We live in the Anthropocene Epoch, an era of significant human impact on the earth’s geology and ecosystems. With the deteriorating state of our beloved planet, it is imperative now more than ever to understand the gravity of the situation. We don’t need just the Earth Day to warn us about the dire state of affairs.
There has been a surge in the number of books about the environment. Across a range of topics including climate change, endangered species, the effect of industrialization on the environment, and sustainable living. From grim takes to optimistic solutions. Books that shock, books that shake us out of our stupor. But books that also give hope that all is not lost.
Why book recommendations when the information could be dated and we have access to the latest over the internet? Why because books shall always remain a source to educate and create awareness.
Environmental Talks
Over the year, I have shared recommendations on causes highlighted by Blogchatter through their Cause a Chatter campaign – Gender Talks and Mental Health Talks. For Gender Talks, I shared non-fiction book recommendations to better understand feminism in India, must-read feminist translated literature, and feminist fiction book recommendations.
Mental Health Talks included Memoirs and Personal Narratives, Essential Reads for Family Caregivers, and a spotlight on Committed: A Memoir of Madness in the Family by Paolina Milana
This quarter, I chose the third cause, Environmental Talks. And continuing with the series, I would be sharing recommendations of books that are particularly targeted at India.
The Environment & Indian Literature
India ranks fifth in the Global Climate Risk Index 2020. There can never be too many books on the environment. In fact, Indian books on the environment are barely a fraction of the ones released worldwide. Therefore it is no surprise that the information included rarely focuses on Indian geology. The melting Gangotri glacier. The frequent floods. The forest fires in Uttarakhand. The rising sea level around Mumbai. Issues closer to home and those that impact us.
But there are books, often lesser-known, that have helped raise awareness. Authors who have detailed how India has been damaging and in many cases, saving the planet.
Books on Climate Change
Our planet is struggling to cope with the damage we are inflicting on a daily basis. We are well aware of the term “climate change”. But are we really aware of what it entails? What is causing it? And most importantly, what needs to be done to manage it? Particularly in the Indian context?
My first post in the series includes book recommendations on climate change. Books about the damaging effects. Books on political and social apathy. But also books about hope.
The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable by Amitav Ghosh
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Are we deranged? Acclaimed novelist Amitav Ghosh definitely does think so. If not, what explains the collective failure to grasp the scale and violence of climate change.
The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable by Amitav Ghosh discusses the causes and consequences of the environmental crisis. What sets it apart is that it is also a discussion on the politics of climate change.
The author does not limit himself to educate about the crisis. He points out the grave disservice literature does to it. How Indian literary fiction and even climate fiction (or cli-fi as it is popularly termed) fails to raise awareness. How authors prefer writing about more saleable topics. And how even writing of history oversimplifies the climate crisis.
This book is a must-read.
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A River Runs Again, India’s Natural World in Crisis, from the Barren Cliffs of Rajasthan to the Farmlands of Karnataka by Meera Subramanian
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We hold the panch tattva in high regard. We revere our rivers. Even consider them goddesses. But don’t blink an eyelid when polluting them.
A River Runs Again, India’s Natural World in Crisis, from the Barren Cliffs of Rajasthan to the Farmlands of Karnataka by Meera Subramanian explores the environmental catastrophe through the panch tattva (the five elements) – earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Divided into five sections, it explores the impact on each element and how people have come together to reverse the damaging effects. From organic farming to building reservoirs to smokeless stoves.
The statistics are a bit dated, but it is an excellent read nonetheless.
The Climate Solution: India’s Climate-Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It by Mridula Ramesh
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Is focusing on green sources of power an incomplete solution for India? Does climate change pose a security threat to the country? Can managing waste create lakhs of jobs?
The Climate Solution: India’s Climate-Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It by Mridula Ramesh is divided into two parts – Understanding and Action. It traces the decades-long history of climate change. But also how climate warriors have helped reverse the effects by adapting sustainable methodologies. The book includes a checklist of actions you and I can implement to help our planet breathe again.
I highly recommend you pick this book.
