Dive into ecology: 10 inspiring summer reads

Summer is the perfect time to relax and immerse ourselves in reading that nourishes the mind and broadens our understanding of the world. At a time when environmental issues are becoming increasingly crucial, we have selected five essential books that explore various aspects of ecology. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the field, these books will provide enriching and inspiring perspectives for a summer of nature and sustainability.

1. Tout comprendre (ou presque) sur le climat: A book by Claire Marc, Anne Brès and Thomas Wagner. The aim is to respond to the most common misconceptions about climate change in a format accessible to all. Before seeking solutions to climate change, it is important to have a good understanding of the problem.

2. Le climat en 100 questions by Gilles Ramstein and Sylvestre Huet: ideal for understanding the climate problem and what it means for society.

3. Les limites planétaires (Planetary boundaries) by Natacha Gondran and Aurélien Boutaud: this short book describes the nine major ‘planetary boundaries’ (climate change, biodiversity, land use, phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, etc.) and our current knowledge of them.

4. La recomposition des mondes (The recomposition of worlds) by Alessandro Pignocchi: an excellent comic to understand what is at stake in the territorial struggles known as ZAD (Zones à défendre).

5. Ecologie sans transition by Désobéissance Ecolo Paris: one of the most recent books on ecological struggles; for the authors, the time has come not for a ‘transition’ but for a break with the current ways of organising society.

6. Paying for the land by Joe Sacco: a superb comic/reportage among the Dene of Canada’s Northwest Territories. A completely different vision of what ‘ecology’ can be.

7. Où Atterrir? by Bruno Latour: this short essay by the sociologist, anthropologist and philosopher breaks with the usual political divisions, and is essential for thinking about political ecology.

8 .La décroissance by Serge Latouche: recommended by Timothée Parrique as a good introduction (in French) to degrowth.

9. Écologie et politique – Écologie et liberté by André Gorz (Michel Bousquet): ‘ecology’ is nothing new from the 2000s; there were already some brilliant thinkers on environmental issues decades ago, and their ideas are still relevant, like those of André Gorz.

10.Voir son steak comme un animal mort (Ver su filete como un animal muerto),by Martin Gibert: the first two chapters are edifying enough to unsettle any convinced carnist. The psychological and ‘sociological’ aspects dealt with in the following chapters are a perfect complement, giving us a global view of a subject that we would not have imagined so vast at first sight.

These books are much more than summer reading; they are sources of inspiration and reflection for a more respectful and conscious approach to our environment. By immersing yourself in these books, you will discover new and enriching perspectives on nature, sustainability and our place on this planet. Take advantage of the summer to recharge your batteries and get inspired by these eco-friendly reads.