Climate Change Book Club
Reading - whether it’s physical, digital, or even an audio book – lets us escape, learn, and grow. I am a seeker of knowledge and a lover of stories so naturally I gravitate towards books, anthologies, biographies, and collections of poetry to indulge my curiosity and lust for learning.
The stories we read, hear, and share can shape who we are as individuals and as a society. So I love to read books that help me learn and grow. Even better are the books that provide insight into new ways of being to build the society I want to live in. This (of course) means that books on sustainability and zero-waste tend to get sprinkled into my reading list.
If you’re starting a book club (or are looking for your next read) I’ve compiled for you a short list of the best books I’ve read (or are on my list) to help us on our journey to a more sustainable life, community, and economy.
Where to Begin by Cleo Wade
As an a-type personality I love chronology so Where to Begin seemed like the most logical book to start our list. This one’s a quick read (a mere 57 minutes if you listen to audiobooks) and is a collection of poems and personal anecdotes.
Where to Beginis the perfect book if you’re someone who’s always on the go or just wants a quick read. Whether you start from page one, or just pick a page and a “mantra of the day”, you’re sure to walk away with some inspiration and hope. Wade holds inspiration and accountability in equal measure and touches not just on climate change, but on many ways we can make this world a better place. A well of inspiration, some of my takeaways from Where to Begin were learning how to forgive myself and remembering to see myself in others. This is a great re-read because your takeaways may change with each reading.
On Fire: The Burning Case for Climate Change by Naomi Klein
I (somewhat) regularly feel overwhelmed by the sense that the world is literally and metaphorically on fire. So of course the title of this book called to me. On Fire discusses the intersection of all forms of injustice and how the environmental movement doesn’t have to be limited to climate justice. In fact, Klein argues it misses the mark if it does.
On Fire is centered on “The Green New Deal” and Klein explores how we can and need to look at positive change holistically, for example, we need to remember that communities without drinking water can’t just ditch plastic water bottles - these problems need solutions before single use plastic policies are realistic. I went into this read expecting solutions but instead (to my pleasant surprise) found passion and inspiration - and empathy too.
Klein has a number of other books on climate change that I can’t wait to read including: This Changes Everything and How to Change Everything.
Overdressed by Elizabeth L Cline
I read Overdressed a number of years ago and it’s one that’s really stuck with me. At the time I knew fast fashion was “bad” but this book was a real eye-opener into the complexities of the fashion industry.
Cline provides great historical information about how fashion existed in the past verus how fast fashion and ever changing trends have distorted our expectations and habits around fashion in the present. The book chronicles her experience visiting factories overseas and her research.
I am so heartened to see that since the writing of this book there continues to be more awareness around the incredible waste created by the fashion industry and the positive movement towards slow fashion and a more circular fashion industry! If you’re feeling particularly inspired by Cline’s writing, there is also a documentary on the subject called The True Cost that’s on Netflix.
If you want to make a difference locally in the fashion industry check out Blenderz Garment Recyclers, a local textile recycling company. You can also learn more by checking out my blog 10 Things to Try BEFORE Donating to a Thrift Shop.
Losing Earth: A Recent History by Nathaniel Rich
I haven’t had the opportunity to read this – yet! But to my inner research nerd, this book looks amazing. It discusses the time from 1979-1989 when the world’s major powers came very close to implementing serious climate action. Unfortunately, they faltered and bowed to big business interests. Rich’s writings are now more poignant than ever. His insights and criticisms from the past can help inform how to make climate policy happen in this critical time in the climate movement. We have no more time to waste.
If these aren’t enough and you want even more books on climate change and the environment check out the CPAWS summer reading list!
Have you discovered a great climate change read? I want to hear about it!
