Summaries of books about Environmental Science:
The Water Will Come
Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World
Jeff Goodell
The book explores the imminent threat of rising sea levels due to climate change, detailing the potential impacts on coastal cities worldwide. It combines scientific research with on-the-ground reporting to illustrate the environmental, political, and economic challenges posed by the encroaching oceans.
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A Sand County Almanac
With Other Essays on Conservation from Round River
Aldo Leopold
The book is a collection of lyrical essays that reflect on the author's experiences in the natural world, advocating for a deep and ethical relationship with the land. It introduces the concept of a "land ethic," emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and ecological responsibility.
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Owls of the Eastern Ice
A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl
Jonathan C. Slaght
The book chronicles the author's adventurous scientific expedition in the remote forests of eastern Russia to study and conserve the elusive Blakiston's fish owl, the largest owl species on earth. It blends natural history, conservation challenges, and the cultural landscape of the region, as the author navigates harsh environments and bureaucratic hurdles in his quest to protect these majestic birds.
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The Future We Choose
Surviving the Climate Crisis
Christiana Figueres|Tom Rivett-Carnac
The book presents two potential scenarios for the world in 2050: one where we fail to address climate change, and another where we have successfully mitigated its impacts. It outlines the urgent actions and attitudes necessary to combat climate change, emphasizing the role of individual responsibility and collective efforts in shaping a sustainable future.
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The Grid
The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future
Gretchen Bakke
The book explores the complexities of the United States' aging electrical grid, examining its history, current challenges, and the technological and policy innovations needed to modernize it. It delves into the grid's vulnerability to failure and inefficiency, and the potential for a future with a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
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Arctic Dreams
Barry H. Lopez
The book is a lyrical exploration of the Arctic landscape, wildlife, and history, interweaving personal reflections with vivid descriptions of the region's beauty and the complex relationships between its inhabitants and the environment. It delves into the cultural perceptions of the Arctic and the profound impact of its vast, icy wilderness on the human imagination and spirit.
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A Sand County Almanac
And Sketches Here and There
Aldo Leopold
The book is a collection of essays that blend natural history, philosophy, and calls for conservation, reflecting on the author's experiences in the rural Wisconsin landscape and advocating for a responsible relationship with nature. It introduces the concept of a "land ethic," urging ethical consideration for the land and its interconnected web of life.
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The Story of More
How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here
Hope Jahren
The book explores the causes and consequences of climate change through the lens of human consumption and growth, examining how our relentless pursuit of more has led to environmental degradation. It also discusses potential solutions and lifestyle changes that could mitigate the impact of climate change and create a sustainable future.
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Toms River
A Story of Science and Salvation
Dan Fagin
The book chronicles the harrowing saga of a small New Jersey town ravaged by industrial pollution, focusing on the chemical company that contaminated the water supply and the subsequent rise in childhood cancer rates. It delves into the scientific investigation and the community's fight for justice, highlighting the complex relationship between environmental hazards and human health.
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The Nature of Oaks
The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Douglas W. Tallamy
The book explores the ecological significance of oak trees, detailing their role in supporting biodiversity and offering practical advice on how to grow and conserve these vital native species. It delves into the life cycles and habitats associated with oaks, emphasizing their importance to wildlife and the broader environment.
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