20 Best Books On Climate Change (2023 Update)

Wall street journal bestseller – 2022 ippy awards gold medalist — science – national indie excellence awards finalist — political – 2021 world magazine accessible science book of the year — honorable mention"unsettled is a remarkable book—probably the best book on climate change for the intelligent layperson—that achieves the feat of conveying complex information clearly and in depth." —claremont review of books“[unsettled] is no polemic. it’s a plea for understanding how scientists extract clarity from complexity.” — wall street journal"surging sea levels are inundating the coasts." "hurricanes and tornadoes are becoming fiercer and more frequent." "climate change will be an economic disaster." you've heard all this presented as fact. but according to science, all of these statements are profoundly misleading. when it comes to climate change, the media, politicians, and other prominent voices have declared that "the science is settled." in reality, the long game of telephone from research to reports to the popular media is corrupted by misunderstanding and misinformation. core questions—about the way the climate is responding to our influence, and what the impacts will be—remain largely unanswered. the climate is changing, but the why and how aren't as clear as you've probably been led to believe. now, one of america's most distinguished scientists is clearing away the fog to explain what science really says (and doesn't say) about our changing climate. in unsettled: what climate science tells us, what it doesn't, and why it matters, steven koonin draws upon his decades of experience—including as a top science advisor to the obama administration—to provide up-to-date insights and expert perspective free from political agendas. fascinating, clear-headed, and full of surprises, this book gives readers the tools to both understand the climate issue and be savvier consumers of science media in general. koonin takes readers behind the headlines to the more nuanced science itself, showing us where it comes from and guiding us through the implications of the evidence. he dispels popular myths and unveils little-known truths: despite a dramatic rise in greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures actually decreased from 1940 to 1970. koonin also tackles society's response to a changing climate, using data-driven analysis to explain why many proposed "solutions" would be ineffective, and discussing how alternatives like adaptation and, if necessary, geoengineering will ensure humanity continues to prosper.

The essential pocket primer on climate change that will leave an indelible impact on everyone who reads it. (elizabeth kolbert, author of the sixth extinction).“ in the story of more, she illuminates the link between human habits and our imperiled planet. at once an explainer on the mechanisms of global change and a lively, personal narrative given to us in jahren’s inimitable voice, the story of more is “a superb account of the deadly struggle between humanity and what may prove the only life-bearing planet within ten light years" (e. o. wilson).

In the course of this work, one major theme came up repeatedly: climate change is making already dire inequalities much worse, devastating further the already devastated. but the problems of climate change are not restricted to those from the less developed world.galvanized by his conversations with writers and activists around the world, freeman engaged with some of today's most eloquent storytellers, many of whom hail from the places under the most acute stress–from the capital of burundi to bangkok, thailand. the response has been extraordinary. margaret atwood conjures with a dys¬topian future in a remarkable poem. lauren groff whisks us to florida; edwidge danticat to haiti; tahmima anam to bangladesh; yasmine el rashidi to egypt, while eka kurniawan brings us to indonesia, chinelo okparanta to nigeria, and anuradha roy to the himalayas in the wake of floods, dam building, and drought. this is a literary all-points bulletin of fiction, essays, poems, and reportage about the most important crisis of our times.

A new york times new & noteworthy book one of the daily beast's 5 essential books to read before the election a collection of the new yorker's groundbreaking reporting from the front lines of climate change–including writing from bill mckibben, elizabeth kolbert, ian frazier, kathryn schulz, and more just one year after climatologist james hansen first came before a senate committee and testified that the earth was now warmer than it had ever been in recorded history, thanks to humankind's heedless consumption of fossil fuels, new yorker writer bill mckibben published a deeply reported and considered piece on climate change and what it could mean for the planet. at the time, the piece was to some speculative to the point of alarmist; read now, mckibben's work is heroically prescient. the fragile earth tells the story of climate change–its past, present, and future–taking readers from greenland to the great plains, and into both laboratories and rain forests. it features some of the best writing on global warming from the last three decades, including bill mckibben's seminal essay "the end of nature," the first piece to popularize both the science and politics of climate change for a general audience, and the pulitzer prize-winning work of elizabeth kolbert, as well as kathryn schulz, dexter filkins, jonathan franzen, ian frazier, eric klinenberg, and others. the result, in its range, depth, and passion, promises to bring light, and sometimes heat, to the great emergency of our age.

A canadian climate scientist living in texas, she negotiates distrust of data, indifference to imminent threats, and resistance to proposed solutions with ease. in saving us, hayhoe argues that when it comes to changing hearts and minds, facts are only one part of the equation. this is not another doomsday narrative about a planet on fire. it is a multilayered look at science, faith, and human psychology, from an icon in her field—recently named chief scientist at the nature conservancy. drawing on interdisciplinary research and personal stories, hayhoe shows that small conversations can have astonishing results.

