Books matching: environmental crises
29 result(s)
- #1
Save:Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan is a collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics, from science and environmental crises to ethics, nuclear war, and personal reflections. Sagan's writing style is described as accessible, informative, and thought-provoking, with a focus on making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. The book includes a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights that aim to inspire curiosity and interest in topics like astronomy, physics, and the importance of science in our lives.
Three hundred million years ago the Earth was covered by vast swamps. When the ferns, horsetails, and club mosses died, they were buried in muck. Ages passed; the remains were carried down underground... - #2
Save:'State of Fear' by Michael Crichton is a thriller that delves into the controversial topic of global climate change. The plot follows an environmental lawyer, John Evans, as he joins a roller coaster ride to stop radical environmentalists from causing a catastrophe to highlight the perils of ignoring the greenhouse effect. raises doubts about the veracity of the environmental movement and challenges the perception of received science, all while weaving in a mix of action, suspense, and scientific debate. The author's strong opinions on global warming are evident throughout the novel, sometimes overshadowing the storytelling.
Then the lights came on, reflecting off the surface of a large open tank, perhaps fifty meters long and twenty meters wide. It might have been an indoor swimming pool, except for all the electronic eq... - #3
Save:A Sudden Wild Magic is a book that delves into the themes of parallel universes, magic, conservation, sacrifice, harmony, and gender equality. The story follows a group of magicians on Earth who discover that another world has been manipulating them and causing disasters. In a desperate attempt to stop this, they plan to send a capsule full of women to disrupt the manipulation. The book explores the consequences of actions, morality, and the complexities of dealing with large issues in a fictional work. Diana Wynne Jones brings her typical flair for magic, characterization, and drama to play in this densely detailed story, creating a mix of humor, fast-paced action, and serious themes.
- #4
Save:'Visit Sunny Chernobyl: And Other Adventures in the World's Most Polluted Places' by Andrew Blackwell is a travelogue that takes readers on a journey to some of the most polluted places on the planet. The author provides a deep dive into each location, exploring how mankind has corrupted the environment over the years. Blackwell's writing style is described as engaging, informative, and humorous, offering a unique perspective on environmental disasters and their implications. He combines personal experiences, interviews with locals, and historical context to paint a vivid picture of these polluted landscapes.
Blackwell's book delves into the history and future of industrial plants, power stations, and refineries, showcasing the impact of pollution on the environment and local communities. Through his travels, he examines the consequences of environmental disasters like Chernobyl and the Amazon deforestation, shedding light on the complexities of these issues. The author's ability to provide insights into the environmental challenges faced by different regions, while also maintaining a lighthearted tone, makes this book a compelling read for those interested in travel, the environment, and our role in shaping the world around us.
Kiev is a beautiful city, a true Paris of the East, a charming metropolis whose forests of horse chestnut trees set off its ancient churches and classic apartment buildings like jewels on a bed of cru... - #5
Save:The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin is the powerful conclusion to The Broken Earth trilogy. The story follows Essun and her daughter Nassun, both with immense power, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world torn apart by seasons of destruction. The book delves into themes of family, love, survival, oppression, and the consequences of using magic to reshape the world. Jemisin's writing style is enthralling, with vivid character interactions and a deep exploration of bigotry and racism in a unique fictional setting.
It’s strange, though. My memories are like insects fossilized in amber. They are rarely intact, these frozen, long-lost lives. Usually there’s just a leg, some wing-scales, a bit of lower thorax – a w...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Broken Earth ) - #6
Save:'Sahara' in the 'Dirk Pitt' series by Clive Cussler is an action-packed adventure mystery set in the Sahara desert. The story follows Dirk Pitt and his team as they race against time to prevent an environmental catastrophe caused by pollution threatening the world's seas. Along the way, they encounter villains, navigate through treacherous situations, and uncover historical mysteries related to the Civil War and a long-lost female pilot. The writing style is described as fast-paced, filled with action, and reminiscent of a Hollywood action movie, with larger-than-life characters and thrilling plot twists.
After traveling through the desert for days or weeks, seeing no animals, meeting no humans, civilization, no matter how tiny or primitive, comes as a stunning surprise. To the eleven people in the fiv...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dirk Pitt ) - #7
Save:'Breakthrough' by Michael C. Grumley is an action-packed science fiction thriller that revolves around the interactions between dolphins and humans, advanced technology, aliens, and corrupt government entities. The plot follows a team of scientists who develop a program to translate dolphin language, leading to unexpected discoveries and a mission involving the dolphins to retrieve a lost rover on the ocean floor. As the story unfolds, there are shocking revelations, political intrigue, and a race against time to ensure the safety of the planet. The writing style is engaging, with multiple storylines that keep readers hooked and a well-paced buildup to a startling climax.
- #8
Save:Strong Motion by Jonathan Franzen is a novel that delves into the complexities of American society, family dynamics, relationships, and environmental issues. The story follows a cast of characters as they navigate personal struggles and confrontations amidst a backdrop of earthquakes in the Boston area. Franzen's writing style combines literary fiction with elements of mystery, offering readers a mix of vivid descriptions, psychological depth, and social commentary. The book intertwines themes of corporate malfeasance, feminism, environmental degradation, and the impact of human actions on the natural world.
In grade school she and her friends had played foursquare during recess, and when fights broke out in far corners of the playground, it usually turned out that the person whose face was being smashed ... 'Gridlock' by Ben Elton is a satirical novel that delves into the consequences of environmental degradation, particularly focusing on the issue of excessive car usage leading to gridlock on the roads. Through a blend of humor and social commentary, Elton paints a vivid picture of a society consumed by its reliance on cars, highlighting the absurdity and consequences of this lifestyle. The book features a mix of political satire, witty observations, and thought-provoking scenarios that challenge readers to reconsider their attitudes towards transportation and the environment.
Before beginning this story proper, a story which has its fictional feet very firmly on the ground, it is worth taking a moment to look upwards, high above the teeming masses of rush-hour London where...'Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age' by Annalee Newitz explores the stories of four ancient cities - atalh y k, Pompeii, Angkor, and Cahokia - that were abandoned at different points in history. Newitz delves into the reasons behind the decline of these cities, highlighting how political instability and environmental crises played a significant role. The book takes a unique approach by focusing on the everyday lives of the people who built and inhabited these cities, offering a fresh perspective on their cultures and societies. Newitz's writing style is described as accessible, informative, and engaging, making the archaeological findings and historical narratives easy to understand for readers of all backgrounds.
I turned my attention back to the Çatalhöyük Dig House where the bus dropped me off. It had been home to hundreds of archaeologists over the past 25 years, all of whom tirelessly worked to uncover the...
