Best Books About Sustainability And Nature You Should Read This Summer

BEST BOOKS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY

From amazing books about sustainability to ones that showcase the power of nature, here are some great books you should read this summer, ones that will provide insightful awareness and valuable knowledge.

“NATURE’S BEST HOPE: A NEW APPROACH TO CONSERVATION THAT STARTS IN YOUR YARD”
BY DOUGLAS W. TALLAMY
Published in 2019

In this groundbreaking book, Douglas W. Tallamy showcases his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. He demonstrates how homeowners can transform their own yards into “conservation corridors”, creating sacred spaces for wildlife habitats. If you’re someone who cares about the wellbeing of the environment, this book is the guide you need! Not only does it show how to create something amazing from your own yard, it also advocates for the sustainability of it, the world, and the environment. In other words, “Nature’s Best Hope” is a must-read!

“THE FUTURE WE CHOOSE: THE STUBBORN OPTIMIST’S GUIDE TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS”
BY CHRISTIANA FIGUERES AND TOM RIVETT-CARNAC
Published in 2020

In this incredible book, authors Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac present “two possible scenarios” for our planet Earth. In one scenario, they highlight what life on our planet will be like by 2050 “if we fail to meet the Paris Agreement’s climate targets”. In the other scenario, they showcase what living in a regenerative, net-zero emissions world will be like. They urge readers to face the climate crisis “head-on, with determination and optimism”. “The Future We Choose”, then, is a pivotal, inspirational read, one we need now more than ever.

“REGENERATION: ENDING THE CLIMATE CRISIS IN ONE GENERATION”
BY PAUL HAWKEN
Published in 2021

In this incredible book, Paul Hawken argues that in the wake of climate crisis, “addressing current human needs rather than future threats” is the only way to solve it. “Regeneration” suggests incredibly diverse solutions – from solar power, electric vehicles, tree planting, bioregions, azolla fern and forest farms – that can reverse the damage that’s been done to our planet. These solutions are said to be “doable, science-based and comprise a precise and unequivocal course of action”. This book, therefore, offers answers that can help promote much-needed care, attention and sustainability to our dear planet. It’s a must-read!

“CLIMATE OPTIMISM: CELEBRATING SYSTEMIC CHANGE AROUND THE WORLD”
BY ZAHRA BIABANI
Published in 2023

In this eye-opening book, climate activist Zahra Biabani shows us how and why we need to remain positive in the wake of climate crisis. She highlights the good people are doing for the planet. From showcasing an extensive review of the best, most promising climate solutions, to changing perspectives on how one thinks and feels about climate change, to having interviews with activists in the Global South working on groundbreaking projects that champion and advocate for environmental sustainability and more, this book is a top contender! Truly inspiring.

“THE NATURE OF FASHION: A BOTANICAL STORY OF OUR MATERIAL LIVES”
BY CARRY SOMERS
Published in 2025

This awe-inspiring book, to be released in September, asks the following question: “What if the story of humanity could be told through a single thread?” “The Nature of Fashion” is a book that makes a journey through landscapes, centuries, myths and memories. It looks for “the roots of fibres, materials, and dyes”, and additionally shows us how past decisions we made shape our current world. Author Carry Somers explores the history of plant-based textiles, revealing tales of passion, creativity, idealism, greed and exploitation. She reconnects with past wisdom and re-envisions “how nature and fashion can intertwine”. It’s a beautiful, captivating, and inspiring book you need to check out this September!

BEST BOOKS ABOUT THE POWER OF NATURE

“LOSING EDEN: WHY OUR MINDS NEED THE WILD”
BY LUCY JONES
Published in 2020

This powerful book, jam-packed with emotion and rigorous, thrilling research, “[explores] how and why connecting with the living world can so drastically affect our health”. By travelling from forest schools in East London to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault through primeval woodlands, Californian laboratories and the couches of ecotherapists, author Lucy Jones shows readers the forefront of human biology, neuroscience, psychology, and uncovers novel ways of comprehending “our increasingly dysfunctional relationship with the earth”. Want to reconnect with nature and discover why you need it in the first place? Delve into this awe-inspiring book. It will take you back to nature, right where you need to be.

“ENTANGLED LIFE: HOW FUNGI MAKE OUR WORLDS, CHANGE OUR MINDS AND SHAPE OUR FUTURES”
BY MERLIN SHELDRAKE
Published in 2020

“Entangled Life”, a thrilling masterpiece by Merlin Sheldrake, is all about how fungi, as per the title, “make our worlds”. It’s an incredible book about the multifaceted power of fungi, how “they can be microscopic, yet also account for the largest organisms ever recorded”. By showcasing the power, uses and benefits of fungi, “Entangled Life” is a pivotal book that provides compelling, valuable information on a species whose record is often “undocumented” and “neglected”. It also shows us the importance of fungi in our natural world and how the species itself can help us better understand the planet we live in, including “life itself”. It’s a profound, must-read book that will change the way you view life and nature!

“FATHOMS: THE WORLD IN THE WHALE”
BY REBECCA GIGGS
Published in 2020

In “Fathoms”, Rebecca Giggs explores the beauty of whales. Bringing in natural history, philosophy and science, she tells us about rare whales who have never been named, whale ‘pop’ songs “that sweep across hemispheres”, how the death of one whale can ignite “a great flourishing of creatures”, and so much more. Answering the questions of “How do whales experience ecological change?”, “How has whale culture been both understood and altered by human technology?”, and “What can observing whales teach us about the complexity, splendour and fragility of life?”, this book is one that will change the way view beautiful whales, nature and life itself. A book with a wealth of information and awareness, it is a must-read for lovers of sustainability, nature, and those who want to change the world for the better.

“WILD SOULS: FREEDOM AND FLOURISHING IN THE NON-HUMAN WORLD”
BY EMMA MARRIS
Published in 2021

In this inspirational book, environmental writer Emma Marris takes us on a journey that answers the question of “wildness itself”. From showing us inspiring, moving tales of Peruvian monkeys, Australian bilbies, rare Hawai’ian birds and Oregon wolves, she reveals how infinitely precious our animals of the world are, and how powerfully interconnected they are to humans. She also shares philosophical ideas that may guide readers to look “for sustainability and justice in the non-human world”. In other words, this book is a unique, thoughtful text you need to get your hands on! It’s a one-of-a-kind read.

“THE COMFORT OF CROWS: A BACKYARD YEAR”
BY MARAGRET RENKL
Published in 2023

“The Comfort of Crows” is a powerful read by Margaret Renkl. Accompanied by 52 original collages created by the author’s brother, Billy Renkl – who also created the cover art for the book -, it is a 52-chapter book that encompasses all the plants and creatures present in Renkl’s “backyard over the course of a year”.

In addition to showcasing these loving plants and creatures, it shows us the power of nature in the course of seasons. And in these seasons, we also see how a person’s life can change. This book, then, is a deeply moving and cathartic world that will transport you to the love and power of nature, showing you exactly why we need nature, and how truly present it is in our lives. If you are looking to reconnect with nature this summer, give this book a read! It will truly show you the exact kind of love you are looking for.

These are the best books about sustainability and nature to read this summer. The next time you’re wondering about what pastime to indulge in, consider reading one of these books! They’re great for knowledge, awareness, and the health of the mind. Enjoy!

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