From the tenth to the fifteenth centuries the earth experienced a rise in surface temperature that changed climate worldwide – a preview of today's global warming. in some areas, including western europe, longer summers brought bountiful harvests and population growth that led to cultural flowering. in the arctic, inuit and norse sailors made cultural connections across thousands of miles as they traded precious iron goods. polynesian sailors, riding new wind patterns, were able to settle the remotest islands on earth. but in many parts of the world, the warm centuries brought drought and famine. elaborate societies in western and central america collapsed, and the vast building complexes of chaco canyon and the mayan yucatan were left empty… as he did in his bestselling the little ice age, anthropologist and historian brian fagan reveals how subtle changes in the environment had far-reaching effects on human life, in a narrative that sweeps from the arctic ice cap to the sahara to the indian ocean.

From the tenth to the fifteenth centuries the earth experienced a rise in surface temperature that changed climate worldwide – a preview of today's global warming. in some areas, including western europe, longer summers brought bountiful harvests and population growth that led to cultural flowering. in the arctic, inuit and norse sailors made cultural connections across thousands of miles as they traded precious iron goods. polynesian sailors, riding new wind patterns, were able to settle the remotest islands on earth. but in many parts of the world, the warm centuries brought drought and famine. elaborate societies in western and central america collapsed, and the vast building complexes of chaco canyon and the mayan yucatan were left empty… as he did in his bestselling the little ice age, anthropologist and historian brian fagan reveals how subtle changes in the environment had far-reaching effects on human life, in a narrative that sweeps from the arctic ice cap to the sahara to the indian ocean.

The science of climate change is a complex subject that balances the physical record and scientific fact with politics, policy, and ethics – and is of particular importance to the geosciences. this thoughtfully crafted new text and accompanying media encourage non-science majors to practice critical thinking, analysis, and discourse about climate change themes. taking a cross-disciplinary approach, acclaimed educator and researcher, david kitchen, examines not only the physical science, but the social, economic, political, energy, and environmental issues surrounding climate change. his goal: to turn knowledge into action, equipping students with the knowledge and critical skills to make informed decisions, separate facts from fiction, and participate in the public debate.

This third edition has been comprehensively updated to reflect the large changes in scientific knowledge and policy debates on climate change since the previous edition in 2009. it provides a concise but thorough overview of the science, technology, economics, policy, and politics of climate change in a single volume. it explains how scientific and policy debates work, outlines the scientific evidence for the reality and seriousness of climate change and the basic atmospheric science that supports it, and discusses policy options and the current state of the policy debate. by pulling these elements together, the book explains why the issue can be so confusing and provides guidance on practical routes forward. anyone interested in climate change, the global environment, or how science is used in policy debates should read this book. it is the ideal textbook for undergraduate or graduate courses in environmental policy and climate change.

The essential climate-debate handbook—everything you need to know about climate science to change mindshave you ever heard someone say that climate change is simply the result of natural cycles? or that there can't be global warming because it still gets so cold out? while the claims climate-change deniers make can seem, on their surface, quite plausible, they simply don't hold up against the evidence: beyond a shadow of a doubt, science proves that climate change is real and primarily human-driven. but the next time a skeptic puts you on the spot, will you know what to say to end the argument? how to change minds about our changing climate dismantles all the most pernicious misunderstandings using the strongest explanations science has to offer. armed with airtight arguments, you'll never be at a loss for words again—no matter how convincing or unexpected the misconception you're faced with.

"in hot talk, cold science, fred singer looks at the issue of climate change the way a physicist should. he asks probing questions and offers reasoned possibilities. he notes the obvious weaknesses that others too often ignore…. fortunately, some like dr. singer still prefer the joys and value of scientific inquiry." –richard s. lindzen, alfred p. sloan professor emeritus of meteorology, m.i.t. the revised and expanded third edition of hot talk, cold science forms the capstone of the distinguished astrophysicist dr. fred singer's lucid, yet hard scientific look at climate change. and the book is no less explosive than its predecessors–and certainly never more timely. singer explores the inaccuracies in historical climate data and the failures of climate models, as well as the impact of solar variability, clouds, ocean currents, and sea levels on global climate–plus factors that could mitigate any human impact on world climate. singer's masterful analysis decisively shows that the pessimistic, and often alarming, global-warming scenarios depicted in the media have no scientific basis. in fact, he finds that many aspects of increased levels of co2, as well as any modest warming, such as a longer growing seasons for food and a reduced need to use fossil fuels for heating, would have a highly positive impact on the human race. as alarmists clamor to impose draconian government restrictions on entire populations in order to combat "climate change," this book reveals some other startling, stubborn contradictory facts, including: co2 has not caused temperatures or sea levels to rise beyond historical rates. – severe storms have not increased in frequency or intensity since 1970–neither have heat waves nor droughts. – global "climate change" is not harming coral reefs. – any increases in co2 concentrations across huge time spans haven't preceded rising global temperatures, they've followed them by about 600 to 800 years–just the opposite of alarmist claims." carbon" taxes and other "solutions" to the global warming "crisis" would have severe consequences for economically disadvantaged groups and nations. – alarmist climate scientists have hidden their raw temperature data and deleted emails–then undermined the peer-review system to squelch debate. in sum, despite all the hot talk–and outright duplicity–there is no "climate crisis" resulting from human activities and no such threat on the horizon. with the assistance of renowned climate scientists david r. lupo, singer's hot talk, cold science is an essential, clear-headed book of scope and substance that no one who claims to value science, the environment, and human well-being can afford to ignore.

