It’s been a very full week in the world of climate news- and in people’s direct experiences of dealing with its effects. The latest IPCC report detailed how human activities contribute to climate change, how every region of the world will be affected, and how we’re likely on track to pass the 1.5°C threshold of irreversible changes- but that there’s still time to stave off the worst of it.
Reports like this are important but can sometimes have the side effect of helplessness that causes people to feel like giving up instead of getting busy. I figured I’d share some of my favorite climate reads this week, because each of them shows the choices we must make and imagines a world where we’ve made them.
First, I cannot say enough good things about @ayanaeliza and @drkwilkinson’s book @allwecansave - perhaps my favorite book I’ve read all year. The collection features art, poetry, and essays from dozens of women, from scientists to civic leaders to student organizers. Some unpack the tactics that led to shutting down 3/5ths of the country’s coal plants in the past decade, others reflect on why suburbs aren’t a part of Wakanda. It’s the right blend of science, strategy, and vision and I highly and widely recommend it.
The Future We Choose by @cfigueres and @tomcarnac outline two future scenarios, three mindset shifts, and ten actions a climate crisis calls for. The mindset shifts in particular really resonated with me as stuff I’m trying to work on!
Speaking of examples of critically applied imagination, @erholthaus’ The Future Earth is a perfect example. He envisions three decades worth of change that own up to the effects that we’ve already caused but also the possibility for us to set forth a different path.
Ever read any of these? Got your own favorite climate reads?