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This is the bibliography that accompanies the OUUC Global Warming Curriculum - activities happening throughout this year focused on this important topic.
Titles followed by "TRL" are available in the Timberland Regional Library System.
January | February | March | April | May | Another Viewpoint
JANUARY: YOUR SPIRITUAL CONNECTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
Badiner,
Allen H., Dharma Gaia. Parallax Press, 1990.
This collection
of essays, with a foreword by H.H. Dalai Lama, is “a harvest of essays
in Buddhism and ecology,” as suggested in the subtitle. You will find
edited versions of traditional chants, meditations, and humorous pieces—all
highlighting the importance of changing our perceptions about ourselves and
our relationship with our planet.
This classic
work inspires a sense of the sacredness of our biophysical world. It is a lyrical,
yet scientific account of the cosmic forces that have helped life and consciousness
to flourish in this corner of the universe. It will open the reader’s
mind and heart to a deeper understanding of the human place in nature, as well
as to a deepened sense of responsibility to respect other living beings and
the systems on which all life depends.
Capra,
Fritjof, The Web of Life. Anchor Books, 1996. TRL
This
accessible book, subtitled “A new scientific understanding of living systems”
is from a spokesperson for recent (last 25-30 years) findings from the
frontiers of scientific, social, and philosophical thought. Since receiving
his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the
Carroll,
John E, et al.,eds. The Greening of Faith: God, The Environment, and the
Good Life.
This
book is an accessible and insightful contribution to environmental ethics. Many
of the contributors are already well known in environmental circles; all draw
on interfaith and interdisciplinary sources; and all explore spiritual dimensions
of human beings in nature. Essays in parts two and three draw explicitly on
Jewish, Evangelical Christian, ecumenical Protestant, Roman Catholic, Buddhist,
and Native American religious traditions to produce an undeniably interfaith
conversation. There is an invitation at the beginning and the end of this collection
to "get our bearings," to realize that we are "walking on holy
ground."
Dunlap, Thomas R. Faith
in Nature; Environmentalism as Religious Quest.
The author suggests
that environmentalists acknowledge their ism for what it is: a faith, a passion,
a religious perspective; a way to ask big questions about the human relationship
to the universe. They seek meanings in nature beyond those that science can
provide. He contends that if environmentalists create alliances with conventional
religions, then the movement could forward as a political and social reform
movement.
Earth Light: Journal for Ecological and Spiritual Living www.earthlight.org is an ecumenical and spiritually inclusive quarterly journal addressing the spiritual side of our lives and our connection with the Earth. This is a periodical we should all be reading. Containing beautiful poetry and reflection pieces, there’s also ample in-depth ecological and theological issue analysis from a wide range of viewpoints, and interviews with interesting thinkers and activists. Favorite authors and lesser-known visionaries share their late-breaking thoughts and reflections. Religiously neither Christian nor Pagan nor Buddhist exclusively, this magazine is inclusive and inviting, no matter what your theological perspective.
Gottlieb,
Roger S., ed. This Sacred Earth: Religion, Nature, Environment. Routledge,
1996.
This
reference contains a comprehensive survey of the critical connections between
religion, nature, and the environment, including excerpts from sacred texts
of many traditions, historical writings and theological perspectives from their
practitioners. Introductory material for each chapter includes Gottlieb’s
examination of the complex relations between ecology, religion, and society,
and reflections on the role of religion in environmental political movements.
Kaza, Stephanie and Kenneth
Kraft, Eds. Dharma Rain, Sources of Buddhist Environmentalism. Shambhala,
2000. TRL
Most
Americans–Christian, Jewish, or Muslim–see environmentalism primarily
as a matter of stewardship: we must care for the world God gave us and made
us responsible for. Only secondarily do we note that we are part of the natural
world and that it is a part of us. But what is secondary to us is primary to
Buddhists—Dharma Rain explicates the Buddhist notion everything
is one. Trees, animals, rocks, air, and water are all, simply, us.
