As Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary on 22 April, a renewed sense of environmental urgency is evident across the United States and beyond. Originating from a wave of environmental activism in the early 1970s that prompted the establishment of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day continues to serve as a pivotal moment for raising ecological awareness and inspiring action.
This year, the global climate movement faces unique challenges as policies in the US under President Trump have seen significant reductions of core environmental protections and the dismantling of key environmental agencies. Against this backdrop, the enduring significance of Earth Day is captured through a selection of recommended books by climate-conscious booksellers in the UK, each offering insight, hope and practical guidance on engaging with the natural world and addressing climate change.
Jessica Gaitán Johannesson, digital campaigns manager at Lighthouse Bookshop in Edinburgh, emphasises the role of books in fostering change: “Books are the starting points of action-making and of change-making.” Amber Harrison, co-owner of FOLDE bookshop in Dorset, reflects on Earth Day’s continuing importance as an opportunity for reflection and learning, stating that even small individual actions inspired by awareness-raising can lead to significant change.
Among the highlighted titles is Renaturing by James Canton, recommended by Mel of Drake The Bookshop in Stockton-on-Tees. The book explores the concept of ‘renaturing’ as a personal and local scale response to biodiversity loss, distinguishing it from ‘rewilding’, which typically refers to larger scale efforts. Mel notes: “It is a heartfelt, accessible guide for anyone wanting to make a positive impact in their own local areas... even on the smallest scale, it all counts.”
Jamie from Red Lion Books in Colchester recommends Practicing Social Ecology by Eleanor Finley. It presents solutions rooted in grassroots democratic action such as citizens’ assemblies and local permaculture, designed to build ecological alternatives to current systems. Jamie describes it as “a fantastically down-to-earth book about how we can build ecological alternatives to the current bureaucratic system.”
Chris, co-owner of Hold Fast Bookshop in Leeds, suggests Ways of Being by James Bridle as a book that offers a new perspective on human relationship with nature and technology. He highlights its focus on non-human intelligence and how humans might adapt technology to work in harmony with rather than against the environment.
The theme of reckoning with history to envision a fairer future is central to The Memory We Could Be by Daniel Macmillen Voskoboynik, recommended by Jess from Lighthouse Bookshop. She notes the book’s courageous approach in addressing colonialism and its role in shaping environmental crises: “Voskoboynik's book is a thoroughly courageous, generous and kind call to feel all of it... and to unite in choosing a different path with everything we have.”
Manuel of Read on Sea in Leigh On Sea points to Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake as a vital and inspiring exploration of fungi’s crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. He describes it as “a powerful reminder of natural interconnections, urging us to rethink our relationship with nature.”
Amber from FOLDE bookshop introduces Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility, edited by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua, as an optimistic anthology that combines science, Indigenous approaches, legal perspectives and activism. It emphasises collaboration and hope: “That hope delivers more when we work together, and that we’re ‘not too late’.”
Nicci of Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop highlights One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth by Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond as an engaging and visually stunning children’s book that nurtures empathy and ecological awareness from an early age.
Finally, Anna from Simply Books in Manchester recommends The History Trees by Colin Selter, which traces remarkable trees around the world and their connection to historical events. She describes it as “a timely reminder of the resilience and joy of nature” and “the perfect read for anyone who needs to be reminded why we should protect our planet.”
This collection of literature not only chronicles the natural world’s beauty and complexity but also offers pathways for individuals and communities to actively participate in environmental stewardship. As Earth Day 2024 brings together reflection on past achievements and the pressing demands of today’s climate crisis, these books serve as tools for knowledge and inspiration, inviting readers to reconsider their relationship with Earth and explore hopeful futures.
Source: Noah Wire Services