Not too late is the book for anyone who is despondent, anxious, or unsure about climate change and seeking answers. these dispatches from the climate movement around the world feature the voices of organizers like guam-based lawyer and writer julian aguon; climate scientists like dr. jacquelyn gill and dr. edward carr; poets like marshall islands activist kathy jetnil-kijner; and longtime organizers like the tyranny of oil author antonia juhasz and emergent strategy author adrienne maree brown. guided by rebecca solnit's typical clear-eyed wisdom and enriched by illustrations, not too late leads readers from discouragement to possibilities, from climate despair to climate hope. contributors include julian aguon, jade begay, adrienne maree brown, edward carr, renato redantor constantino, joelle gergis, jacquelyn gill, mary annaise heglar, mary ann hitt, roshi joan halifax, nikayla jefferson, antonia juhasz, kathy jetnil kijiner, fenton lutunatabua & joseph `sikulu, yotam marom, denali nalamalapu, leah stokes, farhana sultana, and gloria walton.

“[a] uniquely inclusive perspective that will inspire conviction, passion, and action.” —kirkus reviews (starred review) an empowering, engaging young readers guide to understanding and battling climate change from the expert and bestselling author of this changes everything and on fire, naomi klein.warmer temperatures. fires in the amazon. superstorms. a movement is already underway to combat not only the environmental effects of climate change but also to fight for climate justice and make a fair and livable future possible for everyone. and young people are not just part of that movement, they are leading the way. they are showing us that this moment of danger is also a moment of great opportunity—an opportunity to change everything.

How do you find the courage to choose positive change in uncertain times? how do you spread optimism to people concerned about the future but who feel too overwhelmed to know how to act? a grounded and resilient leader is waiting to be born inside you-one who doesn't just believe a better world is possible, but who is eager and excited to do everything possible to make that world a reality.

Why a warmer climate may be humanity’s longest-lasting legacy – the human impact on earth's climate is often treated as a hundred-year issue lasting as far into the future as 2100, the year in which most climate projections cease. in the long thaw, david archer, one of the world’s leading climatologists, reveals the hard truth that these changes in climate will be "locked in," essentially forever. a human-driven, planet-wide thaw has already begun, and will continue to impact earth’s climate and sea level for hundreds of thousands of years. the great ice sheets in antarctica and greenland may take more than a century to melt, and the overall change in sea level will be one hundred times what is forecast for 2100. by comparing the global warming projection for the next century to natural climate changes of the distant past, and then looking into the future far beyond the usual scientific and political horizon of the year 2100, archer reveals the hard truths of the long-term climate forecast. – archer shows how just a few centuries of fossil-fuel use will cause not only a climate storm that will last a few hundred years, but dramatic climate changes that will last thousands. carbon dioxide emitted today will be a problem for millennia. for the first time, humans have become major players in shaping the long-term climate. in fact, a planetwide thaw driven by humans has already begun. but despite the seriousness of the situation, archer argues that it is still not too late to avert dangerous climate change–if humans can find a way to cooperate as never before. – revealing why carbon dioxide may be an even worse gamble in the long run than in the short, this compelling and critically important book brings the best long-term climate science to a general audience for the first time.