Kowalski,
This work
by a UU minister establishes “the interconnected web of all existence”
as a vision of reality that is supported not only by spiritual intuition, but
also by the cutting edge of physics and the life sciences. Kowalski’s
earlier themes, focused on our human kinship with animals and all the natural
world, are extended in this volume to embrace the physical and psychic energies
that make our species a strand in the great living time-and-space system.
Macy, Joanna and Molly
Young Brown. Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World.
New Society Publishers, 1998. TRL
The authors provide insights into angst and describe the way forward out
of apathy to ‘the work that reconnects,’ as well as examples of dealing
with the roots of pain and despair, while bringing home the truth of our connectedness
to this world. They point out the fallacy of assuming we can fix whatever problems
we create and provide tools for dealing with burn-out by doing the ‘work
that reconnects,’ while recognizing the role of community and encouraging
us out of an ‘us’ vs. ‘them’ orientation. This inspiring
and practical guide is used throughout the world by those concerned with peace,
spirit, eco-activism, and education. Includes exercises and meditations to encourage
healing.
Peterson, Brenda. Singing
to the Sound; Visions of Nature, Animals and Spirit. NewSage Press, c2000
TRL
This
Rockefeller, Steven C.
and John C. Elder (eds.), Spirit and Nature. Beacon Press, 1992. TRL
These essays were
originally presented as part of a symposium held at
Suzuki, David, The
Sacred Balance. Greystone Books, 1997. TRL
This
is a very readable book from a noted environmentalist. It discusses the
biological basis of humankind’s connection to nature as well as our spiritual
desire for rediscovering our place in the web of life. It concludes with
examples of individuals who are working to reestablish our link to nature and
suggestions for individual action.
Wirzba,
In this
provocative book Wirzba offers a “vision of a new religious environmentalism,”
arguing that the doctrine of creation should be read as a statement about the
moral and spiritual meaning of the world and of the human place in the world.
From the Yahwist-Christian traditions based on the Bible, he offers a revised
formulation of humans as part of a created whole, rather than as autonomous,
unencumbered individuals in a theologically and ecologically sensitive rendering
of Genesis. Wirzba concludes that humans must re-discover our “servant”
status within creation to deal with diverse problems such as rootlessness, individualism,
careerism, boredom, and consumerism.
Hertsgaard,
Mark, Earth Odyssey. Random House (Broadway Books), 1998. TRL
This is
a ground-level view of the violence of environmental devastation, by a man who
investigated the crisis for himself by embarking on a decade-long odyssey around
the world, traveling on his own dime. In this book he reports on our global
environmental predicament through the eyes of people who live it—from the
boardrooms of
National Geographic, February 2004 has an article titled, ‘The Case of the Missing Carbon,” on pages 88-117, with a good discussion of the carbon cycle and its role in climate change. The first few pages can be found at: nationalgeographic.com/magazine/0402 TRL
National Geographic September 2004 issue has an extensive report on Global Warming that is excellent and will be widely read. TRL
Nature, January 8, 2004 issue TRL has an article, “Extinction risk from climate change,”
pp. 145-148, written by 16 scientists from the
NY Review of Books, Vol. 51, No.10, June 10, 2004. TRL “Crossing the Red Line,” by Bill McKibben, is a review of 10 new books/publications on the environment, several of which are on global warming. Excellent discussion.
Roberts,
Paul, The End of Oil, Houghton Mifflin, 2004 TRL
Bill McKibben says,
“This is the best book ever produced about our energy economy and its environmental
implications.” Other reviewers have found it among the most balanced of
recent books on the global implications of a vanishing resource.
Romm,
Joseph J., The Hype About Hydrogen: Fact and Fiction in the Race to
Save the Climate,
Addresses
the question: How realistic is the promise of a near-term hydrogen economy?
