Technology & Science
Making the Modern World
Vaclav Smil
Explore the intricate relationship between humanity's progress and its ever-increasing use of materials. From prehistoric tools to modern megacities, this book delves into the extraction, processing, and consumption of essential resources, questioning the sustainability of our material-dependent societies and envisioning a future of dematerialization.
Not the End of the World
Hannah Ritchie
A data-driven and optimistic look at the world's environmental problems, arguing that we are not doomed and that a sustainable future is within reach. It challenges doomsday narratives and offers a path forward by examining key environmental crises and potential solutions.
Our Wild Calling
Richard Louv
Explore the profound connections between humans and animals and how these relationships can transform our lives and save theirs. Richard Louv delves into the importance of connecting with the natural world, the impact of species loneliness, and the potential for a future where humans and animals coexist in harmony.
Should We Eat Meat?
Vaclav Smil
An exploration of the history, evolution, and consequences of meat consumption in modern societies. It examines the nutritional benefits and potential health concerns associated with eating meat, as well as the environmental impacts of meat production. The book offers a balanced perspective, rooted in scientific evidence, to help readers make informed decisions about their dietary choices.
The Botany of Desire
Michael Pollan
An exploration of the reciprocal relationship between humans and four plants: the apple, the tulip, cannabis, and the potato. Pollan delves into the desires these plants fulfill—sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control—and how they have shaped human history and culture.
The Omnivore's Dilemma
Michael Pollan
In 'The Omnivore's Dilemma,' Michael Pollan explores the complex and often contradictory world of food production and consumption in America. He investigates the ecological, ethical, and health implications of our modern diet, tracing the journey of four meals from their origins to our plates. A thought-provoking exploration of what it means to eat in the 21st century.
The Overstory
Richard Powers
A novel about trees and the interconnectedness of all living things. It tells the story of several characters who are drawn together to protect the world's forests.
Under a White Sky
Elizabeth Kolbert
An exploration of the ways in which humans are attempting to control and manage nature, often with unintended consequences, and the challenges of engineering our way out of the environmental problems we have created. From reversing rivers to electrifying them, and from manipulating species to geoengineering the climate, Elizabeth Kolbert investigates the complex and often paradoxical relationship between humanity and the natural world.