Top Nature and Sustainability Reads Perfect for Summer Reading
In the pursuit of reconnecting with nature and understanding the importance of sustainability, here are some highly recommended books for your summer reading list.
1. "Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard" by Douglas W. Tallamy (2019)
This book advocates for grassroots conservation, encouraging homeowners to transform their yards into thriving wildlife habitats. By making small changes in our own backyards, we can promote sustainability starting at home.
2. "The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist’s Guide to the Climate Crisis" by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac (2020)**
This book presents two future scenarios for Earth based on climate action outcomes. It encourages optimism and determination to address climate change, offering a hopeful outlook for our planet's future.
3. "Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation"**
A practical guide on how systemic changes can end the climate crisis within a generation, emphasizing regenerative approaches.
4. "Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World"**
Focuses on positive systemic changes globally, giving hope about sustainability efforts and the potential for a greener future.
For those seeking a more personal narrative, "The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year" by Margaret Renkl, published in 2023, is a 52-chapter book that showcases the plants and creatures in the author's backyard over the course of a year. The book is beautifully illustrated with original collages by the author's brother, Billy Renkl. It is a deeply moving and cathartic book that showcases the power of nature and its presence in our lives.
Another book worth mentioning is "Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild" by Lucy Jones, published in 2020, which explores the impact of connecting with nature on human health.
For those interested in the ecological significance of animals, "Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World" by Emma Marris, published in 2021, discusses the importance of animals in human life and the need for sustainability and justice in the non-human world. If you're fascinated by the power and benefits of fungi, "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures" by Merlin Sheldrake, published in 2020, is a must-read.
For a broader exploration of environmental themes, "Life Changing: How Humans Are Altering Life on Earth" by Helen Pilcher, "Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and Its Birds" by Benedict Macdonald, and "Sitopia: How Food Can Change the World" by Carolyn Steel are all highly recommended.
Lastly, for a deeper historical and ecological storytelling, "Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate" by Mark Kurlansky (2020) explores the interconnection between nature and human history through the story of salmon.
These books collectively cover practical conservation, climate change perspectives, personal narratives, and systemic change, offering insightful awareness and valuable knowledge for anyone interested in sustainability and the power of nature this summer.
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[1] https://www.audubon.org/news/natures-best-hope-douglas-w-tallamy-summer-reading-list [2] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/01/the-best-books-on-nature-and-the-environment-to-read-this-summer [3] https://fivebooks.com/best-books/books-on-climate-change/ [4] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/30/salmon-mark-kurlansky-review-history-fish-nature
- By reading "Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard," one can find inspiration for turning their homes into environmental-science projects, promoting sustainable-living.
- "The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist’s Guide to the Climate Crisis" presents a positive stance on climate-change, encouraging education-and-self-development for addressing the climate crisis.
- "Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation" and "Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World" provide insight into systemic changes needed for sustainable-living and a greener environment.
- Meanwhile, for a more personal connection with nature, reads like "The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year." This book offers a deep reflection on the power and presence of nature in our lives, promoting a lifestyle that values the environment.
- For a broader understanding of the ecological importance of animals, "Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World" and "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures" are excellent choices.
- Those seeking a mix of practical conservation, climate change perspectives, personal narratives, and systemic change should consider "Life Changing: How Humans Are Altering Life on Earth," "Rebirding: Rewilding Britain and Its Birds," "Sitopia: How Food Can Change the World," and "Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate."
These books offer a comprehensive learning experience for anyone passionate about sustainability, the environment, and the power of nature.
