: Exploring How Nature Enhances Our Happiness, Well-Being, and Creativity. , by Florence Williams
Florence Williams explores the scientific foundations of nature's beneficial impacts on the brain, examining areas ranging from eucalyptus forests in California and woodland paths in Korea to islands in Finland. She engages with the latest research on the subject. The Nature Fix (2017) reveals how the natural world can enhance our health, strengthen our relationships, and encourage contemplation and creativity.
8. Drawdown: The Most Complete Strategy Ever Suggested to Counteract Global Warming. , by Paul Hawken
Drawdown In 2017, a collection of the 100 most impactful strategies to combat global warming was compiled by prominent scientists and policymakers. If these strategies were implemented, they could significantly lower the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Currently a staple on the New York Times bestseller list, Hawken evaluates these solutions—such as reducing reliance on air conditioners and refrigerators or shifting to a diet rich in plants—based on their potential to prevent or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Half-Earth: The Struggle for Life on Our Planet , by Edward O. Wilson
Half Earth In his 2016 publication, authored by one of the world's leading naturalists and a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, a practical strategy is put forth to protect our threatened biosphere: allocate half of the Earth's surface to nature. To prevent the widespread extinction of species, including humanity, the author emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard the planet's biodiversity in one of his most fervent writings on climate change to date.
10. Natural Capital: Assessing the Value of Our Planet , by Dieter Helm
The initial genuine effort to assess, quantify, and assign a value to natural capital through an economic lens, Natural Capital In 2015, Dieter Helm, an economics fellow at the University of Oxford, alters the parameters of the ongoing environmental discussion. He asserts that neglecting to assign an economic value to nature could lead to significant environmental disasters. Helm then presents a new framework designed to align economic growth with a commitment to preserving our natural resources, ensuring that one does not come at the expense of the other.
11. "Hot, Flat, and Crowded: The Case for a Green Revolution and Its Potential to Revitalize America" , by Thomas Friedman
In light of the recent excitement surrounding the Green New Deal in American politics, we suggest this insightful book by Thomas L. Friedman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who originated the term. Hot, Flat and Crowded According to a 2008 report, the United States faces an immediate necessity to increase its use of renewable energy sources, and the challenge of climate change offers a distinct chance for the country. This situation not only allows the US to revamp its economy but also positions it to take the lead globally in developing cleaner energy solutions.
12. The Major Solution: 7 Actionable Steps to Protect Our Earth
According to Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis, although being an aware and environmentally friendly consumer is beneficial, it alone will not suffice to eliminate our greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet. As an energy policy expert, Harvey emphasizes this point. New York Times Reporter Justin Gillis presents an argument in their book.The Major Solution: 7 Effective Actions to Protect Our PlanetIn 2022, it's essential for citizens to advocate for policies that can significantly impact seven key sectors: electricity generation, transportation, construction, industry, urban development, land utilization, and investment in innovative green technologies.
13. Sustainable Nation: Future Urban Design Strategies , by Douglas Farr
A crucial asset for urban designers, planners, and architects, Sustainable Nation The 2018 publication serves as an urgent call to action and a manual for transformation. Douglas Farr, an architect and urban planner, explains how creating cities and structures with sustainable principles can help address humanitarian, population, and climate challenge.
14. The Uninhabitable Earth, by David Wallace-Wells
If you're looking to quickly understand the immense scale of the climate crisis, journalist David Wallace-Wells offers a concise yet striking depiction of our future on the planet. In just 200 pages, he explores various aspects of the anticipated future, including extreme heat and polluted air. As Wallace-Wells states in the opening line of the book, "it is worse, much worse, than you think." Even for those who consider themselves knowledgeable about the topic, the continuous influx of disasters linked to global warming jolts readers out of any sense of complacency. Although the book does not provide answers, it emphasizes that we possess all the necessary tools to mitigate the most severe impacts. However, in the end, The Uninhabitable Earth aims to clarify the terrifying reality of the consequences we are facing. If we do not recognize the urgency, how can we hope to find a way out of this predicament? As we confront these realities, it's also worth noting how cities like Chicago are pioneering sustainable practices. The city is becoming a beacon for change, with initiatives like the Green Era Chicago showcasing how urban areas can lead the way in environmental resilience.
