With the holiday travel season upon us, a great book can be the perfect companion during delays or a thoughtful gift. Journalists from Bloomberg Green have curated a list of seven captivating climate and environmental books that, while packed with serious themes, are also deeply engaging. Here are their picks.
Fiction
“What We Can Know” by Ian McEwan
Set in 2119, this story unfolds after major climate disasters and war have drastically reduced the world’s population. The U.K. is now a series of tiny islands. Scholar Tom Metcalfe is on a quest to find a lost poem written by a famous author. He believes that digging into the poet’s past, using a historical archive from Nigeria, might lead him to it. This tale is both a reflection of our current trajectory and a warning of what might come if we don’t change course.
“Greenwood” by Michael Christie
This book starts in 2038 with Jacinda Greenwood, a tour guide in one of the last remaining forests. The narrative travels back to 1934, revealing a family split by a timber empire that has affected their lives for generations. As Jacinda navigates a stark future, the story touches on themes of sacrifice and redemption, with the majestic yet threatened trees standing witness to human actions.
“Barkskins” by Annie Proulx
A sweeping saga spanning 300 years, this book chronicles the deforestation of North America. It begins with two immigrants in the 17th century and examines the impact of colonialism on both the environment and Indigenous communities. Despite its hefty length, Proulx’s rich descriptions of forests and the human cost of their destruction make this novel unforgettable.
Nonfiction
“The Joyful Environmentalist: How to Practise Without Preaching” by Isabel Losada
In a world filled with climate concerns, finding joy might seem tough. Losada encourages readers to embrace delight even amidst challenges, offering simple activities like making homemade eco-friendly products. Her humorous anecdotes and practical tips emphasize that small actions can contribute to environmental well-being and that positivity can coexist with activism.
“Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future” by Dan Wang
Wang explores China’s rapid development, driven by leaders with engineering backgrounds. He discusses the country’s impressive clean tech advancements, framing it within a larger context of competition between the U.S. and China. With the rise of clean technologies, it’s crucial to understand how these nations influence global sustainability.
“Entangled Life” by Merlin Sheldrake
Sheldrake delves into the fascinating world of fungi and their interconnections with other life forms. His hands-on approach, including personal experiments, sheds light on the essential role fungi play in our ecosystem. This exploration encourages readers to rethink their relationship with nature and the interconnectedness of all life.
“Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation” by Dan Fagin
Fagin narrates the tragic tale of Toms River, N.J., where a chemical plant’s pollution raised alarms about child health. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book reads like a thriller that exposes the hidden dangers of industrial growth. It underscores the importance of accountability in corporate practices and the long-lasting impacts of environmental negligence.
Conclusion
These books offer a blend of fiction and nonfiction that not only entertain but also provoke thought about pressing environmental issues. As you dive into these stories, you may find both inspiration and a deeper understanding of our world’s challenges.
