TOPIC · 7 BOOKS

Nature and the environment

Books I have read about nature and the environment, brought together across genres, periods and countries.

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Cover of Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global WarmingVery good

Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist's Guide to Global Warming

Bjørn LomborgA rather provocative book on how to prioritize climate policies and compare their costs with other global problems. I found it interesting because it forces you to think about decisions and consequences.
Cover of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming (and Environmentalism)Good

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming (and Environmentalism)

Christopher C. HornerA provocative criticism aside from the talk about climate change and ecology, I was interested in the arguments and data it brings together.
Cover of The Last Oil: The Rise and Fall of Industrial WhalingExcellent

The Last Oil: The Rise and Fall of Industrial Whaling

Aslak BergeIt tells how whaling in Antarctica became a huge global industry, how factory ships and whaling stations worked, and the role that Argentina, the South Atlantic islands and companies like Unilever played, which was one of the biggest buyers of whale oil. It's a book of economic, maritime and business history filled with characters, technology, money, and adventures in some of the most remote places on earth.
Cover of The Big Oyster: History on the Half ShellGood

The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell

Mark KurlanskyOne of the most curious books I have read, and endlessly interesting. It is a journey through New York’s history told through oysters: their surprising role in construction, commerce and the lives of rich and poor.
Cover of Oaxaca JournalBad

Oaxaca Journal

Oliver SacksA botanical journal from a trip through Oaxaca. A bit boring at first, it ends up being more interesting talking about history. I was annoyed by his criticism of the Spanish during the conquest (you have to have eggs being English).
Cover of The Soul of an OctopusGood

The Soul of an Octopus

Sy MontgomeryIt's very interesting to learn about octopuses, their characteristics and behaviors. The bad thing is that what surrounds information is a childish and overly sensitive story.
Cover of Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the WorldVery good

Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World

Mark KurlanskyA typical book that I enjoy. It looks like it's about a fish, but it's really about trade, wars, religion, business and ecology. It explains how cod was for centuries much more than just a fish: it was abundant, nutritious and could be kept for months and traveled around the world. The book traces the history of Basque fishermen, Newfoundland and Canada, Iceland or England, countries whose development was closely linked to this fish.