Essential Reading

Such a state the world is in: Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, a contentious election, demonstrations, sit-ins. No wonder the Climate Crisis may not be in the forefront of your minds.

But one thing that summer is known for is reading. So I am suggesting that among the books you select for the beach, or for the tranquility of your backyard, you include a few on the Climate Crisis.

We cannot afford to ignore the imminent threat to our planet, this planet which currently sustains life as we know it. The Earth will survive, will “recover,” but likely in a state unrecognizable to any humans. Think Mars.

We must keep this threat as a priority. We must change our way of living: cut our dependence on fossil fuel, embrace new technologies, reduce our carbon footprint by altering our diet, reducing our shopping, and our traveling.

There is no question that we are in crisis, and that time is running out, even as Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability demands answers regarding reports of quid pro quo propositions made by Donald Trump to dismantle fossil fuel regulations in exchange for $1 billion in contributions to his presidential campaign.*

With all of this in mind, I am suggesting a few books you might consider adding to your list of summer reading: maybe not easy reading, but important reading. And before you head for the bookstore or Amazon, check out your local library.

Suggested Summer Reading

• The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell
• The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff Goodell
• Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Hayhoe
• All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson
• The Flag, The Cross, and the Station Wagon (A Graying American Looks Back at his Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened) by Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org

And if you like, write a review and I’ll post it.

I wish you, if not Happy Reading, Essential Reading.

Thank you for being on this journey.

Wishing peace and health to you and your loved ones.

Till next time,
Beth