Activists share essential reads for climate consciousness

April 22 marks Earth Day, an annual reminder to examine our environmental footprint and recommit to climate action. Vogue tapped four dedicated activists—Xiye Bastida, Pattie Gonia, Isaias Hernandez, and Leah Thomas—for a reading list that delves into the complexities of climate, sustainability, and resistance. Their must-reads offer context and inspiration for those striving to make a positive impact.

Begin again by oliver jeffers

A profound exploration of what it means to be human in the face of climate crisis, this book sparks a reevaluation of our relationships with the natural world and each other.

Black nature: four centuries of african american nature poetry by camille t. dungy

This groundbreaking anthology reframes the narrative of environmentalism by centering the voices and perspectives of African American poets, showcasing the long history of Black environmental storytelling and its relevance to today's climate conversations.

Braiding sweetgrass: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants by robin wall kimmerer

A beautifully written blend of science, spirituality, and memoir, this book offers a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of all living things and the need for reciprocity and reverence in our relationship with the natural world.

Forest euphoria: the abounding queerness of nature by patricia ononiwu kashian

This compelling collection of essays weaves together natural science, memoir, and queer theory to reveal the hidden diversities and intersections of queerness and nature, challenging readers to confront and redefine their assumptions about identity and the Environment.

Soil: the story of a black mother's garden by camille t. dungy

A deeply personal and political exploration of gardening as a form of resistance, self-care, and community-building, particularly for Black women reclaiming space and belonging in a world shaped by climate injustice and colonialism.

The body is a doorway: a memoir by sophie strand

This lyrical and deeply moving memoir intertwines personal experiences with mythological and environmental narratives to create a powerful exploration of healing, identity, and the complex interplay between the human and non-human worlds.

Who really feeds the world? by vandana shiva

A critical examination of the corporate control of food systems and its devastating impact on biodiversity, this book offers a timely warning and call to action for those seeking to challenge the status quo and promote a more equitable and sustainable food future.

What if we get it right? visions of climate futures by ayana elizabeth johnson

A visionary collection of essays that imagines and inspires alternative scenarios for a climate-resilient future, this book serves as a much-needed respite from environmental despair and a catalyst for bold, creative thinking about the possibilities that await us.

Why fish don't exist by lulu miller

A fascinating and unconventional exploration of the natural world, this book uses the story of ichthyologist David Starr Jordan to delve into issues of classification, identity, and the human relationship with the non-human, ultimately challenging readers to rethink their assumptions about the world and their place within it.