Science, November 14–December 5, 2003. “Modern Global Climate Change,” by Thomas R. Karl and Kevin E. Trenberth. TRL
Speth, James Gustave,
Red Sky at Morning:
This book by one of the perennial leaders in the environmental movement is both
alarming and hopeful. Gus Speth explains why current approaches to global problems
do not work and provides a critique of the failure of
Tennesen,
Michael, Complete Idiot's Guide to Global Warming (Complete Idiot's Guides),
Alpha Books, 2004. TRL
Comprehensive
guide separating fact from fiction and addressing effects upon ecological, sociological,
and economic environments worldwide.
Weart,
Spencer R. The Discovery of Global Warming.
A
history of how scientists reached their conclusion on global warming--by way
of unexpected twists and turns and in the face of formidable intellectual, financial,
and political obstacles--is told for the first time in here. This book not only
reveals the history of global warming, but also analyzes the nature of modern
scientific work as it confronts the most difficult questions about the earth's
future.
Wohlforth, Charles.
The Whale and the Supercomputer. North Point Press, 2004 TRL
Climate change
isn't an abstraction in the Far North. It is a reality that has already
altered daily life for Native people who still live largely off the land and
sea. Likewise, its heavy Arctic footprint has lured scientists seeking
to uncover its mysteries. In this gripping account, Charles Wohlforth
follows both groups as they navigate a radically shifting landscape. With grace,
clarity, and a sense of adventure, the author illuminates both ways of seeing
a world in flux and, in the process, helps us to envision a way forward as climate
change envelopes us all.
Worldwatch
Institute, Vital Signs: The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future. W.W.
Norton, Annual Series. TRL has 1992, 1999.
World Resources Institute, et al., World Resources.
These two highly regarded U.S.-based environmental non-governmental organizations
have been tracking global trends, engaging in research, and disseminating information
for decades. Their publications serve as useful guides for up-to-date information
for policy advocates, legislators, and researchers around the world.
Harvard
biologist E.O. Wilson is a foremost authority on biodiversity and the looming
extinction crisis, largely due to habitat loss and climate change threats. He
estimates that up to half of all global plants and animal species may be gone
within the 21st century unless we take major steps toward conservation
on land and sea. This book offers a short, up-to-date summary of the best science
documenting loss of critical ecosystems and suggests policy directions that
might mitigate the impending extinction disaster.
MARCH: THE SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBAL WARMING
Athanasious,
Tom and Baer, Paul, Dead Heat: Global Justice and Global Warming , Seven
Stories Press, 2002.
Explains
the science behind global warming, outlines the political reasons that governments
have not acted to reverse climate change, and argue that both environmental
and economic factors must be considered to create a solution that puts public
good before corporate profit.
Brown,
Lester Russell., Plan B: Rescuing a Planet under Stress and a Civilization
in Trouble. Norton, 2003. TRL
In
separate chapters Brown describes our unsustainable behavior with regard to
water, soil, climate, and social conditions, then gives the corresponding solutions
to each problem behavior in four subsequent chapters, citing the World
War II mobilization as proof that a timely implementation of solutions
is possible. “The choice is ours ...We can ... preside over a
global bubble economy expanding until it bursts ...Or we can adopt
Plan B and be the generation that stabilizes population, eradicates poverty,
and stabilizes climate.”
Gelbspan,
Ross. Boiling Point: How Politicians, Big Oil and Coal, Journalists and Activists
Are Fueling the Climate Crisis--And What We Can Do to Avert Disaster. Basic
Books, 2004. TRL
In
this follow-on to The Heat is On, Gelbspan argues that unchecked, climate
change will swamp every other issue facing us today and claims addressing climate
change would resolve many of our other economic, social, and political issues,
included the national security crisis. Indeed, what began as an initial response
of many institutions–denial and delay–has now grown into a crime against
humanity. Here he updates the political machinations and incestuous relationships
of the fossil fuel industry and how it’s directing the Bush administration's
energy and climate policies. He also points fingers at both media and environmental
activists for unwittingly worsening the crisis. Fortunately, he offers more
of his roadmap for averting a full-blown climate catastrophe.
