Must-Read Books for Environmentalists
Whether you're looking to bolster your reader list or give a gift to an environmental friend, I've got the perfect book for you. Read on for a list of some of my favorite environmental books.
For the Nature Lover
Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac” (1949)
Released in 1949, A Sand County Almanac is an absolute classic. Leopold beautifully describes the ecological changes that occur in his home state of Wisconsin, while philosophizing about the connections between humans and land. It's a relaxing read that sits under 300 pages long.
Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass” (2013)
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a botanist, member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, mother and professor. In Braiding Sweetgrass, she tells stories about botany, motherhood and reconnecting with her Native American roots. Along the way, she explains how her knowledge of both scientific and indigenous attitudes toward nature have contributed to her current philosophies. In 400 pages, this book will make you laugh, cry and gain a greater appreciation for indigenous perspectives of nature.
For the Conservative
Edward Abbey’s “Desert Solitaire” (1968)
In Desert Solitare, Edward Abbey discusses his experiences living as a park ranger in the American Southwest. He criticizes modern Western culture, arguing that tourism and excessive governmental control are degrading our natural landscapes. Abbey's anarchist stance might come as a surprise to modern environmentalists, but in just over 300 pages, this book will broaden your perspective of what it means to value the natural world.
For the Economics Buff
Naomi Klein’s “This Changes Everything” (2014)
Not for the faint of heart, this book takes a long and hard look at how capitalism has enabled climate change. Naomi Klein explains that we need to radically restructure our economic and political systems in order to overcome climate change and prevent future ecological disasters. Her argument is thorough, bold and organized over a whopping 600 pages.
For the Activist
David Pellow’s “What is Critical Environmental Justice?” (2017)
David Pellow takes a fairly radical stance on environmental justice as he explains how environmental justice relates to Black Lives Matter, prisoners' rights and the Israel/Palestine conflict. This book has a heavy subject matter but is perfect for those looking for a quick read (250 pages) from a unique perspective.
Terry Tempest Williams’s “Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place” ( 1991)
In this memoir, Terry Tempest Williams describes the changing landscapes in her home state of Utah, grapples with her Mormon upbringing and criticizes the U.S. government for the human cost of nuclear weapons testing. In just over 300 pages, this book will light a feminist and environmentalist fire in your heart.
For the Beginner
Annie Leonard’s “The Story of Stuff” (2010)
I am not exaggerating when I say that this book changed my life. Annie Leonard describes how our "stuff" is created, how our obsession with stuff decreases our quality of life and where our stuff goes when we throw it out. In just under 400 pages, not only does Leonard outline the problems with our current system but she also suggests how we can create a less wasteful world. Her suggestions are perfect for those who want to be more sustainable but don’t know where to start.
“American Earth” (2008), Edited by Bill McKibben
If you want an overview of all American environmental writing since Thoreau, American Earth is a great place to start. With over 1000 pages of essays, poems and other short writings by tons of nature writers and environmentalists, this is a great coffee table book to gradually read over time.