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About: Nature & environment

The climate has been changing for as long as the earth has existed. Since humans have existed, they have also influenced this change. Nature and the environment not only encompass all life on our planet, such as plants and animals, but the state of our earth is also closely linked to the well-being of all its inhabitants.

What is nature?

Nature includes everything that was not created by humans, i.e. air, water, mountains, but also plants and animals. Nature provides what we need to live, including to combat disease. If nature is disturbed or destroyed, this affects our livelihood and can put humanity in danger. The diversity of species and habitats in nature is an indispensable asset for humans. Without this biodiversity, the well-being of all is at risk.

What is the environment?
The environment is everything that surrounds us and affects us and our living conditions and development. This includes not only people, animals, and plants, but also objects and buildings. Alongside social and economic conditions, the environment is an important prerequisite for quality of life.

Nature and environment books explore the intricate relationships between the natural world and humanity, delving into ecosystems, wildlife, conservation efforts, and the impact of human activities on the planet. These books often inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment, encouraging readers to engage with the world around them more thoughtfully.

Historically, the genre gained prominence during the 19th century with the rise of naturalism and the publication of seminal works like Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" and Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species." The 20th century saw an increased focus on environmentalism, spurred by books like Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," which highlighted the dangers of pesticide use and ignited the modern environmental movement. Today, nature and environment books continue to educate, advocate, and inspire action toward a more sustainable future.

Novels, non-fiction books and bestsellers about people, the environment, sustainability and nature:

Novels

• Fiction exploring environmental themes: These novels often blend captivating storytelling with urgent messages about climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Examples include The Overstory by Richard Powers, Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, and Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.
• Nature-inspired narratives: These books celebrate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, often exploring the human connection to nature. Examples include The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, and The Overstory by Richard Powers.
• Dystopian futures: These novels envision bleak worlds ravaged by environmental collapse, offering cautionary tales about the consequences of human actions. Examples include The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
   

Non-Fiction

• Environmental science and activism: These books provide in-depth analysis of environmental issues, offering solutions and inspiring action. Examples include Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, and Under the Sky We Make by Elisabeth Kolbert.
• Nature writing and exploration: These books celebrate the natural world through stunning prose and personal narratives. Examples include Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, and The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono.
• Sustainability and green living: These books offer practical advice on reducing your environmental impact and living a more sustainable lifestyle. Examples include Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken, and The Zero Waste Chef by Ana Jones.
   

Bestsellers

• Climate fiction (cli-fi): This emerging genre combines storytelling with scientific accuracy to explore the impacts of climate change. Examples include The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi and The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson.
• Memoirs and biographies: These books offer personal accounts of environmental activism and conservation efforts. Examples include The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert and Being the Change: Live Kindly and Responsibly on Earth by Yvon Chouinard.
• Popular science: These books make complex environmental issues accessible to a wide audience. Examples include The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.