Lynas,
Mark. High Tide: The Truth about our Climate Crisis. Picador,
This
book takes us around the globe to meet people in communities and villages experiencing
the most impact from global warming—from flood ravaged
Motavalli,
Jim, Feeling the Heat: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Climate Change,
Routledge, 2004. TRL
Feeling
the Heat consists of chapter-length visits by well-known authors to actual world
"hot" spots, where people are already coping day-to-day with the consequences
of climactic disruption.
Chelsea Green Press catalog www.chelseagreen.com Chelsea Green’s purpose is “to stop the destruction of the natural world by challenging the beliefs and practices that are enabling this destruction and by providing inspirational and practical alternatives that promote sustainable living.” All books and catalogs on chlorine-free recycled paper, with soy-based inks, as possible. To order catalog visit website or call 802-295-6300, ext. 101.
Gerson,
David and Gilman, Robert. Household Ecoteam Workbook: A Six-month Program
to Bring Your Household Into Environmental Balance, Global Action Plan for
the Earth, 1992.
A step-by-step guide to help a group of households work together
to evaluate their consumption and reduce environmental damage fuels
has invariably led to the degradation of our atmosphere and environment, Real
Goods provides to consumers goods and equipment--‘renewable energy
technologies’—that are clean, cost-effective, and non-polluting. To
receive a free print catalog, please call 800.762.7325.
Solar Today is an award-winning bi-monthly magazine that covers all solar technologies, from photovoltaics to climate-responsive buildings to wind power. Regular topics include building case studies, energy policy and community-scale projects. www.solartoday.org
Brower,
Michael and Leon, Warren, The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental
Choices: Practical Advice from the
This
book identifies the 4 Most Significant Consumer-Related Environmental Problems,
the 7 Most Damaging Spending Categories, 11 Priority Actions, and 7 Rules for
Responsible Consumption. Learn what you can do to have a truly significant impact
on our world from the people who are at the forefront of scientific research.
This book is a must-read.
Chambers,
Nicky, Simmons, Craig; and Wackernagel, Mathis, Sharing Nature’s Interest.
Earthscan Publications, 2000.
The
ecological footprint is by now familiar to many people. This book provides background
on the factors included in calculating ecological footprints. It is an easy
read with much useful information and data to understand impacts of daily life.
Dauncey,
Guy and Patrick Mazza. Stormy Weather. New Society Publishers, 2003.
TRL
Each of
us can play a role in dealing with and slowing climate change. Each of us must.
A good source for practical actions that can be adopted by individuals, groups,
cities, businesses, and governments. The authors have a website which lists
their recommendations, plus a great amount of climate information, http://www.earthfuture.com/stormyweather/.
Gerson,
David and Gilman, Robert. Household Ecoteam Workbook: A Six-month Program
to Bring Your Household Into Environmental Balance, Global Action Plan for
the Earth, 1992.
A step-by-step guide to help a group of households work together
to evaluate their consumption and reduce environmental damage.
Gitlin,
Todd. Letters to a Young Activist. Basic Books, 2003. TRL
Gitlin
invites the young activist to enter imaginatively into some of the dilemmas,
moral and practical, of being a modern citizen--the dilemmas that affect not
only the problems of what to think but also the problems of what to love and
how to live.
Hartmann,
Thom. The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. Three Rivers Press, 1998.
TRL
A
very readable presentation of the facts about the current environmental crises
and how our current culture has lost the wisdom of earlier cultures. After discussing
how earlier cultures lived sustainably, the author suggests ways to remake our
culture into a more sustainable one both environmentally and spiritually.
Heede,
H. Richard. Homemade Money:
How to Save Energy and Dollars in Your Home. Rocky Mountain Institute,
1995. TRL
Information
on which energy-saving measures make economic and environmental sense and advice
on how to get started.
Hill,
Julia Butterfly. One Makes the Difference. Harper Collins, 2002. TRL
Advice on how to promote change and improve the health of the planet,
distilled into an essential handbook. Packed with a variety of charts, diagrams,
and interesting factoids, the book offers a series of steps and easy-to-follow
lessons.
