Are you looking for information on environmental justice? Books are always an excellent place to start. Here are some of the best environmental justice books you can try.
Whether we are talking about the equal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, or the measures set up to protect and preserve the environment, environmental justice books are an excellent source of information.
The fact is, the environment is all we have. And, understanding how it operates, as well as the issues affecting it, is the only way to maintain peaceful coexistence and protect it for future generations.
If you have an interest in environmental justice, then you came to the right place. We have compiled some of the best environmental justice books, by renowned authors.
And, these books are excellent reads for all ages.
Table of Contents
- The Best Environmental Justice Books
- Best Environmental Justice Books for Kids
- Best Environmental Justice Books for Teens
- Best Environmental Justice Books for Older Adults
- Environmental Justice Books for Environmentalists
- Environmental Justice Books for Law-Oriented Adults
- Environmental Justice Books for History Enthusiasts
- Related Resources
The Best Environmental Justice Books
Best Environmental Justice Books for Kids
Features
- Author: Keilly Swift
- Forward: Jamie Margolin
- No. of Pages: 96
- Language: English
- Reading Age: 7 to 9 years
- Grade: 2 to 4
- Publisher: DK Children
Description
This book by Keilly Swift is among the best environmental justice books for kids in the market. The book is not only fun for kids, but also offers a source of an empowering message. It challenges children to make the world a better place for all, using positive inspiration.
Children with a passion for the environment can use this book as a guide to their causes. It’s full of brilliant ideas and concepts that can make a difference. It’s factual and covers numerous important topics.
The book is written especially for kids aged 7 to 9 years and has many educational and awareness content. Moreover, it’s full of brilliant illustrations that put the words into images, that kids can comprehend.
There are lots of crucial facts about the state of the planet, making it the right place for children to start their activism journey.
Topics covered include picking the right causes, noting fake news, success stories on conservation, plastic pollution, eco-friendly living, and animal conservation.
Features
- Author: Peter H. Reynolds
- No. of Pages: 40
- Language: English
- Reading Age: 4 to 8 years
- Grade: Kindergarten to Grade 3
- Publisher: Orchard Books
Description
Activism is one of the most crucial parts of environmental justice. Luckily, there are lots of books about environmental justice that kids can read today.
One example is ‘Say Something’ by Peter H. Reynolds which lights the fire of activism and speaking up for small kids. It’s suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years with an interest in the environment.
The book has an excellent message and illustrations for children encouraging them to lend their voices to greater causes. If they see an injustice, they should say something and not allow anyone to silence them.
The book empowers kids to have a voice despite their age. That enables them to build confidence and make the world a better place. Lending their voice helps keep people around them and in positions of power accountable.
Kids’ activists continue to champion different issues, including tackling climate change, pollution, and lack of accountability. The book builds kids’ confidence by letting them know they can make a difference.
It illustrates the different ways kids can use their voices for good. It’s 40 pages long and has wonderful illustrations.
See Related: Best Green Apps for a Sustainable Life
Best Environmental Justice Books for Teens
Features
- Editor: Lucy Diavolo
- No. of Pages: 248
- Language: English
- Reading Age: 13 to 19 years
- Publisher: Haymarket
Description
One of the best books on environmental justice for teens is the 248 pages book, ‘No Planet B.’ It’s an urgent call for climate justice by the popular magazine ‘Teen Vogue.’
Inside is a powerful message calling teens and other readers to rise and protect the planet. Simply put, there’s no different planet that human beings can live on. So it’s imperative to preserve the earth we have today.
Young people are championing numerous causes to protect the environment and make the planet safer for future generations. The book helps young teens find a voice and feel seen. It emphasizes their strength and ability to make the world better today. Change starts now with you in the driver’s seat.
‘No Planet B’ is edited by Lucy Diavolo and delivers a hopeful message to all. Though climate change is happening across the world, there are ways of combating it. All that’s needed are teens ready to champion different causes.
The issue is complex, but the book addresses it in simple language that explains climate justice. Young activists in the frontline tell their stories as a way to encourage others to follow suit.
Features
- Author: Greta Thunberg
- No. of Pages: 288
- Language: English
- Reading Age: 13 and above
- Publisher: Penguin
Description
There’s no way a list of the best environmental justice books can go without one written by teen activist Greta Thunberg. Currently, she is among the top voices championing calls for climate justice across the world.
The book tells the story of her family at a difficult time. They were facing a tough moment, and Greta had stopped eating. Additionally, she wasn’t speaking to anyone, which had her parents worried.
As her parents sought the source of her discomfort, they discovered Greta’s passion for the planet. Rising temperatures were her main source of concern.
The discovery made her family connect the problems they were facing at home with the planet’s current state. The family came together to author one of the best books about environmental justice covering 288 pages.
The book tells of how they faced their problems at home by focusing on the crisis facing the planet. That was what led Greta Thunberg to hold her famous strike after school which became a global phenomenon.
It’s full of hope, wit, and optimism that draws the reader in. It brings to light lots of issues facing the planet and the possible solutions that can bring about lasting change.
Best Environmental Justice Books for Older Adults
Features
- Editor: Ayana E. Johnson, Katharine K. Wilkinson
- No. of Pages: 448
- Language: English
- Reading Age: Adults
- Publisher: One World
Description
This book tells the story of strong women leaders making a difference when it comes to climate change. These women are visionary leaders championing climate justice with workable solutions. Girls and women play a crucial role in saving the planet, and many projects are taking place.
The book is 448 pages long and addresses the need for more strong and courageous voices to join the movement. It looks at the insightful and change-oriented thinking of expert women leading climate change projects in the US.
These women are researchers, lawyers, activists, journalists, farmers, designers, and innovators. The goal is to drive a public conversation about the realities of climate change.
