6 Books for a Living Planet
Magazine / 6 Books for a Living Planet

6 Books for a Living Planet

Book Bites Environment Science
6 Books for a Living Planet

Earth Day may come once a year, but the challenge of sustaining our planet is constant—and urgent. These six books offer fresh thinking, hard truths, and imaginative solutions for building a future where both humanity and the Earth can thrive.

Learn something new every day with “Book Bites,” 15-minute audio summaries of the latest and greatest nonfiction. Get started by downloading the Next Big Idea App today!

The Story of CO2 is the Story of Everything Peter Brannen Next Big Idea Club Book Bite

The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything: How Carbon Dioxide Made Our World

By Peter Brannen

Avoiding the direst future—and surviving into deep time—will require that we both begin to appreciate this cosmic perspective on climate change, as well as see humanity as a crucial component of, and not separate from, the global carbon cycle. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Peter Brannen, or view on Amazon.

Polar War Kenneth Rosen Next Big Idea Club Book Bite

Polar War: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for Power in a Melting Arctic

By Kenneth Rosen

The Arctic isn’t just ice and polar bears; it’s a fast-changing region where climate change, geopolitics, and resource competition are reshaping the world. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Kenneth Rosen, or view on Amazon.

Here Comes the Sun Bill McKibben Next Big Idea Club Book Bite

Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization

By Bill McKibben

An acclaimed environmentalist argues that the only realistic solution to our climate crisis is transitioning to solar power. If we come to run on sunshine, our world will remain just as bright but all the more peaceful and sustainable. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Bill McKibben, or view on Amazon.

Every Last Fish Rose George Next Big Idea Club Book Bite

Every Last Fish: A Deep Dive into Everything They Do for Us and We Do to Them

By Rose George

We’ve abused the oceans for centuries, but fish are sentient, ecosystems can recover, and the sea can heal—if we finally start protecting it. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Rose George, or view on Amazon.

David Gelles Dirtbag Billionaire Next Big Idea Club Book Bite

Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away

By David Gelles

New York Times reporter and bestselling author David Gelles reveals how Patagonia became a global leader in doing well by doing good and how other companies are adopting its principles. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author David Gelles, or view on Amazon.

Life After Cars Sarah Goodyear Doug Gordon Aaron Naparstek Book Bite Next Big Idea Club

Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile

By Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon & Aaron Naparstek

Cars define the shape of our cities, affect our own health and safety, and have significant effects on our environment and climate. Reimagining our relationship with automobiles can make individuals and society happier, healthier, and safer. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by co-authors Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, or view on Amazon.

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