There’s plenty of great, informative content out there on climate change, but sometimes it can be hard to find.
So we’ve pulled together a few books and websites that are well worth a read – whether you’re into the science of climate change, the psychology behind climate action, learning about different people’s perspectives, or even reading for kids. Some are also available as audiobooks.
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1
Living with the Climate Crisis: Voices from Aotearoa
After the Australian bushfires and then the COVID-19 pandemic, some are worried that we risk being distracted from the challenge that is climate change. Living with the Climate Crisis brings together mātauranga Māori and Pasifika perspectives, and voices across academia, activism, journalism and economics to talk about how we approach climate change in these troubled times.
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2
Breaking boundaries: The Science of Our Planet
Breaking boundaries is co-authored by scientist Owen Gaffney and Hillary Foundation Laureate Johan Rockström, who shared the same orientation experience with Wellington iwi Te Ātiawa when they visited New Zealand. Their connections with Te Ao Māori were an influence in writing the book, which explores the nine environmental thresholds or ‘planetary boundaries’ that life on earth depends on. It’s also available as an audiobook through Audible, Apple, Amazon, and Google Play.
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3
How to talk about climate change in a way that makes a difference
A lot of books on climate change go into the science of climate change. This book is a little different. Authored by Dr. Rebecca Huntley, the book is an exploration of different emotional responses to climate change – fear, guilt, hope, love – and why understanding those emotions is critical to coping on an individual level and convincing each other to act. It’s about understanding why people who aren't like you feel the way they do and learning to talk to them effectively. It’s also available as an audiobook through Audible.
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4
#NoFly
In 2018, New Zealand physicist (and COVID-19 modeller) Professor Shaun Hendy decided to go without flying for a year. In doing that, he cut his carbon dioxide emissions from travel by 95%. The book #NoFly is about that journey, the challenges of adapting to a life without air travel, and the vision for a low-emissions future.
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5
The Future We Choose
In this book, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac present two possible scenarios for our planet. One where we don't meet the Paris Agreement's climate targets, and the other where we live in a regenerative world with net-zero emissions. The Future We Choose is a cautionary but optimistic look at our changing climate, and what we can do about it. It’s also available as an audiobook through Audible, Apple, Amazon, and Google Play.
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6
Climate Aotearoa
Climate Aotearoa is a New Zealand perspective on climate change, outlining the climate situation as it is now and what it will be like in the future. It also suggests the changes we can make that will have the most impact, and what we should be asking of governments and businesses. The book was edited by Helen Clark, with contributions from scientists, engineers, researchers, and disability and social advocates.
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7
Earth Heroes: Twenty Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World
Earth Heroes is a book designed for younger people (but really, it can be read by anyone). Written by Lily Dyu, it tells the story of twenty people around the globe who are tackling the issues and effects of climate change, showing that individuals can and do make a difference. The book features well-known people like David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg, and less well-known people like Isabel Soares or Yin Yuzhen.
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8
The Forever Project
Stuff.co.nz is behind The Forever Project, an online climate change hub that looks at the current issues around climate change in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as solutions and opportunities. You can also subscribe to weekly emails or follow The Forever Project on Twitter.
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9
Carbon Brief
Carbon Brief is a UK-based website that covers the latest global developments in climate science, climate policy and energy policy. Their articles are data-driven and often include visuals to help improve the understanding of climate change. Typical content includes science explainers, interviews, analysis and fact checks, as well as daily and weekly email summaries of newspaper and online coverage.