If you’re looking to learn more about sustainable living and the climate crisis, there’s no shortage of fantastic books out there. 

Whether you want to make impactful lifestyle changes, feel inspired by stories of environmental success, or learn the science behind climate action, this reading list has something for everyone. I’ve categorised the recommendations to help you find the perfect book to start or deepen your sustainability journey.

Buy Your Books Sustainably

Before you dive into these optimistic and educational reads, consider how you get your hands on them. Avoid large multi-national corporations known for poor sustainability practices, tax evasion, and human rights issues. Supporting smaller, ethical sellers can be a great step towards a greener planet.

Here are some sustainable ways to buy your books:

• Borrow: Visit your local library or borrow from a friend.
• Buy Second-Hand: Websites like WOB or Oxfam, or platforms like Vinted are excellent for finding pre-loved books.
• Shop Locally: Independent bookstores are treasures worth protecting. If you don’t have one nearby, try Hive, which supports local shops.
• Order Directly from the Author: When possible, purchasing directly supports their work.
• Support Small Sellers: Use platforms like Awesome Books, Better World Books or Biblio if you cannot find your book via the above.
• Use an eReader: Although eReaders have an environmental footprint, they reduce the need for physical production. Even then, try to avoid major corporations. Ebooks.com is a great start
• Listen via Audiobooks: Similar to eReaders, try xigxag audiobooks or your local library to avoid the unethical sellers

Now you know where to look, let's dive into the recommendations.

A Solid Foundation

There’s a long list of book options to follow, but you don’t need to read all of them! To start with, I recommend the following books in this order to get started on what we have already achieved, what is possible to achieve going forward, and why it’s all worth it!

If, after these, you want to learn more, then choose from the categories below and see what takes your fancy! I have read many of the books in this list, but not all of them – some are via recommendations from friends and trusted places. 

• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think
  Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund
  This uplifting book challenges common misconceptions about the state of the world, offering data-driven optimism.
• The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist's Guide to the Climate Crisis
  Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Carnac
  A hopeful roadmap for addressing the climate crisis, highlighting optimism, action, and systemic change.
• All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis
  Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson
  A compelling anthology that amplifies diverse women’s voices leading the climate movement.

The following categories, in order, are:

1. Personal Growth
2. Climate and Environmental Activism
3. Practical Lifestyle Changes
4. Wildlife and Conservation
5. A Climate-Friendly Diet 

1 - Personal Growth

• Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in Without Going Crazy
  Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone
  This compassionate guide inspires resilience and action amidst the climate crisis.
• A Guide to Eco-Anxiety
  Anouchka Grose
  A comforting exploration of eco-anxiety, with practical tools to foster emotional strength and drive change. 
• The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet
  Leah Thomas
  An inspiring call to merge environmental justice with climate action for a more inclusive movement.

2 - Climate and Environmental Activism

• It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World
  Mikaela Loach
  This bold book by a young activist redefines the climate movement with solutions rooted in justice.
• As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice
  Dina Gilio-Whitaker
  A vital read on Indigenous rights and their connection to environmental justice and modern activism.
• Regensis: Feeding the World Without Devouring the Planet
  George Monbiot
  An engaging look at regenerative farming and sustainable solutions for feeding the world.
• Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist
  Kate Raworth
  A transformative economic framework that balances human prosperity with planetary limits.
• There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years
  Mike Berners-Lee
  A practical guide tackling climate challenges with straightforward advice and actionable solutions.
• Who Cares Wins: Reasons for Optimism in Our Changing World
  Lily Cole
  An inspiring guide that blends sustainability, social justice, and innovation for a better future.

3 - Practical Lifestyle Changes

• How Bad Are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything
  Mike Berners-Lee
  A fun yet eye-opening guide to understanding the carbon footprint of everyday choices.
• How to save our planet: One object at a time
  Dr. Tara Shine
  An incredibly clear and practical way of making sustainable changes, laid out in an accessible and easy to use way. 
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
  Robin Wall Kimmerer
  This poetic book weaves Indigenous knowledge with science to inspire a deeper connection to nature.
• The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide
  Jen Gale
  A practical, no-judgment handbook filled with achievable eco-friendly lifestyle tips.
• Clean & Green
  Nancy Birtwhistle
  A guide to reducing chemicals and waste with effective, planet-friendly cleaning solutions.
• Zero Altitude: How I Learned to Fly Less and Travel More
  Helen Coffey
  An easy-to-read guide on sustainable travel by an experienced and passionate newspaper travel editor.
• The Eco-Conscious Travel Guide
  Georgina Wilson-Powell
  A must-read for eco-conscious travellers, offering ways to explore responsibly.

4 - Wildlife and Conservation

• Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm
  Isabella Tree
  An inspiring story of ecological restoration through rewilding on a family farm.
• Dead Zone: Where the Wild Things Were
  Philip Lymbery
  A powerful critique of industrial agriculture's impact on wildlife, with a call to action.
• Save Our Species: Endangered Animals and How You Can Save Them
  Dominic Couzens, Illustrated by Sarah Edmonds
  A beautifully illustrated book showcasing endangered species and how to help protect them.

5 - A Climate-Friendly Diet

• The Low-Carbon Cookbook & Action Plan
  Alejandra Schrader
  A practical guide with 140 plant-based recipes and tips for reducing food waste and emissions.
• Fork Ranger: Solving Climate Change with Food
  Frank Holleman
  Blending science, practical advice, and plant-forward recipes, this book helps readers make impactful dietary choices.
• The Climate Diet: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth
  Paul Greenberg
  A concise, science-backed guide with practical tips for reducing your carbon footprint.
• We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast
  Jonathan Safran Foer
  A heartfelt exploration of how dietary changes can be a powerful climate solution.

Final Thoughts

I have undoubtedly missed off many wonderful and important books. If there's anything you're surprised to see missing, I'd love you to email me at info@greenpaw.org.uk to give me a chance to fill in the gap. 

I believe that books are one of the most valuable resources we have; for escapism, transferring wisdom, learning compassion and more. I hope you find that the recommendations you choose to read enrich your life as much as they have mine.