Lotter,
Donald W. Earthscore: Your Personal Environmental Audit & Guide,
Morning Sun Press, 2002.
Order
copies of this 36-page audit from: Morning Sun Press,
Merkel,
Jim, Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth, New Society
Publishers, 2003.
A
must read for those seriously interested in reducing their environmental footprint.
A passionate book, inspired by the author's experience.
Schaeffer,
John and the Staff of Real Goods. Solar Living Sourcebook: The Complete Guide
to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living, Chelsea Green Press,
1997. TRL
The distributors
of a mail-order catalog have compiled information on products for people who
want to live more sustainably.
Shaw,
Randy. The Activist's Handbook.
Shaw's
central message is that activists must be proactive, and his book is an essential
tool for those seeking to improve their neighborhood, city, nation, and world.
MAY: RESPONSES TO GLOBAL WARMING AROUND THE WORLD
Business Week www.businessweek.com in early August 2004 did a cover story on why businesses care about global warming. It was excellent, making the case that in every single instance when a business has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, it has saved money. This article has gotten a lot of mainstream attention. TRL
Cole,
Case
studies of effeorts to implement renewable energy at the local level, along
with advice on how to implement a project.
Foreign Service Journal, March 1999. An excellent article by John Holdren on the national security implications of climate change: “Six Reasons-Think of the Earth as a Supertanker Heading Full-Steam toward an Iceberg. Somebody Better Take the Wheel.” Available at:http://www.afsa.org/fsj/March%2099/sisreasons.cfm
Leggett,
Jeremy, K. The Carbon War: Global Warming and the End of the Oil Era,
Routledge, 2001. TRL
A
forceful description of the science and politics of global warming from a European
perspective.
Suzuki,
David and Holly Dressel. Good News for a Change: How Everyday People are
Helping the Planet. Greystone Books, 2002. TRL
This
is a terrific compendium of stories from around the globe, describing human
responses to environmental and economic challenges in small villages and farms
as well as multinational agribusiness corporations. Improvements in technology
are providing more ways to save soil, right social wrongs, and preserve more
of the planet. This compelling and engaging collection, we’re encouraged
to never give up hope for the fight to protect our planet. Good News For
A Change is a breath of fresh air in this time of fatigue and despair.
Bailey,
Ronald. Global Warming and Other Eco Myths: How the Environmental
Movement Uses False Science to Scare Us to Death, Prima Lifestyles, 2002.
TRL
A
collection of twelve articles discrediting “ false science,” “idelogical
environmentalism,” global warming, the dangers of CO2, and organic agriculture.
Essex,
Christopher, and McKitrick, Ross. Taken By Storm: The Troubled Science, Policy
and Politics of Global Warming, Key Porter Books, 2003.
Discounts
global warming premised on the idea that the physical phenomena in climate and
weather are among the most complex in nature, and science can say very little
about what they will do in the future.
Lomborg,
Bjorn. The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the
Challenges
widely held beliefs that the world environmental situation is getting worse
and worse.
Michaels,
Patrick. Meltdown: The Predictable Distortion of Global Warming by Scientists,
Politicians, and the Media, Cato Institute, 2004. TRL
Climatologist
Michaels acknowledges that the earth is warming because of anthropogenic emissions
of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, but he insists that the warming
will probably be modest and that nature and humanity will easily adjust to it.
Moore,
Thomas Gale. Climate of fear: Why We Shouldn't Worry about Global
Warming. Cato Institute, 1998. TRL
This book explains why global warming is not a problem, and
anyway would be too expensive to fix.
Vaitheeswaran,Vijay
V. Power to the People: How the Coming Energy Revolution Will Transform an
Industry, Change our Lives, and Maybe Even Save the Planet. Farrar,
Straus & Giroux, 2003. 358 pp. TRL
This
book presents an argument that, although the climate is changing, we need not
be concerned because science and technology will create the necessary solutions.
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