There are numerous poems and essays inside advocating for people to join the movement and make a difference. Many stories can inspire you to be the change you want to see in the world.
Features
- Author: David Wallace-Wells
- No. of Pages: 384
- Language: English
- Reading Age: Adults
- Publisher: Tim Duggan Books
Description
Addressing global warming is one of the topics that books on environmental justice tackle. ‘The Uninhabitable Earth’ is meant to be an eye-opener plus a wake-up call for every person living on the planet.
Global warming is a reality that’s getting worse each day, resulting in a rapidly changing climate. This book is meant to lay the issue out without mincing words.
It addresses the issues the planet will face with rising temperatures, including food shortages, rising sea levels, climate conflict, and the devastation of the economy.
There’s lots of fear across the world as more people come face to face with climate change. The book lays it out bare for all to learn and decide the future. The author is alarmed at how worse things are getting and the dire need for lasting solutions.
It’s a call to action for anyone who wants to make the planet habitable once more.
Environmental Justice Books for Environmentalists
Features
- Author: David Naguib Pellow
- No. of Pages: 254
- Language: English
- Reading Age: Environmentalists
- Publisher: The MIT Press
Description
The world is in crisis with global warming, climate change, and an increase in the garbage. ‘Garbage Wars’ is among the best environmental justice books that address the garbage crisis in Chicago.
The author is a sociologist who’s written this book to lay bare the political issues facing garbage in the city. Despite the matter endangering the lives of minorities, there are numerous political games afoot.
He outlines how garbage continues to affect the lives of vulnerable people. They face numerous health risks due to increasing pollution. David addresses the matter by following the trash.
From this, he details how people suffer due to pollutants, waste, and other hazardous toxins. These toxins even end up in water systems that the communities rely on.
The waste industry is influenced a lot by class and race in the area. It’s an issue that replicates itself all across the US. The book details possible solutions for this, which will create a better environment for the vulnerable, who are the most affected.
Features
- Editor: Robert D. Bullard
- Forward: Maxine Waters
- No. of Pages: 414
- Language: English
- Reading Age: Environmentalists
- Publisher: Counterpoint
Description
The 414 pages long book tells the story about environmental justice champions making a huge difference in the world. These are people on the frontline risking it all to raise their voices and fight for the planet.
It’s among the best environmental justice books that also profoundly address human rights abuses. These champions are making real change and continue to work at the grassroots level globally.
In the beginning, readers can learn all about the start of the environmental justice movement. There’s a list of all the notable figures responsible for the fight against injustice in the world.
Next, there’s a detailed account of people living in places riddled with environmental degradation and pollution. They have lots of health issues and continue to face human rights abuses.
The third part is all about land, while the fourth addresses human rights and global justice for all.
Environmental Justice Books for Law-Oriented Adults
Features
- Author: Clifford Villa, Nadia Ahmad, and others
- No. of Pages: 622
- Language: English
- Readers: Interested in Environmentalist Law
- Publisher: Carolina Academic Press
Description
Environmental justice books are quite broad and cover various matters including environmental law. Anyone with a keen interest in this topic can read ‘Environmental Justice.’
The book covers numerous topics, expounding on both theory and practical applications in such a dynamic matter.
There are lots of concerns across the world about the effect toxic waste continues to have among minorities. These communities live in areas where waste dumping and other environmental issues are rampant.
It’s a third edition highlighting issues like enforcement of the environment, food, and climate justice, in contaminated areas in India. After addressing the main issues, the focus shifts to possible solutions applicable today. Also, there are calls for more effort to set up better solutions in the future.
See related: What’s the Real Impact of Climate Migration?
Features
- Author: Robert Percival, Alan S. Miller, and others
- No. of Pages: 1456
- Language: English
- Readers: Interested in Environmentalist Law
- Publisher: Wolters Kluwer
Description
Here is a simple outline of environmental law. The book covers the whole subject but uses simple writing that people can grasp. Law school students can use it as a better way to decipher different topics.
It addresses numerous topics, including the reversal of the environmental policy by former President Donald Trump. Additionally, you can learn more about lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan, and the Paris Climate Agreement.
There are lots of mapping and study aids that make tougher topics clear. Not to mention, different rulings by the Supreme Court in the US on environmental justice matters.
Environmental Justice Books for History Enthusiasts
Features
- Author: Adam M. Sowards
- No. of Pages: 208
- Language: English
- Readers: Environmental Justice History
- Publisher: Oregon State University Press
Description
A collection of environmental justice books isn’t complete without ‘The Environmental Justice’ book. It’s 208 pages long and takes readers on a journey to the start of the American conservation movement.
Up until 1980, the American conservation movement had been making small strides in the US. However, it all changed when Justice William O. Douglas led the change to modern environmentalism. He uses his influence to change the politics and law surrounding the crucial matter.
He illustrated how his early life had been spent hiking up the Pacific Northwest. That experience led to his willingness to support American conservation efforts and promote environmental justice.
As a Supreme Court Justice, he used his power to propel conservation efforts and change laws in the country.
See Related: What is Impact Investing?
Features
- Author: Carolyn Merchant
- No.of Pages: 480
- Language: English
- Readers: Environmental Justice History
- Publisher: Columbia University Press
Description
The best books on environmental justice must include a history of the movement in the US. ‘American Environmental History’ covers all the changes that have taken place in the country over the years.
It covers people, landscapes, and politics in the US and its role in the environment. Human beings continue to have a complex relationship with nature from pre-colonial times.
The best way to move forward is to take a look at history. That way, the origin of many environmental issues can be addressed once and for all.
The book is a great source of information for environmental studies students.
Related Resources
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