Greta Thunberg is a globally recognized environmental activist from Sweden, known for her straightforward speaking manner and her unwavering commitment to combating climate change. Born in 2003, Greta first gained international attention in 2018 when she started skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament, holding a sign that read "School Strike for Climate." Her solitary protest sparked a global movement, Fridays for Future, where students around the world skipped school to demand action on climate change from their governments. Greta has since spoken at high-profile events, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the World Economic Forum in Davos, advocating for urgent action based on existing scientific evidence.
❝I want you to act as if our house is on fire, because it is.❞ — Greta Thunberg
While Greta Thunberg's activism is her most visible attribute, she also underscores the importance of education and the role of reading in informing oneself about climate issues. Greta is known to be well-read on environmental topics, grounding her arguments in scientific research and literature. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate education as a fundamental part of fostering an informed and engaged populace capable of advocating for sustainable policies and practices.
Greta Thunberg's Favorite Books
Last Updated: June 2024
The Change in the Weather: People, Weather and the Science of Climate
Author: William K. Stevens
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date: Dec 28th, 1999
Bill McKibben explores the human and scientific aspects of climate change, discussing how global warming is altering daily weather patterns and impacting lives, and what that means for our future.
101 Ways to Go Zero Waste
Author: Kathryn Kellogg
Publisher: Countryman Press
Date: Apr 2nd, 2019
Kathryn Kellogg offers a variety of accessible, creative tips for reducing waste in all aspects of life, from the kitchen to the closet, helping readers make environmental-friendly choices daily.
Trash Talk: Moving Toward a Zero-Waste World
Author: Michelle Mulder
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Date: Apr 1st, 2015
Monica Kulling explores the problems associated with trash and pollution, particularly focusing on the initiatives and innovative ideas being implemented globally to achieve zero waste.
The China Study: Revised and Expanded Edition: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health
Author: T. Colin Campbell
Publisher: BenBella Books
Date: Dec 12th, 2017
T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell present findings from one of the most comprehensive nutritional studies ever conducted, linking Western diet habits to chronic diseases and advocating for a whole-food, plant-based diet as a means to improve overall health.
David Suzuki's Green Guide
Author: David Suzuki
Publisher: Greystone Books
Date: Sep 1st, 2008
David Suzuki offers practical advice on how individuals can improve their environmental footprint, covering topics from efficient home energy use to better transportation habits and sustainable eating.
Natural Feasts: 100+ Healthy, Plant-Based Recipes to Share and Enjoy with Friends and Family
Author: Ella Mills
Publisher: Scribner
Date: Oct 17th, 2017
Ella Mills (Woodward) delivers a variety of flavorful and wholesome vegan dishes designed to satisfy every palate, focusing on natural ingredients and simple preparations.
The Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Live Well by Throwing Away Less
Author: Amy Korst
Publisher: Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Date: Dec 26th, 2012
Amy Korst guides readers through a practical approach to waste reduction, providing strategies for recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption to create a cleaner, simpler lifestyle.
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate
Author: Naomi Klein
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Sep 16th, 2014
Naomi Klein argues that the climate crisis cannot be addressed without fundamentally transforming the global economic system, critiquing current capitalist structures that prioritize profit over environmental and social stability.
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Author: Elizabeth Kolbert
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Date: Feb 11th, 2014
Elizabeth Kolbert's Pulitzer-winning work details the ongoing mass extinction caused by human activity, comparing it to past extinction events.
Anthropocene
Author: Sophie Hackett
Publisher: Goose Lane Editions
Date: Oct 9th, 2018
This work explores the concept of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch that marks the significant impact humans have had on the Earth's geology and ecosystems, providing insights into how our actions reshape the planet.
Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet
Author: Michael Bloomberg
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date: Apr 18th, 2017
Michael Bloomberg and Carl Pope present a forward-thinking exploration of how innovative actions and policies at the local and business levels can lead to significant environmental improvements, offering a practical and optimistic roadmap for tackling climate change.
The Hard Work of Hope: Climate Change in the Age of Trump
Author: Jon O'Riordan
Publisher: Rocky Mountain Books
Date: Oct 10th, 2017
This work examines the challenges and obstacles to combating climate change under the Trump administration, focusing on the resilience and persistence required to maintain hope and progress in a politically adverse environment.
The Big Picture: Reflections on Science, Humanity, and a Quickly Changing Planet
Author: David Suzuki
Publisher: Greystone Books
Date: Apr 1st, 2009
David Suzuki and Dave Robert Taylor provide a compelling look at environmental and scientific issues facing our planet, urging a shift in how we think about and address ecological crises.
Oh She Glows Every Day: Quick and Simply Satisfying Plant-based Recipes: A Cookbook
Author: Angela Liddon
Publisher: Avery
Date: Sep 6th, 2016
Angela Liddon offers a collection of easy-to-prepare vegan recipes designed to fit into a busy lifestyle, proving that plant-based eating can be efficient, delicious, and sustainable.
Just Cool It!: The Climate Crisis and What We Can Do - A Post-Paris Agreement Game Plan
Author: David Suzuki
Publisher: Greystone Books
Date: Apr 22nd, 2017
David Suzuki and Ian Hanington outline actionable strategies to combat climate change following the Paris Agreement, focusing on both policy changes and individual actions to mitigate the crisis.
