Looking to expand your understanding of the planet, find deeper meaning in the world, and embrace sustainability? Here are seven must-read books to add to your reading list for 2025.
1. The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Recommended by Ella
Short essays on things from all parts of life. Be prepared to question, be inspired, feel in awe of the world around you and begin to notice more of the little things.
2. The Overstory by Richard Powers
Recommended by Ella
This one might take you a while to get through but the beautiful weaving of stories all connected to trees and each other is stunning. It made me feel hopeful, angry, powerful, helpless and more.
3. Talking to My Daughter About the Economy: or, How Capitalism Works - and How it Fails by Yanis Varoufakis
Recommended by Ella
This book starts right at the beginning, before money, before markets, right at the time people began exchanging goods and services and then it brings you up to speed. Explaining complex economic systems in easily digestible words and examples and making me feel like I might know a thing or two about markets.
4. A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety by Sarah Jaquette Ray
Recommended by Abdo
Written especially for Gen-Z and young millennials, this book examines the role that human psychology and our emotions play in staying engaged in the face of a looming crisis.
5. Fire Weather by John Vaillant
Recommended by Anna
A highly readable book exploring the Fort McMurray wildfire and weaving in themes of climate change, emergency management, and the relationship between humans and fire.
6. Wildlife as Property Owners by Karen Bradshaw
Recommended by Cailey’s friend
What if animals, who live on the same land and share the same air and water as humans, could own land? An interesting intersection of law, biodiversity loss and possible solutions to habitat loss.
7. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by The Whole Elements’ team and all their friends
Through both indigenous and scientific lenses you explore the natural world and human relationships. Feelings, relationships, rocks, plants, history and more. You have to read this book.