15. "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" , by Elizabeth Kolbert
According to this book, which addresses the urgent environmental issues we face, by 2050 the climate crisis could lead to the extinction of as many as half of all species on the planet. We are currently experiencing a sixth mass extinction, which is on track to be the quickest one documented. Kolbert explains how human activities have pushed various species towards extinction or near-extinction, citing examples such as the Panamanian golden frog, which has been almost eradicated in the wild due to a fungal disease, and the Maui species, which is threatened by deforestation. Our actions are contributing to this loss of biodiversity in several ways, including climate-related issues like rising sea levels and deforestation, along with the introduction of diseases through invasive species and poaching. By disrupting the fragile balance of the planet’s ecosystems, we are endangering our own future as well.
16. Losing Earth: The Decade When We Might Have Prevented Climate Change , by Nathaniel Rich
For decades, we have been aware of the dangers posed by climate change, yet minimal action has been taken. This book explores the years from 1979 to 1989, a period during which our understanding of the causes and risks of climate change began to expand. It primarily focuses on the United States' response to the crisis, highlighting the efforts of scientists and activists who sought to raise awareness, alongside the Reagan-era politicians and businesses that aimed to prevent any significant measures from being implemented. Rich notes that the world nearly reached an agreement on binding international treaties to address the rapid increase in global warming. However, by the early 1990s, a matter that was once viewed as bipartisan shifted to a partisan issue after the oil industry aggressively intervened. Since that time, more carbon has been released into the atmosphere than in all the years of human civilization prior to that. Losing Earth This serves as a crucial warning for confronting the upcoming challenges related to climate change.
17. Net Zero: Strategies for Halting Climate Change , by Dieter Helm
Another entry by Helm, Net Zero highlights the steps we must all undertake, whether on a personal, local, national, or global level, if we genuinely wish to combat climate change. This book offers a thoughtful and balanced perspective on halting climate change through a net-zero strategy that focuses on lowering carbon emissions and enhancing carbon absorption. It provides a logical analysis of the reasons behind the failures of the past three decades and outlines how the next thirty years can be more successful. Similar to other titles on this list, it is essential reading for those who listen to environmental activists advocating against climate change but are unsure of what actions they can take.
18. Our Last Alert: The Urgency of Climate Crisis at Six Degrees, by Mark Lynas
This book presents a perspective on the future of our planet and civilization if current global warming trends continue. How much worse could the situation become? Are we already beyond the point of no return? Lynas reviews the most recent climate science to investigate the path we’ve set for our planet for the next century and beyond. He outlines the potential effects of global temperature increases, detailing the impacts degree by degree. At one degree Celsius—where we currently are—extreme wildfires ravage California and Australia, while powerful hurricanes strike coastal regions. At two degrees, the Arctic ice caps begin to melt, and tropical coral reefs vanish. At three degrees, food shortages arise, endangering millions with hunger. At four degrees, vast regions become uninhabitable due to heat, leading to the disappearance of entire nations and creating billions of climate refugees. Five degrees marks a temperature not seen in 55 million years, and at six degrees, a massive extinction event threatens all forms of life on Earth. These dire outcomes can still be prevented, but we are short on time. Action to halt fossil fuel consumption must be taken within the next decade. If we do not succeed, we risk crossing critical thresholds that could lead to uncontrollable global climate chaos.
