Continuing our “Media for Change” series, this article explores how literature can inspire environmental action. From compelling non-fiction to engaging fiction, books have the power to encourage essential conversations about our planet. Influential works like Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” (1962) and Naomi Klein’s “This Changes Everything” (2014) have not only topped bestseller lists but also served as catalysts for change. These books, along with those mentioned below, played a key role in shaping my decision to focus my education and career on environmental studies and carbon awareness.
This article presents a selection of impactful literature I have read over the past few years, each offering unique perspectives, narratives, and insights on environmental stewardship and the climate crisis. There is, of course, a vast amount of literature on these topics that I have yet to explore, and I look forward to discovering more voices and ideas in the future.
Figure 1: Books on grass [1]
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013)
Starting with one of my favourite non-fiction books, “Braiding Sweetgrass” is a blend of memoir, history, and indigenous knowledge. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a botanist, takes the reader on a journey through the tragic massacres of Indigenous Peoples, their perseverance, and the preservation of their culture and traditions. She also shares personal stories from her childhood and her evolving relationship with the earth.
The book delves into Indigenous peoples’ deep-rooted relationship with plants, emphasising the importance of reciprocity, respect for nature, and sustainable living. It pushes readers to reevaluate their understanding of the natural world and their role within it.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” is not only educational but also inspiring. It offers valuable lessons on environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, encouraging us to adopt a more harmonious and respectful relationship with the earth.
“How Bad Are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything” by Mike Berners-Lee (2010)
“How Bad Are Bananas?” is an easy read that explores the carbon footprints of various everyday items and activities, from aviation and heating to social media and space tourism. Mike Berners-Lee, a professor and fellow of the Institute for Social Futures at Lancaster University and from a family of very well-known academics, presents this information in an organised and engaging manner, offering surprising insights into the environmental impact of our consumer habits and lifestyles.
The book educates readers about the complexities of estimating a product’s carbon impact and highlights the unexpected carbon footprints associated with seemingly harmless activities. It prompts readers to reassess their consumer choices and adopt more sustainable practices.
Despite addressing a serious subject, “How Bad Are Bananas?” maintains a light and amusing tone, making it accessible to a wide audience. It serves as a wake-up call for readers to consider the environmental consequences of their daily actions and encourages them to make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint.
“There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years” by Mike Berners-Lee (2019)
Another book by Mike Berners-Lee, “There Is No Planet B”, offers a comprehensive overview of the environmental and economic challenges facing our planet. He doesn’t just paint a pessimistic picture; Berners-Lee highlights a path forward that’s optimistic and practical. He explores the root causes of these challenges and proposes solutions that allow us to live well within the planet’s boundaries.
The book explores the interconnectedness of environmental issues, economic systems, and human behaviour, highlighting the need for systemic change and individual responsibility. It encourages readers to rethink their lifestyles, consumption patterns, and values to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
By providing a holistic perspective on climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, and presenting actionable solutions, this book empowers readers to become agents of positive change. It challenges conventional perspectives and encourages critical thinking, making it an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.
“Fairhaven: A Novel of Climate Optimism” by Steven Willis (2024)
Instead of a dystopian future, “Fairhaven” breathes fresh air into climate fiction with a blend of realism and optimism. Opening in 2036, the novel paints a picture of humanity overcoming climate challenges. A fascinating layer to the story includes the ocean being recognised as a sovereign nation.
The novel explores societal transformations, technological breakthroughs, and individual choices, underlining how these factors combine to pave the way for a brighter future for the environment. The characters and hopeful message explored in “Fairhaven” prompts readers to confront climate change solutions and envision a just and sustainable future.
“The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson (2020)
Kim Stanley Robinson’s “The Ministry for the Future” is a thought-provoking sci-fi novel set in the imminent future. Narrated through fictional eye-witness accounts, it centres on a newly formed international organisation tasked with confronting the climate crisis and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
Robinson utilises elements of science fiction, policy debates, and personal narratives to create a plausible and optimistic outlook. The novel highlights the power of global collaboration in mitigating environmental catastrophe. Robinson’s unique approach uses fictional firsthand accounts to depict the very real consequences of climate change. Unlike many dystopian stories, this story unfolds in a world on the brink, offering a compelling message about the importance of collective action.
Notable Mentions
- Stephanie Seneff’s “Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment” (2023). This book investigates the harmful effects of glyphosate, urging readers to reconsider its widespread use domestically and commercially.
- Yoko Tawada’s “Scattered All Over the Earth” (2022), and “The Last Children of Tokyo” (2018). These novels explore post-apocalyptic worlds, emphasising the impacts of environmental degradation on human society.
- “No. More. Plastic.” by Martin Dorey (2018). This guide offers practical tips for reducing plastic use and inspiring individual action against plastic pollution.
- Climate Crisis and the Global Green New Deal: The Political Economy of Saving the Planet (2020) by Noam Chomsky and Rober Pollin, with C.J Polychroniou. For an in-depth review, check out my colleague’s article here.
About Pager Power
Pager Power undertakes technical assessments for developers of renewable energy projects and tall buildings worldwide. For more information about what we do, please get in touch.
References
- Pixabay, Books on Grass Field, Pexels, 2017. https://www.pexels.com/photo/open-books-on-grass-field-415078/. Accessed on: 19/06/2024.
