The best 43 Climate Change books

These blinks provide an objective, science-based look into the global energy debate that is so often dominated by the misleading rhetoric of politicians, industry leaders and activists.

• Anyone who is concerned about “peak oil“ and the global energy supply
• Anyone who wants to get some scientific facts that affect the global energy debate
• Anyone who wants to critically examine biofuel and wind as alternative energy sources

Green Illusions deflates the hype surrounding new alternative energy sources. It also explains why, if we truly care about the environment, we should focus on changing our own excessive consumer behavior.

• Anyone interested in the truth behind alternative energy sources
• Anyone who cares about the future of our planet
• Anyone interested in urban planning

In The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, author Alex Epstein explores the benefits of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. The book outlines the dramatic and positive effects using such fuels has had on society and examines the many myths associated with fossil fuels. Importantly, using fossil fuels is a moral decision in that their benefits to humanity outweigh any of today’s environmental concerns.

• Anyone interested in environmental issues or climate change
• Anyone baffled by the conflicting information over the effects of climate change
• Anyone concerned about the future of the energy sector

Cradle to Cradle (2009) exposes the fundamental flaws of manufacturing and the damage it inflicts upon our environment, even as we attempt to be eco-friendly. These blinks also introduce you to ways in which you can make a positive impact on the planet, and guide you through the process of rethinking your business in order to become eco-efficient.

• Businesses looking to become more environmentally friendly
• People interested in the impact of industry today
• Anyone curious about alternative approaches to doing business

SuperFreakonomics (2009) explains why thinking like an economist can help us understand our modern world. These blinks illustrate key economic principles and the importance of collecting data with colorful stories from human history, and offers surprising solutions for the global problems that we face today.

• Anyone interested in entertaining, statistical facts about human behavior
• Math buffs who believe in the power of statistics
• Anyone curious about a very cheap way to stop global warming

Energy (2006) offers insights into one of the most elusive concepts in the spectrum of human thought: energy. By understanding what energy is, how it has helped us get where we are today, and what dangers our reliance on certain forms of energy poses, we will be better equipped to handle the challenges faced by modern civilization.

• Readers looking for the ultimate explanation of how our world works
• Physics fans and climate change deniers
• Anyone who is awed by the miracle of life

A World Without Ice (2009) is about our planet, its climate, its human residents – and ice. Ice has always been a major player in Earth’s climate. These blinks explain why we may soon see a world without ice, why that would have dramatic consequences for Earth and humans alike, and how we can cope with climate change.

• Anyone hoping for a sustainable future on Earth
• Anyone interested in polar ice, icebergs, glacial ice and snow
• Anyone interested in geology or politics

The Upcycle (2013) explains that eco-consciousness and economics needn’t be at odds. In fact, ecological sustainability is good economics, and humans can nurture the planet by learning from nature and starting a green revolution.

• Proponents of the “green movement”
• Eco-conscious business owners

Braiding Sweetgrass (2013) offers a profound and insightful look at the relationship between humans and Mother Earth. With the growing concerns about climate change, deforestation and the depletion of our natural resources, it is more important than ever to reevaluate how we treat the world around us. Find out how the traditional practices of Native Americans can help us make the world a better place for future generations.

• Environmentalists
• Students of anthropology or botany
• Readers who appreciate a holistic approach to science

The Uninhabitable Earth (2019) is a terrifying rundown of the horrors which await in an ever-warming world. With poetic brilliance, Wallace-Wells draws from the latest research in climate science to give us an elegant final warning. Runaway wildfires, submerged cities, polluted air and global pandemics – these and other climate-induced catastrophes not only await in the very near future but in some cases have already arrived.

• Climate-conscious citizens who need it given to them straight
• Anyone seeking to understand the cutting edge of environmental science
• Everyone living on planet Earth

We Are the Weather (2019) is a rigorous investigation of climate change, what it means and why humans seem so powerless to tackle it. Jonathan Safran Foer argues that while climate change is terrifying and hard to understand, there is a very simple action that we can take: By leaving out meat and animal products for breakfast and lunch, we can make a huge contribution to the health of the planet.  

• People who want to save the planet, but feel paralyzed by what first step to take
• Psychology buffs who are interested in group dynamics, and what motivates people to act 
• Would-be vegans who need a bit more persuasion to take the plunge

Anarchism (2004) lays out the history and principles behind an oft-misunderstood political ideology. Crucially, anarchists emphasize freedom over oppression, thereby seeking to do away with human life’s many hierarchies, be they those imposed by the modern nation-state, by patriarchal societies or even by religious organizations. Anarchism envisions a world free from any sort of coercion.