19. On Fire: The Compelling Argument for a Green New Deal , by Naomi Klein
This book compiles over ten years of Klein's writings, along with new content addressing the urgent political and economic implications of our current choices. These in-depth essays examine the climate crisis not just as a political issue, but also as a spiritual and imaginative one. Through reports that traverse locations such as the eerie Great Barrier Reef, the smoke-filled skies of the Pacific Northwest, hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico, and a Vatican pursuing an unprecedented "ecological conversion," Klein argues that we can only confront the existential threat of climate change if we are prepared to overhaul the systems that created this crisis. This extensive and wide-ranging examination positions the struggle for a sustainable future as inherently linked to the fight for our very survival. On Fire conveys the intense urgency of the climate emergency and the passionate momentum of a growing political movement advocating for a transformative Green New Deal.
20. The Climate Emergency and the Worldwide Green New Deal: The Economic and Political Aspects of Preserving Our Planet , by Noam Chomsky & Robert Pollin
The final book on our list concerning climate change features Noam Chomsky, a prominent public intellectual, and Robert Pollin, an esteemed progressive economist. They outline the severe repercussions of unchecked climate change and propose a practical solution: the Green New Deal. Chomsky and Pollin illustrate the predictions for a warmer world, where large areas will become uninhabitable due to extreme weather, drought, rising sea levels, and crop failures. They counter the fears of economic collapse and job loss that often accompany the shift to a green economy, arguing that such anxieties foster climate denial. The authors assert that it is entirely possible to eliminate fossil fuel use within the next 30 years. Climate change is an urgent crisis that demands attention, and this book presents strategies for addressing it politically and economically.
21. Ocean of Life: Humanity's Destiny and the Sea , by Callum Roberts
Callum Roberts’ 2013 book, Ocean of Life: The Destiny of Humanity and the Oceanexplores the captivating connection between humanity and water. This compelling warning urges us to protect our oceans before it’s too late, unabashedly revealing the significant effects that overfishing, pollution, and climate change have had on marine ecosystems. Rather than speculating on what might happen, it illustrates the current situation vividly. may In discussing future events, Roberts relies on established facts and practical solutions, which distinguishes his book from other recent literature on climate change. Unlike many environmental works that present dire "doomsday scenarios" without providing actionable solutions, Roberts' approach offers a more constructive perspective. The final section of Ocean of Life is filled with possible solutions that can be utilized by industries, businesses, governments, and everyday individuals.
22. All We Can Save: Understanding, Bravery, and Answers for the Climate Emergency, compiled by Ayana Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson
This book features a compilation of essays and poetry from 60 prominent women climate activists. It highlights the significant role that women play in developing the solutions necessary to address the climate crisis.
23. Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: How Nature is Adjusting to Climate Change , by Thor Hanson
As humans grapple with achieving net-zero goals and addressing greenwashing, various species have been forced to adjust to the effects of climate change. American biologist Thor Hanson points out that plants and animals have much to teach us about the future, as for many of them—and for many of us—that reality is already present.
24. The Dolphin Among Orcas , by Tom Meinerz
This story highlights a significant global issue that often goes unnoticed: ocean pollution and its effects on marine life. A dolphin pod experiences a rare event when twin sister calves are born, followed by the even more unusual birth of a malformed calf. Courage, as he is named, is born with deformities in his back and tail, which initially sparks curiosity but soon leads to ridicule and bullying from other dolphins. He and his mother often must swim behind the pod, frequently alone. However, Courage learns to embrace his differences and uses them to his advantage. This engaging story helps middle school students grasp the escalating threat of global pollution, a challenge that their generation is likely to tackle. It also explores the concept of bullying and its consequences, illustrating how perceived limitations can transform into unique strengths, enabling one to lead a successful life.
25. The Climate Book, by Greta Thunberg
The Climate Book In 2022, Greta Thunberg, the renowned Swedish climate activist and founder of the global movement Fridays for Future, published a collection of essays by more than one hundred thinkers and specialists, including oceanographers, meteorologists, economists, and geophysicists. The purpose of this work is to highlight the climate crisis and provide us with the information necessary to combat climate disasters and stop global warming. Thunberg also includes her personal experiences of protesting and exposing greenwashing across the globe, illustrating how much information has been concealed from us.
