Summaries of books about Environmental Science:
The Fate of Food
What We'll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World
Amanda Little
The book explores the challenges of feeding a growing global population in the face of climate change, resource scarcity, and technological innovations. It delves into the future of agriculture, examining both the potential of cutting-edge technologies and the importance of sustainable practices to ensure food security.
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Eaarth
Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
Bill McKibben
The book presents the argument that due to climate change, the Earth has become a fundamentally altered planet, which the author refers to as "Eaarth." It discusses the profound environmental changes already underway, the consequences for human civilization, and suggests ways in which society can adapt to and mitigate these new realities through sustainable living and local economies.
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The War on Science
Who's Waging It, Why It Matters, What We Can Do About It
Shawn Otto
The book examines the growing trend of anti-science sentiment, exploring the various political, religious, and corporate interests that challenge scientific facts and principles. It also discusses the implications of this conflict for democracy and policy-making, and offers strategies for defending the role of science in society.
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The Next Great Migration
The Beauty and Terror of Life on the Move
Sonia Shah
The book challenges conventional views on migration, arguing that movement is a natural and beneficial aspect of life for humans and other species. It explores historical migrations, the factors driving current movements, and the potential for future migrations in the face of climate change and ecological disruption.
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Our Final Warning
Six Degrees of Climate Emergency
Mark Lynas
The book presents a detailed exploration of the catastrophic impacts that each degree of global warming, up to six degrees Celsius, could have on the planet, including extreme weather events, ecosystem collapse, and societal disruption. It synthesizes scientific research to illustrate the urgency of addressing climate change and the potential for irreversible damage to the Earth's systems with each incremental rise in temperature.
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Countdown
Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?
Alan Weisman
The book explores the environmental and demographic challenges facing the planet, examining the impact of human population growth on natural resources, wildlife, and climate change. It presents a series of narratives from around the world, discussing potential solutions and the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure the future well-being of Earth.
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Electrify
An Optimist's Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future
Saul Griffith
The book presents a roadmap for transitioning to a fully electrified, carbon-neutral society, detailing the technological innovations and policy changes necessary to achieve a sustainable energy future. It emphasizes the role of electrification in various sectors, including transportation, heating, and industry, and advocates for the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources to power this transformation.
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Our Wild Calling
How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives—and Save Theirs
Richard Louv
The book explores the deep and transformative connection between humans and animals, both domestic and wild, arguing that this relationship is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. It also discusses the mutual benefits of human-animal connections and how fostering these relationships can play a crucial role in wildlife conservation and the health of our planet.
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Adventures in the Anthropocene
A Journey to the Heart of the Planet We Made
Gaia Vince
The book explores the profound impact of human activity on Earth, detailing the author's travels to various parts of the world to witness firsthand the changes occurring in the environment and societies. It delves into the concept of the Anthropocene—the current geological epoch dominated by humans—and examines both the challenges and innovative solutions being developed to address ecological and climatic shifts.
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Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer|Monique Gray Smith
The book presents a blend of indigenous wisdom and modern science through a series of stories and reflections that highlight the importance of plants and our relationship with the natural world. It offers insights into how we can learn from the teachings of plants to live sustainably and harmoniously with the Earth.
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