• Anyone looking to learn about alternative societal models
• Students of politics or history
• Citizens concerned about climate change and how we might stop it

The Fate of Food (2019) looks at a rapidly changing world and the question of how we’ll feed our ever-growing population. Is it possible to produce a clean, climate-resilient food supply that’s adequate to meet our needs? The Fate of Food examines the technological and sociological demands of feeding the world. 

• People concerned with the effects of industrial agriculture on the environment
• Food lovers fascinated by the farm-to-table journey
• Science buffs wanting to keep up with the latest trends in agricultural science

In How Bad are Bananas? (2010), author Mike Berner-Lee provides readers with an A-to-Z guide of how they can start living a more environmentally conscious life and reduce their own carbon footprint. You may think you’re familiar with climate change and carbon footprints, but do you really know the everyday activities that contribute to the current environmental crisis? From grocery shopping to washing your clothes, you’ll learn how to be more efficient and less wasteful.

• Anyone curious about their own carbon footprint
• Environmentalists in the fight against global warming
• Consumers who want to make more informed purchases

Falter (2019) provides a rather sobering counterargument to the rash of optimistic books about the present and future that have been appearing on the market lately. Instead of everything being pretty good and set to get even better, author Bill McKibben argues that things are already pretty bad and are on a course to get even worse, due to the threats posed to humanity by climate change, genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. He then goes on to provide some suggestions for how we can deal with these threats before it’s too late.  

• Those skeptical of authors preaching optimism about the future of humanity
• Science fiction buffs wondering about the likelihood of a dystopian 21st century
• Any human being concerned about the survival of our species

There’s no doubt: global warming is real and its main driver is carbon emissions from human activity. Drawdown (2017) argues that despite the depth of the climate crisis humans have manufactured, it’s not too late for us to turn back the clock. From solar power to agroforestry to electric cars, Drawdown compiles countless proven ways that radically reduce human carbon emissions. This essential guide contains all the knowledge and technology that we need to reverse global warming and save the world.

• Individuals who care about the future of humanity
• Business owners, policy makers, activists and homeowners who want to make a measurable difference
• Science nerds, tech enthusiasts and nature lovers

New Dark Age (2018) investigates the fundamental paradox of our digital age: as new technologies allow us to gather more and more data on our world, we understand less and less of it. Examining the history, politics and geography of the complex digital network we are enmeshed in, James Bridle sheds new light on the central issues of our time, from climate change to wealth inequality to post-factual politics, and explains how we can live with purpose in an era of uncertainty.

• Tech skeptics and tech enthusiasts
• Critical thinkers fascinated by the geopolitics of our networked world
• Anyone interested in the silly and profound ways technology shapes our lives

Food Fix (2020) shows us how the world's gravest problems, like chronic disease, inequality, and climate collapse, can all be traced back to our food and the way we produce it. Here, American physician Mark Hyman describes what we should do next, setting out the path to healthy eating and regenerative farming. 

• Anyone interested in eating and living well
• Environmentalists and climate activists
• Farmers looking to transition to sustainable agriculture

Adventures in the Anthropocene (2014) explores how humanity has altered the planet so radically in recent decades that a new geological epoch is said to be coming into being – we’re crossing over from the Holocene to the Anthropocene, or the Age of Man. Author Gaia Vince examines what the changes we’ve made really mean for the world. From disappearing islands to urban slums, from Mekong fishermen to ancient nomadic tribes in Kenya, these blinks tell the story of our new relationship with nature and our hopes for the future.

• Anyone who’d like to understand the human impact on the world
• Global citizens who want to learn about the effects of climate change
• Everyone who wonders about the future of human life on Earth

Losing Earth (2019) tells the story of climate change, both as a scientific fact and as a political conflict. This detailed piece of long-form reporting recounts the scientific community’s early push to raise the alarm about climate change and the coordinated effort the fossil fuel industry made to thwart those warnings.

• Environmentalists eager to understand their enemy
• Political moderates needing a dose of reality
• Anyone concerned about the future of Earth

The Future We Choose (2020) presents us with two potential visions of life on earth: one of sweltering heat, diminishing biodiversity, and severely declining quality of life, and one where the planet’s temperature has stabilized, life flourishes, and humanity prospers. The world we choose will depend on the actions we take now, in what is a critical decade in the fight against climate change. While the prospect may seem daunting, it’s time to rise to the challenge and determine our future.

