To travel is to love. What can compare to the warmth of sunlight on the skin on a faraway beach or the birdsong in a distant forest? Books come a close second to the actual experience of travel. Some authors are so talented that they paint a vivid picture with their words, transporting you to the locations described in the pages.
In the modern world, climate change has become a pressing issue threatening to change the face of the planet. The unending release of greenhouse gases has amplified global warming. It has led to altered weather patterns and destinations that will never again be the same.
Here are four books to transport you to magnificent locations in their former beauty, before climate change wreaked havoc.
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
#1 State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett has been doing amazing things in literature, captivating readers with her Dutch House and taking them down memory lane with These Precious Days. But State of Wonder remains one of her finest works, a book like no other to experience the Amazon Rainforest come alive on paper.
In this 2011 book, a doctor embarks on a journey into the rich and mysterious Amazon. Her mission is to locate her old mentor, who has disappeared while working on a new drug. The beauty and forbidding nature of the Amazon, both in equal measure, make it a life-changing journey. With her, readers can dive into a world of lush canopies, buzzing insects, and isolated, indigenous people.
Without urgent action, future generations may not have the protective, restorative forest to support the fight against climate change. Rainforests moderate the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
The WWF reports that Amazon is close to a tipping point, with over 17% of its area converted and 17% degraded. Preserving its rich biodiversity is one of the WWF’s prime goals.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
#2 Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
This speculative fiction book set in California came out in 1993. All those years ago, it is unlikely that the author knew how scarily close to reality her work would become.
The protagonist, Lauren Olamina, lives with her family in one of the few “safe” places in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Climate change and social unrest have ravaged the world. The book narrates Lauren’s journey through danger and unrest as she holds empathy and hope close to her heart.
Uncannily, wildfires have destroyed large parts of California in recent years. Earlier this year, the Palisades and Eaton fires burned more than 60 sq miles around Los Angeles. Increasing climate change in the US contributes directly to these fires because of rising temperatures and more droughts.
While natural disasters like Hurricane Helene may not be controllable, the least we can do is mitigate global warming by reconsidering our actions.
For instance, relying on AFFF or aqueous film-forming foam to put out fires only exacerbates climate change. It has toxic chemicals called PFAs that worsen global warming. They also make people vulnerable to cancer and other health concerns. AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts may be as high as $20,000 to $1,000,000.
In Parable of the Sower, faith plays a significant role in compelling the characters to take concrete steps. It is an inspiring lesson for the modern-day United States – faith not necessarily in a larger force but in the power of proactive action. TruLaw advises people to stay vigilant of their health, especially if they live near vulnerable places like factories and military bases.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
#3 The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
This kiddie book is sure to take your children from dreary-wearies to cheery-cheeries!
It is also a terrific way to introduce children to the spectacular ocean world and the rich coral reefs with beautiful creatures. In Pout-Pout Fish, our fishy protagonist is perpetually glum. But eventually, he learns to feel happier with a little push from his friends.
The kissing fish is a metaphor since fish may do it only to show dominance. At its heart, the book encourages kids to choose their happiness, inspired by the beauty around them.
Indeed, beholding the coral reefs can be delightful. Sadly, this stunning habitat is under threat because of climate change. The effects are visible across continents, from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to America’s Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US notes that global warming can trigger mass coral bleaching events and spread harmful diseases.
Creating marine protected areas and limiting human activities in these regions can help preserve this stunning flora and fauna.
Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice
#4 Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice
Do you enjoy historical fiction? Cry to Heaven is almost a classic, providing a thrilling ride into vintage Venice – a destination changing furiously in the real world.
This 1982 novel tells the story of sopranos, the people with beautiful voices who got immense admiration from royal courts in Italy. Through this central theme, the author immerses the readers into the Venice that once was – bright, colorful, magnetic.
Today, Venice faces the wrath of climate change and mass tourism. The floating city receives millions of tourists annually for its beautiful canals, gondolas, and rich cultural heritage. However, rising sea levels have made the city prone to flooding. Some scientists predict that parts of Venice may be submerged by 2150.
The city has been persevering to lower the impact of climate change by installing floor barriers and reducing tourist inflow. The BBC reported that Venice may continue to levy an entrance fee to visitors to discourage crowding.
Did you enjoy the book recommendations? Reading can be a fabulous escape, allowing you to feel like a new person, all while sitting in an armchair!
However, our actions will decide if traveling to these destinations in the future will be enriching or devastating. As fellow travel and book lovers, let’s pledge to be more responsible in our choices to keep the planet thriving for years.
What books would you recommend to those looking to learn about climate change?
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