Designed for undergraduate courses that cover climate change politics within environmental studies, politics, and international relations courses, climate change, science, and the politics of shared sacrifice integrates science and policy within each chapter by considering technical issues as well as their political implications. it reflects the recent changes in us climate policy under president biden, as well as by other international actors, and covers recent technological advances, including carbon capture, storage and solar energy efficiency. this text presents the questions students need to address in an interdisciplinary approach to perhaps the most encompassing and "wicked" threat to our well-being in the 21st century. it addresses the impacts of climate change, the history of international negotiations leading to the paris agreement and its possible "ambition gap," approaches to decarbonization by nations and economic sectors, and efforts to construct post-fossil fuelenergy systems. it also considers implications of recent technological advancements in energy and its distribution, the debate about the "social cost of carbon," the economic costs of adapting to climate change, and the proper roles of individuals versus governments, corporations, and environmental groups. over a dozen applied exercises and case studies at the conclusion of each chapter further illustrate the timeliness of the subject matter and give students "hands on" experience with role-playing exercises as united nations negotiators, or peruvian peasants suing a german utility company, to give a few examples. the text addresses the "collective action problem" early in the text, discussing the strength of the scientific evidence, the failure to come to terms with related social and political problems, and the scope of the problem and why so little has been done. at a theoretical level, the text addresses the discord between theories of collective action and interest groups for explaining inaction on climate policy. the text also considers the increasingly prevalent view of climate change as a security threat affecting some groups and countries more than others; it considers the need of some countries to adapt as well as addressing the more traditional approach of mitigating climatechange. the second part of the book discusses that while there is no single magical solution, there are many partial solutions which could contain global climate change within prescribed limits. the instructor resources site includes access to chapter graphics, class powerpoints, and case study sample solutions.

This richly visual (kirkusreviews) look at the impact of an underappreciated but essential resource-the very ground that feeds us-features fascinating and accessible interviews with celebrity chefs, ranchers, farmers, and top scientists. kiss the ground teaches you how to become an agent in humanity's single most important and time-sensitive mission: reverse climate change and effectively save the world. kiss the ground both informs and inspires marianne williamson, #1 new york times bestselling author *the documentary film tie-in of kiss the ground will be released by netflix, and is narrated by woody harrelson. *throughout this book, the author overturns the socially acceptable ideas of food and agriculture with new ground-breaking science and tangible real world examples of how landscapes and people are becoming healthy together. he also teaches us how to restore your local habitats (including lawns, parks, and gardens) so they produce more, are chemical-free and healthy for kids and pets. *author josh tickell has been making documentaries since 1997, when he travelled america in a veggie van running on french-fry oil instead of petrol, an endeavour which drew much media attention and captured the imagination of the country.

Advocates and teachers often find it difficult to communicate the complexities of climate change, because the people they are trying to reach hold so many mistaken assumptions. they assume, for example, that when climate change becomes an obvious threat to our everyday lives, there will still be time enough to make changes that will avoid disaster. yet at that point it will be too late. yet the approaches that caused damage in the first place will cause even more damage in the future. even the increasingly dire warnings from scientists haven't shaken such assumptions. is there another way to reach people? the simple, interactive exercises in the climate change playbook can help citizens better understand climate change, diagnose its causes, anticipate its future consequences, and effect constructive change. adapted from the systems thinking playbook, the twenty-two games are now specifically relevant to climate-change communications and crafted for use by experts, advocates, and educators. illustrated guidelines walk leaders through setting each game up, facilitating it, and debriefing participants. users will find games that are suitable for a variety of audiences–whether large and seated, as in a conference room, or smaller and mobile, as in a workshop, seminar, or meeting. designed by leading thinkers in systems, communications, and sustainability, the games focus on learning by doing.

An unprecedented union of scientific analysis and stunning photography, this work illustrates the effects of climate change on the global ecosystem. going beyond the headlines, this work by leading nasa climate scientist gavin schmidt and master photographer joshua wolfe illustrates as never before the ramifications of shifting climate. photographic spreads show retreating glaciers, sinking villages in alaska's tundra, and drying lakes. the text follows adventurous scientists through the ice caps at the poles to the coral reefs of the tropical seas. marshaling data spanning centuries and continents, the book sparkles with cutting-edge research and visual records, including contributions from experts on atmospheric science, oceanography, paleoclimatology, technology, politics, and the polar regions. sachs writes in his powerful foreword, climate change is a tour de force of public education.

An unprecedented union of scientific analysis and stunning photography, this work illustrates the effects of climate change on the global ecosystem. going beyond the headlines, this work by leading nasa climate scientist gavin schmidt and master photographer joshua wolfe illustrates as never before the ramifications of shifting climate. photographic spreads show retreating glaciers, sinking villages in alaska's tundra, and drying lakes. the text follows adventurous scientists through the ice caps at the poles to the coral reefs of the tropical seas. marshaling data spanning centuries and continents, the book sparkles with cutting-edge research and visual records, including contributions from experts on atmospheric science, oceanography, paleoclimatology, technology, politics, and the polar regions. sachs writes in his powerful foreword, climate change is a tour de force of public education.