• Climate crusaders feeling hopeless about their cause
• Anyone who wants to know how they can contribute to a sustainable world
• Those worried about the future

2030 (2020) isn’t a crystal ball – but it might be the next best thing. Drawing on current sociological trends, demographic trajectories, and technological advancements, it paints a convincing picture of the global changes we can expect to see and experience in the coming decade.

• Tech workers and marketing professionals keen to stay ahead of the curve
• Eco-warriors looking for solutions to the climate crisis
• Anyone curious to see what the future might hold

Food and Nutrition (2018) looks at the science behind what we eat. Based on only the best and most thorough studies, it cuts through the noise and fads to reveal what we really know about healthy eating.

• Anyone interested in what actually constitutes a healthy diet
• Foodies who want to make better choices
• People curious about sustainable farming

A Life on Our Planet (2020) is celebrated naturalist David Attenborough’s account of the incredible wonders he’s seen in his 94 years on Earth – and a vivid warning of what will happen if we continue on our current path. It’s accompanied by a Netflix documentary of the same name.

• Anyone who loves nature television
• Those concerned about global warming
• People who want to take action to save our planet before it’s too late

The Sum of Us (2021) is a searing analysis of how white supremacy has devastated the American middle class. Public services have been decimated, millions of Americans have no healthcare, and lobbyists control political decision-making. But white Americans keep voting for politicians who make things worse while blaming immigrants and people of color for the nation’s problems. Only by tackling racism head-on can we begin to fight for economic equality for all Americans.

• White people wanting to educate themselves about the real costs of racism
• Activists looking for inspiration about how to create powerful multiracial coalitions
• Anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of US history and how it affects politics today

The Book of Eels (2020) takes the reader on a zoological odyssey spanning thousands of years. It’s the story of the eel – a creature that has enthralled humanity with its strange and complex life cycle. Countless scientists have dedicated their careers to the enigma of this fish, which has evolved to undergo several metamorphoses over the course of its life and to endure a grueling migration across the Atlantic to breed. But the eel has proven to be an elusive creature, and there are still many secrets about its life that it seems intent on keeping to itself.

• Nature lovers who are fascinated by strange stories from the great outdoors
• Fans of mysteries that stubbornly resist explanation 
• Environmentalists concerned about humans’ effect on the future of the eel

Decoding the World (2020) is a dive into the fascinating world of IndieBio, a biotechnology firm that’s determined to change the world for the better. The long-term health of both people and the planet are at stake – and not just because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Science fans excited by fascinating new developments
• Futurists imagining what lies ahead
• Philosophy enthusiasts wondering what to do in the modern world

For thousands of years, we humans have been struggling against nature. Under a White Sky (2021) explores the problems that come about when we win that fight –⁠ and how scientists, engineers, and others are trying to fix them. From the quaint to the grandiose, from the quirky to the terrifying, it’s our responsibility to explore all available remedies for the deep damage we’ve wrought.

• Anyone concerned about the state of the natural world
• Plant and animal lovers
• Futurists curious about global changes

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (2021) is a guidebook to getting the world to an important milestone: zero greenhouse gas emissions. Bill Gates shares the knowledge he’s gained through his role on international climate commissions and as a go-to source of funding for climate solution startups. He pinpoints the ideas that show the most promise and explains the work that still needs to be done. 

• Anyone concerned about climate change
• Investors interested in new funding opportunities
• Business leaders looking for ways to help

The Emerald Planet (2007) looks at the central role plants have played in shaping the planet and its environment. New research makes use of plants, both fossilized and living, to explain how the planet got where it is, and where it might go in the future. The Emerald Planet inspired a three-part BBC series called How to Grow a Planet.

• Anyone interested in plant biology and paleobotany
• People who want to learn more about ancient mass extinctions
• Evolutionary science enthusiasts

A Brief History of Motion (2021) provides a revealing overview of the history, and possible future, of the automobile. From the invention of the wheel, to early steam engine contraptions and the enticing promises of automated cars, you’ll find out how these vehicles changed the course of human history, and the unexpected problems they’ve caused along the way. 

• Gearheads
• Anyone concerned about climate change 
• Investors wondering about the future of transportation

Earth for All (2022) is more than a book – it’s a survival guide. After centuries of industrialization, population growth, and rising inequality, our planet is now at a tipping point. We are already learning to live with pandemics, war, wildfires, and more. This guide offers timely, practical solutions for the urgent problems facing humankind.

• People concerned about climate change
• Activists seeking a better future
• Residents of planet Earth – in other words, all of us!