This is just a small selection of books on the environment to help you get started. Stay tuned as I would be sharing more recommendations on a range of topics under Enviromental Talks. Do you have a recommendation? I would love to check it out. Do share in the comments below.
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This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and sponsored by Queen’s Brigade.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
July 15, 2021 @ 8:55 pm
You’ve talked about each book in such a unique manner. And held on to hope despite the continuing damage to the environment.
I will buy The Great Derangement first.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:22 pm
Thank you Satabdi 😊. That is an excellent first pick.
July 16, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
I read Unearthed recently and it was an education into the environment discussion. Thank you for these recommendations. Have added the great derangement in my list.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:25 pm
Thank you for stopping by, Suchita 😊. I do plan to feature Unearthed too in the upcoming posts.
July 17, 2021 @ 1:36 pm
All the books you have selected seems quite interesting and informative about environmental issues. Would like to check them out. Thanks for sharing this review post.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:25 pm
Thank you Smita 😊
July 17, 2021 @ 4:04 pm
Wd humans do understand the need for our environment and why it needs to be saved but do not take the necessary measures. These books seem very nice and necessary to read.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:26 pm
Exactly Seema. We are well aware of the damage we are inflicting but refuse to change our ways.
July 17, 2021 @ 6:59 pm
I only read Amitav Ghosh book from this list. Will pick up other books slowly
July 21, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
Amitav Ghosh’s book is excellent. Would love to know your views on the other picks.
July 17, 2021 @ 7:57 pm
Good compilation of books. I’m a great fan of the writing of Amitav Ghosh. Would like to start with his book then.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:28 pm
Thank you Shreemayee 😊
July 17, 2021 @ 11:00 pm
Such a noble and powerful post! I myself have raised concerns on global warming and have been part of awareness programs. Never read these books though. They look extremely interesting and impactful. I will be reading these and fowarding it to others too.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
Thank you so much Shail 😊
February 11, 2023 @ 10:44 pm
I am pleased to see the choice of books you have on a subject which is mostly overlooked by many of us. Global warming is an alarming situations and we need to act fast to stop further damage of environment
February 13, 2023 @ 3:35 pm
Thats some wonderful suggestions would love to check them out.
July 18, 2021 @ 7:08 am
Glad you wrote this one! Will surely check out the books and not only read them but also encourage my 16 year old to read. Thank you for writing this useful post!
July 21, 2021 @ 7:29 pm
Thank you so much Mayura 😊. We do need to make our kids more aware.
July 18, 2021 @ 12:24 pm
Extremely underrated topic. More discussion needs to happen on this.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
Exactly Raghav
July 18, 2021 @ 12:25 pm
Climate change is real and it is here now. No longer something that one thinks of happening sometime in the future. Good book recommendations.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:30 pm
So true Vasumathi
July 18, 2021 @ 12:40 pm
I am in awe of the body of reading you manage, Ritu. Hats off to you. These books are about the Indian climate in detail. Must be really interesting to read. I wish I could read at least one book a month.
July 21, 2021 @ 7:31 pm
Thank you so much Harjeet 😊
June 30, 2023 @ 9:41 pm
These works are spill binding and timely as they expose the neglect of the climate by man. Literati should now focus on the consequences of climate change on human existence. Indian writers such as Amitav is a genius and gift to humanity. Before I depart from this world one day, I pray to meet Amitav Ghosh.
July 18, 2021 @ 1:29 pm
Wow, these are definitely in my bucket list.. Thanks for sharing.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:53 pm
I am glad to know that 😊
July 18, 2021 @ 3:06 pm
Wow i had no idea climate change is affecting India in such a huge way….you have given interesting info in these book reviews….some are very endearing…
August 8, 2021 @ 2:54 pm
This is just the tip of the iceberg, Jigna. Humans have practically destroyed the earth.
July 18, 2021 @ 3:31 pm
This is a wonderful, well-researched list of books on climate change. We understand that climate should be protected but don’t act in the right direction. Such books can help spread much-needed awareness.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:56 pm
Thank you so much Aditi. 😊 You are absolutely right. Knowledge is of little use until we take action.
