6+ Favorite Books on Climate Change and Environmental Challenges (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on climate change and environmental challenges (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman
$12.65

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded, Thomas Friedman tackles the urgent environmental crisis we face today and America’s aimlessness since 9/11. He highlights three key trends: climate change, a growing global middle class, and an increasing population. Friedman argues we need a green revolution to address these challenges and regain our national focus. While I appreciated the book’s clear and engaging take on these pressing issues, I found some of Friedman’s predictions a bit too black and white—history has a way of surprising us. Overall, it’s a valuable read that encourages action and leadership in environmental efforts.
Pros:
The book addresses urgent global environmental issues.
It emphasizes the need for America to take a leadership role.
It offers practical suggestions for individual and national action.
The writing is approachable and easy to understand.
Cons:
The predictions may oversimplify complex future scenarios.
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01/31/2026 03:02 pm GMT
The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson
$20.73

In The Soil Will Save Us, Kristin Ohlson takes a closer look at soil health and its vital role in tackling climate change. She travels the globe, showcasing innovative practices from farmers and scientists that highlight how improving our soil can help reduce atmospheric carbon. I appreciated the book's focus on an often-overlooked topic, making it relevant for everyone from consumers to gardeners. However, I felt it missed the mark by not exploring the complexities behind current farming practices, leaning too heavily on assumptions about farmers’ motivations. Overall, it’s an eye-opening read with some room for deeper analysis.
Pros:
The book explores an important and overlooked topic.
It highlights best practices in soil science and sustainable agriculture.
It offers hope for solving major environmental issues through simple solutions.
Cons:
The book lacks depth in discussing the underlying reasons for current farming practices.
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01/31/2026 03:02 pm GMT
Silent Spring Revolution by Douglas Brinkley
$20.68

In Silent Spring Revolution, Douglas Brinkley explores the surge of environmental activism from 1960 to 1973, spotlighting key figures like Rachel Carson and political leaders including JFK, Johnson, and Nixon. I found the book incredibly insightful, showcasing how the era’s struggles laid the groundwork for today’s environmental issues. Brinkley connects past events to our current challenges, making it feel relevant and urgent. The detailed accounts of significant events and the mechanics of environmental politics really struck me. Honestly, I loved everything about it—it's a dense read, but so engaging that I couldn't put it down.
Pros:
Meticulously researched and well-written chronicle of environmental activism
Highlights significant historical figures and events
Offers relevant insights into contemporary political issues
Provides context for the lived experiences of Americans in the 1950s and 1960s
Explores the mechanics of environmental politics and coalition building
Emphasizes America's dual role in environmental damage and leadership
Cons:
Nothing!
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01/30/2026 08:01 pm GMT
Ministry For The Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
$11.99

In Ministry for the Future, Kim Stanley Robinson tackles the pressing issue of climate change through the lens of an international organization led by Mary Murphy, an Irish diplomat. The story is told in a mix of short chapters that shift between Mary and Frank, an American aid worker, along with various other perspectives that explore crucial themes of ecology and economics. I found it incredibly relevant, capturing the unsettling reality of our warming planet while offering a hopeful view of innovation and collaboration. Sure, it can get a bit earnest, but overall, it lived up to the hype and is a must-read for anyone concerned about our future.
Pros:
Highly relevant to current global issues
Captures the weirdness and challenges of climate change
Short, concise chapters make it very readable
Prime example of science fiction's potential
Lives up to the hype
Cons:
The book is a bit earnest
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01/31/2026 09:00 am GMT
Gold Fame Citrus: A Novel by Claire Vaye Watkins
$15.84

Gold Fame Citrus by Claire Vaye Watkins is a speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian California, following Luz and Ray as they navigate a harsh landscape and a mysterious child named Ig. The book dives into themes like ecology, identity, and the darker side of celebrity culture, all while painting a vivid picture of a world ravaged by climate issues. I was blown away by the rich details and engaging plot, with fully developed characters that felt real. While I had some questions about Luz's knowledge driving the story, overall, it’s a solid read that stuck with me.
Pros:
The world is richly imagined, creating a vivid climate dystopia.
The plot is engaging and easy to follow.
All characters are fascinating and fully developed.
The book illustrates that human nature remains constant regardless of environment.
Cons:
I have questions about some plot details that are unclear.
There's not a whole lot that I didn't like.
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01/31/2026 11:03 am GMT
Climate: A Very Short Introduction by Mark Maslin
$12.99

In Climate: A Very Short Introduction, Mark Maslin offers a clear and engaging look at the global climate system. The book breaks down complex topics like energy distribution, the difference between climate and weather, and the history of climate change debates. I appreciated how it balances scientific detail with real-world implications, making it accessible without oversimplifying. Maslin argues that climate change isn't just a scientific issue; it's a challenge to our societal structures. While I loved the book, I felt it might need updates soon, given the rapid developments in climate science. Overall, it’s a fantastic read for anyone curious about climate change.
Pros:
Comprehensive overview of the global climate system
Accessible and informative introduction to climate science and politics
Strikes a balance between nuanced science and real-life implications
Cons:
The book will need to be updated soon due to the fast pace of climate change.
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01/31/2026 11:01 am GMT
Uninhabitable Earth by David Wells-Wallace
$13.04

David Wells-Wallace's Uninhabitable Earth tackles the pressing climate crisis with a straightforward approach. I appreciated the author’s honesty about the severity of the situation, emphasizing that we need clear, alarming information rather than sugar-coated messages. The book’s organization into themes makes it easier to grasp how climate change impacts various aspects of life. While I loved his vivid writing and directness, I wish he’d explored more radical decarbonization solutions and included some visual aids to clarify complex concepts. Overall, it’s a crucial read for anyone wanting to understand the stakes of our current trajectory.
Pros:
The author provides a clear and direct approach to the climate crisis.
The book is well-organized into themes, making complex information more digestible.
The writing is vivid, using words to create powerful imagery of climate impacts.
The book emphasizes the urgent reality of climate change and its effects on humans.
It serves as a wake-up call for action against climate change.
Cons:
The author dismisses radical decarbonization and focuses on speculative technology without detailing a decarbonized world.
The book lacks actual visuals like maps and charts that could enhance understanding.
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01/31/2026 09:01 am GMT
Windfall by McKenzie Funk
$18.43

In Windfall, McKenzie Funk dives into how businesses and entrepreneurs are cashing in on the impacts of global warming. He travels the world, breaking down the crisis into three categories: Melt, Drought, and Deluge. Each section explores different opportunities arising from climate change, like shipping routes in melting ice and mineral access in Greenland. I found it a fascinating read, highlighting the harsh reality that profit can come from disaster. While it can be a bit bleak, the insights are compelling and make it a strong book overall.
Pros:
Gripping account of global warming's economic opportunities
Well-researched with insights from multiple continents
Fascinating exploration of the intersection between climate change and profit
Cons:
A bit depressing
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01/31/2026 09:02 am GMT