The Most Influential Environmental Books: According to Reviewer’s List
In a survey done by an internet book review site, The Reviewer, an invitation was sent to authors, journalists, scholars, and readers to nominate the best environmental books of 20th Century. The criteria for nomination included the book which had influence on environmentalists, the masses, the media, the policymakers, and the environmental science and research centres. According to the survey, the top ten most influential environmental books are
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
This book received the most number of votes in the survey and was said to be the most influential book in the list. It has a huge impact on the most important environmental books ever published. Rachel Carson talks about the issues and the consequences of the use of pesticides and the measures required to prevent further damage. All the information in the book was based on scientific research and persuasive logic which clearly warns the readers about the harmful effects of pesticides on food.
State of the World series by Worldwatch Institute
A series of books with the name State of the World was recognized to be necessary to aware the readers about sustainable development. The series was published in 36 languages, addressing the issues dealing with population, energy, agriculture, health, and trade policy. All the topics were written with a global perspective in order to reach out to wider audience.
Soft Energy Paths by Amory B. Lovins
The book was published in the 1970’s about the use and effects of technologies of using solar, wind, biofuel, geothermal, and hydel energy. Soft Energy Paths is seen as the milestone set for the books which talk about energy conservation. It has a intelligent and convincing argument on conservation and use of renewable energy.
Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken, Amory B. Lovins
This book is an ambitious approach towards a fresh vision of “natural capitalism”. It talks about the market principles and how to apply those principles in material value and natural resources. The aim of this book was to show the vast array of options for smart and eco-friendly businesses and to induce the ideas in the society as well as the industry.
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
It is one of the best-written books about the environmental movement in the field of literature. The book still holds great value in the hearts of the readers and still attract young minds to consider saving the nature.
The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken
The author writes about the demands the first world businesses to reduce their consumption of energy and resources. The book argues to redefine business goals to create a better working environment for employees. Hawken envisions a culture of business where the natural world and real world are allowed to flourish while keeping the needs of planet in mind.
Steady State Economics by Herman Daly
The book was first published in 1977 and talked about Herman Daly’s radical view on sustainable development which he called “enough is best.” The book is still considered an important chapter in economical sustainability and is recognized as the key to sustainable development.