July 18, 2021 @ 5:17 pm
These are great recommendations. I like the one about the five elements and will pick that one first.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:56 pm
Thank you so much 😁
July 18, 2021 @ 8:02 pm
Ritu I love your book recommendations and climate impact is one topic that intrigues me when it comes to discussing or movies. I will definitely check out these books
August 8, 2021 @ 2:56 pm
Thank you so much Sindhu 😊
July 18, 2021 @ 8:22 pm
I am surprised, how I have never read any book on the environment, thank you for bringing this to my notice and thanks for sharing your recommendations.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:58 pm
Thank you Priyanka. 😊 I will be sharing more recommendations on a range of topics that might interest you.
July 18, 2021 @ 8:40 pm
These are some lovely recommendations of books on the environment Ritu. I would love to read them. Thanks for sharing details about these books.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:58 pm
Thank you so much Abha 😊
July 19, 2021 @ 12:31 am
Environment is of great concern in today’s era and so it is important we take sure care by teaching next generation the imprtance of environment. I am sure I vl read the books mentioned by you.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:59 pm
Exactly Sweta.😊 Do pick them.
July 19, 2021 @ 3:59 pm
Very scenic post. I look forward to read your recommended book. Thank you.
August 8, 2021 @ 2:59 pm
Thank you Mehul 😊
July 21, 2021 @ 11:02 pm
Thanks for sharing these recommendations Ritu. Apart from Amitav Ghosh’s book, I hadn’t heard of any. It is a sad truth that though we know about the great climate crisis and our role in it, we mostly ignore as a non-urgent topic. Perhaps we are actually deranged.
August 8, 2021 @ 3:01 pm
Exactly Noor. We only take action once it begins to hit home. There are so many books put there that we barely know of. I will be share more recommendations soon.😊
July 23, 2021 @ 12:40 pm
These really look like brilliant reads. I’ve seen recommendations for reads on many causes, but rarely on environment. Thank you 🙂
August 8, 2021 @ 3:01 pm
Thank you so much Leha for everything 😊
February 9, 2023 @ 10:33 am
I would love to read A river runs again. We consider Indian rivers as Goddesses and each has its unique characteristics. Your reviews are crisp and concise and that’s why I like them.
February 24, 2023 @ 2:55 pm
Thank you so much, Harjeet 😊. That is a great pick!
February 11, 2023 @ 10:45 pm
I am pleased to see the choice of books you have on a subject which is mostly overlooked by many of us. Global warming is an alarming situations and we need to act fast to stop further damage of environment… brilliant post
February 24, 2023 @ 2:56 pm
Thank you Samata. 😊 That is so very true.
February 12, 2023 @ 5:24 pm
Very different topic. I never read on this. You always put review excellently. It will not only give awareness but also increase the curiosity of the book. I will definitely try this one.
February 24, 2023 @ 2:57 pm
Thank you so much, Neeta 😊. I am so glad to share these books.
February 13, 2023 @ 10:54 am
Loved everything I read and learned from this article. The environment is really something we need to give more attention to as what we do to nature can’t be easily changed. I’ll share this article with my daughters as well.
February 24, 2023 @ 2:58 pm
Thank you Jeannine 😊
February 13, 2023 @ 2:24 pm
I have never come across the books you mentioned in this article. Environment is of great concern in today’s time and it is important to nurish that too. Going to read these books for sure.
February 24, 2023 @ 2:58 pm
I am so glad to share about them. Do pick them up.
February 15, 2023 @ 11:24 pm
I can’t tell you, how much I like your choices on books. These are good as usual.
February 24, 2023 @ 2:58 pm
Thank you so much Monidipa 😊
February 17, 2023 @ 1:27 am
I applaud you Ritu for bringing attention to climate change via the books you read and sharing the information with your community. A brilliant way to bring a call to action. Activism comes in many forms, starting from bringing awareness to taking steps toward lifestyle changes.
February 24, 2023 @ 3:00 pm
Thank you so much, Sakshi. 😊 There is such a great collection if books out there that do not get the recognition they deserve.
February 21, 2023 @ 9:46 pm
I am doing my research on Indian climate fiction please if u know more books on indian climate fiction can u please make a post, it will help me a lot