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes
Author: Dan Egan
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date: Mar 7th, 2017
Dan Egan provides an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the ecological challenges and recovery efforts of the Great Lakes, detailing how invasive species and pollution have impacted these critical water bodies.
Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life
Author: Linda Sivertsen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Date: Aug 5th, 2008
Linda Sivertsen and Tosh Sivertsen offer practical advice and tips tailored for teenagers who want to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, covering everything from daily habits to bigger actions that can contribute to sustainability.
On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal
Author: Naomi Klein
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Sep 17th, 2019
Naomi Klein argues passionately for the Green New Deal as an essential policy framework to address the climate crisis, economic inequality, and systemic injustice, urging a radical transformation of society and the economy.
Atmosphere of Hope: Searching for Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Author: Tim Flannery
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
Date: Oct 6th, 2015
Flannery provides an update on the progress of the fight against climate change and offers new and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and avoid catastrophic temperature rises.
An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming
Author: Al Gore
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Date: Apr 10th, 2007
Al Gore's groundbreaking book accompanies his documentary film, detailing the facts of climate change and its impacts, and calling for immediate action to address this global crisis.
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life
Author: Bea Johnson
Publisher: Particular Books
Date: Jan 1st, 2013
Bea Johnson shares insights and tips on reducing household waste to zero, offering advice on minimalist living that promotes environmental sustainability and a lower cost of living.
The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth
Author: Tim Flannery
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Jan 10th, 2001
Tim Flannery examines how human activities influence the climate and what these changes mean for all life on Earth, providing a comprehensive overview of past impacts and future challenges.
The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Over 100 Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out
Author: Angela Liddon
Publisher: Avery
Date: Mar 4th, 2014
Angela Liddon presents a range of mouthwatering vegan recipes that focus on vitality and wellness, encouraging readers to explore how a plant-based diet can improve health and energy.
Earth Then and Now: Amazing Images of Our Changing World
Author: Fred Pearce
Publisher: Firefly Books
Date: Sep 14th, 2007
Fred Pearce presents a compelling visual comparison of historical and contemporary photographs that document significant changes in the environment and urban landscapes, highlighting the dramatic transformations brought about by human activity and natural processes.
The Overstory: A Novel
Author: Richard Powers
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date: Apr 3rd, 2018
Richard Powers weaves together the interconnected lives of nine characters and their relationships to trees and nature, in a sweeping epic that explores the profound connection between humans and the natural world.
Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet
Author: Mark Lynas
Publisher: National Geographic
Date: Jan 22nd, 2008
Mark Lynas outlines the severe consequences of each degree of global warming, from one degree to six, using scientific projections to paint a vivid picture of a planet plagued by heatwaves, floods, and other extreme weather events.
The China Study Cookbook: Over 120 Whole Food, Plant-Based Recipes
Author: LeAnne Campbell
Publisher: BenBella Books
Date: May 7th, 2013
LeAnne Campbell offers a collection of plant-based recipes inspired by the principles of The China Study, focusing on healthy, whole food ingredients and simple, tasty dishes designed to promote long-term health benefits.
Liv B's Vegan on a Budget: 112 Inspired and Effortless Plant-Based Recipes
Author: Olivia Biermann
Publisher: Robert Rose
Date: Feb 15th, 2019
Olivia Biermann offers delicious and affordable vegan recipes that emphasize ease and speed, making plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable without breaking the bank.
Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?
Author: Bill McKibben
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Date: Apr 16th, 2019
Bill McKibben debates the future of humanity in light of emerging technologies and environmental degradation, questioning whether we have compromised our future to the point of no return.
Kiss the Ground: How the Food You Eat Can Reverse Climate Change, Heal Your Body & Ultimately Save Our World
Author: Josh Tickell
Publisher: Atria/Enliven Books
Date: Nov 14th, 2017
Josh Tickell explains how regenerative agriculture can repair our soil, help combat climate change, improve our health, and renew our planet, all through the choices we make about the food we consume.
Everything Under the Sun: Toward a Brighter Future on a Small Blue Planet
Author: David Suzuki
Publisher: Greystone Books
Date: Jul 24th, 2012
David Suzuki and Ian Hanington discuss practical solutions for global environmental challenges, advocating for a sustainable approach to living on our increasingly strained planet.
The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth's Past Mass Extinctions
Author: Peter Brannen
Publisher: Ecco
Date: Jun 13th, 2017
Peter Brannen explores the history of Earth's major extinction events through geological and paleontological research, revealing what these ancient events can teach us about our future on the planet.
American War: A Novel
Author: Omar El Akkad
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Apr 4th, 2017
Omar El Akkad's speculative fiction novel depicts a dystopian future where climate change and political divisions lead to a second American Civil War, exploring themes of loyalty, survival, and the impacts of environmental catastrophe.
Zero Waste: Simple Life Hacks to Drastically Reduce Your Trash
Author: Shia Su
Publisher: Skyhorse
Date: Apr 3rd, 2018
Shia Su provides practical tips and innovative hacks to minimize household waste, encouraging readers to adopt a more sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle.