Nomad Century (2022) proposes a radical solution to the looming climate apocalypse, one that’s as practical as it is controversial. To tackle the effects of climate change, we need to migrate and be more tolerant of those who’ve been forced to move.

• Supranational bodies trying to tackle the climate crisis
• Governments dealing with climate migration
• Scientists, communities, and NGOs

MegaThreats (2022) delves into the ten most pressing potential threats to humanity's future. The author examines the evidence and potential consequences for each threat, questioning whether we are doing enough to prevent or prepare for them.

• Futurists
• Students of economics
• Doomsday preppers

The Climate Book (2023) unites dozens of voices in a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the complex relationships between climate change, politics, and media. Offering insights into the interconnectedness of various global issues and the urgent need for systemic change, it contains practical, actionable steps towards a sustainable and equitable future.

• Everyone concerned about our planet Earth
• Climate activists looking to bolster their tactics arsenal 
• Politicians and journalists who want to be part of the solution, not the problem 

Birnam Wood (2023) is an engrossing thriller about what happens when a group of idealistic activists cross paths with the wrong venture capitalist. What looks like an amazing opportunity soon turns into a deadly nightmare, full of lies, cover-ups, and dangerous bedfellows.

• Fans of suspenseful stories
• People interested in modern eco-thrillers
• Anyone looking for a novel filled with surprises, twists, and turns

Material World (2023) delves into the profound influence of six fundamental materials on the course of human civilization: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. You'll explore how these elements have not only built and destroyed empires, but are also crucial to shaping our present existence and future. It's a captivating journey revealing the largely unseen impact of everyday materials on our lives, from ancient times to the digital age.

• History enthusiasts intrigued by how materials have impacted civilizations
• Environmentalists interested in sustainable resource management
• Technology buffs fascinated by material innovation and usage

Not the End of the World (2024) argues for radical hope amid environmental crisis. Recent data show that, contrary to the usual gloom and doom, tremendous progress towards sustainability is being made. By focusing on well-defined and tractable issues, we can shift our collective behavior and avert climate disaster.

• People looking for signs of hope about climate change
• Concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions to the climate crisis
• Fans of science and careful research

The New Map (2020) illustrates how global power dynamics are being reshaped by the convergence of energy politics, climate change, and international conflicts, particularly between the US, China, Russia, and the Middle East. It analyzes how America’s shale, Russia’s vast gas reserves, China’s growing influence, the Middle East’s adaptation to falling oil prices, and innovations in green tech and renewables are redrawing the world's energy map.

• Politics junkies ready for insights into how energy shapes geopolitics
• Climate activists who want a global snapshot of energy dynamics
• Investors looking for risks and opportunities in the energy sector

Impasse (2025) confronts the uncomfortable truth that humanity is utterly unprepared for climate catastrophe, despite mounting evidence of extreme weather transforming our planet. Instead of clinging to false optimism and faith in endless progress, it reveals how acknowledging the depth of the crisis might open new paths toward navigating our uncertain future.

• Climate activists seeking a more realistic framework for understanding our environmental crisis
• Philosophy and psychology enthusiasts interested in how cognitive biases and human limitations shape our response to existential challenges
• Critical thinkers questioning progress narratives who are skeptical of techno-optimism

The Breath of the Gods (2025) explores wind as a force that shapes both planetary history and daily human life, from travel and exploration to disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and storms. It investigates how shifting global wind patterns are intensifying under climate change and examines the tension between wind as a destructive power and as a potential climate savior through renewable energy.

• Curious climate-conscious explorers of Earth’s natural forces
• Technically minded weather and geography enthusiasts
• Anyone seeking engaging science storytelling

Whole Earth Discipline (2009) argues that environmentalism should be more pragmatic and willing to use powerful modern tools to address climate change and ecological decline. It makes the case for options often treated as taboo in green circles – such as nuclear energy, biotechnology, dense urban living, and even researching geoengineering – when they can reduce overall environmental harm. It frames these choices as systems-level solutions aimed at protecting biodiversity while cutting carbon emissions at scale.

• Climate-focused policy and energy decision-makers
• Tech-savvy environmentalists weighing nuclear and biotech
• Anyone exploring pragmatic eco-solutions

Clearing the Air (2025) tackles the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding climate change, using data to separate fact from fiction across areas ranging from renewable energy and electric cars to food, cement, steel, and carbon removal. It makes the case that while the challenges are real, the solutions already exist or are well within reach.

• Anyone overwhelmed by conflicting climate change headlines
• Decision-makers weighing the costs of going green
• Citizens who want facts not fear about our future