Environmental Studies

"Climate Justice by former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, is a nonfiction novel that follows the author’s fight against climate change and many humanitarian inequalities. This manifesto incorporates a variety of harsh circumstances from all over the world, each with pressing issues relating to human activity and our negative impacts on the climate. Robinson focuses on 10 separate stories involving extreme climate events, ranging from rising sea levels, bitter hurricanes, desertification, and water scarcity; all of which jeopardize the prosperity of destitute communities. Learning about these activists from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, was eye-opening as their fight to be heard is not only very informative but inspiring as progress for change is underway. 8 out of 10 stories were shared by women, which is very empowering as a woman in science, to see ordinary women become leaders in order to protect their communities. A quote that stuck with me throughout the duration of the book is, “ ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Yet, when it comes to the effects of climate change, there has been nothing but chronic injustice and the corrosion of human rights” (Robinson). As humans, we have to acknowledge that we are the problem and if everyone positively shifted their lifestyle, the whole climate system could start healing in places that need it the most." - Review by Jordyn Braithwaite

“Regarding Wave by Gary Snyder is a collection of poems from the 1960s. Snyder dives into his creations by gathering inspiration from his wife, his son, as well as the objects and processes in the natural world. Poems in this collection cover a variety of nature topics. Some poems include graphic content.” - Jordyn Braithwaite

"Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring, explores the dark side of pesticide use in the U.S. after the wake of the newfound chemical industry, postwar. Carson, an American marine biologist and environmental writer, especially puts a focus on DDT (banned pesticide in the U.S.) and how it affected plants, animals, and human life. Carson leans on the reader to understand the prominence of harmful additives and how they can impact future generations of humans and life on earth and gives an in-depth look into why we shouldn’t contribute to these harmful actions. A quote that I thought was really profound when talking about chemicals and how detrimental they are is where Carson says 'Their presence casts a shadow that is no less ominous because it is formless and obscure, no less frightening because it is simply impossible to predict the effects of lifetime exposure to chemical and physical agents that are not part of the biological experience of man' (page 258-259). As someone who is currently studying environmental science, this book really jumped out at me with its clear explanations of why pesticides degrade our earth, and why people should be worried about them. If you let it, this book will open your eyes and make you think twice about buying chemical based products." - Review by Devina Largent

"The compelling and artfully written collection of non-fiction essays by Robin Wall Kimmerer titled Braiding Sweetgrass illustrates the complex and varied ways of knowing the world and the synergies that can arise when we honor this multiplicity of knowing. The strands in this collection stem from Kimmerer’s own experiences as a scientist, as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, as a mother and as a teacher. She weaves her stories into a brilliant braid, guiding the reader into a deeper understanding of what it is to be human in relationship with this life-giving planet. In one story titled The Consolation of Water Lilies, Kimmerer writes, 'We are showered every day with gifts, but they are not meant for us to keep. Their life is in their movement, the inhale and the exhale of our shared breath. Our work and our joy is to pass along the gift and to trust that what we put out into the universe will always come back.' Braiding Sweetgrass is itself a gift, one that will leave you inspired and hungry for more." - Sasha Wohlpart

Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)

On order until 06/18/2021

Springer Earth and Environmental Science eBooks 2020 English/Internationa

Ebook Central Academic Complete

Taylor & Francis ebooks

US Government Document; Prepared for Environmental Studies Program, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management