5 climate adaptation books to read in self-isolation
We are finding new ways to keep ourselves entertained with millions of us stuck at home. Memes featuring some of the wackiest attempts appear daily in our news feeds. But tried and tested pursuits are also proving popular during coronavirus lockdown.
R eading is back in vogue, with book clubs going online for people wanting to make the experience more social. For those interested in the environment and looking for things to read, we’d like to suggest these five books. Each is packed with insights about climate change and what we should be doing about it
On Fire by Naomi Klein
From philosophers to flood victims, this collection of environmental essays airs all manner of opinions around the climate change debate. Klein, a New York Times bestselling author, explains how strong climate action like the implementation of the Green New Deal, could make the world a fairer and more prosperous place to live.
No one is too small to make a difference by Greta Thunberg
The Swede’s diminutive stature has not stopped her changing the world. And in this book she urges us all to play our part. This collection of eleven speeches was first published in May 2019. Together, her words serve as a rallying cry for why we must all wake up and fight to protect the living planet, no matter how powerless we feel. It was only in August 2018 that the then fifteen-year-old decided not to go to school one day. Her actions sparked a global movement for action which has forced governments to listen.
Climate Change Adaptation in Practice by Philipp Schmidt‐Thomé & Johannes Klein
Hear from the scientists and students working on climate adaptation. This book gives a nice overview of how adapting to extreme weather impacts economies and the best way to communicate climate-related issues. Perhaps for the more technically-minded, this read looks at issues such as making sure countries have enough water and how to redesign cities so they can continue to be an enjoyable and comfortable place to live.
This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein
According to Naomi Klein, the status quo is no longer an option. This book, which has also been turned into a documentary, outlines why the climate crisis is challenging the world to reshape the global economy and rethink political systems. Klein argues that acting on climate change is an opportunity for governments to turn our world on its head and one that we need to seize before it’s too late.
Storming the Wall by Todd Miller
Miller travels around the world to connect the dots between climate-ravaged communities, the corporations cashing in on border militarization and emerging movements for sustainability. In this 2017 exploration of climate change, migration, and homeland security, Miller reports from the flashpoints of climate clashes and from likely sites of future battles. He goes on to chronicle a growing system of militarized divisions between the rich and the poor, the environmentally secure and the environmentally exposed.
The ideas presented in this article aim to inspire adaptation action – they are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Global Center on Adaptation.
