Here at Ooligan, we’re in the final stages of publishing our newest nonfiction book, From Knowledge to Power: The Comprehensive Handbook for Climate Science and Advocacy, by Dr. John Perona. In anticipation of the book’s release on November 30, 2021, here are five books you can read on climate science and advocacy to start thinking about the state of our climate.
Rain: A Natural and Cultural History by Cynthia Barnett
As a Pacific Northwest press, rain is integral to our daily lives. Barnett’s book is a poetic take on our climate that incorporates history, meteorology, travel stories, and geology. As our climate changes, so do our interactions with the weather, and water is an integral part of the climate crisis that Dr. Perona addresses in From Knowledge to Power. Learning more about our relationship to rain will help highlight the gravity of our situation.
Water on Sand: Environmental Histories of the Middle East and North Africa edited by Alan Mikhail
Similar to Barnett’s book, Water on Sand discusses the origins of our connection to the environment and how these relationships have shaped politics, economics, and our cultures as a whole. The ancient societies of the Middle East and North Africa laid the groundwork for how we interact with natural resources, which is another vital piece for combating climate change.
On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal by Naomi Klein
As the title suggests, Klein addresses the political element of the climate crisis, following the movement for a Green New Deal in the U.S. This book did impactful work as a best seller, and Klein has the same hopeful outlook that Dr. Perona has. Following On Fire with From Knowledge to Power would be a great course for anyone who wants to know what they can do to become a climate advocate.
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
In a slightly less hopeful outlook, The Sixth Extinction argues that our current climate trajectory may lead us to another extinction event, this time at the hands of one species rather than cosmic luck. Kolbert draws upon the history of past extinctions and explains how we are changing the planet in ways that could cause millions of species to go extinct. This book provides insight into what brought us to this point, leaving you ready to receive the hopeful encouragement of Dr. Perona on what we can do now.
Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future by Mary Robinson
If you’re looking for something a little less sciencey and a little more personal before jumping into climate science, try Climate Justice by Mary Robinson. As the former president of Ireland, Robinson details her individual experiences with climate change, giving context to the global scale of the climate crisis. This book provides an excellent opportunity to look into the eyes of the feminine experience of the changing world as many of the subjects are mothers and grandmothers.
We know you can’t wait for From Knowledge to Power, but these books will start you on your journey to becoming an educated climate activist and satiate you until November 30 when you can finally crack open a fresh copy. Once you’ve got the base knowledge, you can take action and do your part to combat climate change.