We know climate change is happening. We know what’s causing it. And we know how to solve the problem. These days the Climate Council team just wants to hear from inspiring people charging forward with creative solutions for change!

Here’s a list of our ten recently released favourites from authors doing just that:

The Big Switch: Australia’s Electric Future by Saul Griffith

In The Big Switch, Griffith lays out a detailed blueprint – optimistic but feasible – for fighting climate change while creating millions of new jobs and a healthier environment. Griffith explains exactly what it would take to transform our infrastructure, update our grid, and adapt our households. The same natural advantages – incredible resources on an enormous continent – that helped Australia prosper in the 20th century are the ingredients for becoming the most prosperous, entirely renewable, economy in the world.

The Climate Cure by Tim Flannery 

In his new book, The Climate Cure: Solving the Climate Emergency in the Era of Covid-19, Climate Council’s Chief Councillor – Professor Tim Flannery – explores how 2020 flipped the climate debate on its head and exposed who was left standing in the way of action.

Design Emergency: Building a Better Future by Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli

Alice Rawsthorn and Paola Antonelli, two of the world’s most influential design figures, meet the visionary designers whose innovations and ingenuity give us hope for the future by redesigning and reconstructing our lives, enabling us to thrive. Design Emergency tells the stories of the remarkable designers, architects, engineers, artists, scientists, and activists, who are at the forefront of positive change worldwide. 

Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet by Natalie Isaacs

Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet is 1 Million Women Founder Natalie Isaacs’ inspiring story of how she started a movement of now over 950,000 women and girls, combined with a practical tool kit for reducing your carbon footprint and mobilising your community around the biggest issue of our time – climate change. With loads of tips, tricks, easy-to-understand infographics and an inspiring can-do message, this book is for every woman who wants to make a difference.

Firestorm by Greg Mullins 

Firestorm, told through the eyes of a firefighter – and one of our very own Councillors, not to mention the founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action – with more than 50 years of experience, combines thrilling stories of what it’s like to be on the front line of Australia’s first giga-fire with the hard truths of human-caused climate change.

Humanity’s Moment by Joelle Gergis

Climate Councillor Joëlle Gergis shows us that the solutions we need to live sustainably already exist – we just need the social movement and political will to create a better world. This book is a climate scientist’s guide to rekindling hope, and a call to action to restore our relationship with ourselves, each other and our planet.

Hot Mess: What on Earth Can we do About Climate Change by Dr Matt Winning

Dr. Matt Winning is a stand-up comedian and environmental economist with a PhD in climate change policy. Hot Mess aims to both lighten the mood and enlighten readers on climate change. This is a book for people who care about climate change but aren’t doing much about it, helping readers understand what the main causes of climate change are, what changes are needed, and what they can (and cannot) do about it.

The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson 

The Ministry for the Future is a climate fiction (“cli-fi”) novel by American science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson published in 2020. Set in the near future, the novel follows a subsidiary body, established under the Paris Agreement, whose mission is to act as an advocate for the world’s future generations of citizens as if their rights are as valid as the present generation’s. 

Together we can by Claire O’Rourke

Together we can by Claire Orourke uses inspiring real-life examples to demonstrate how each of us can use our own unique strengths to tackle climate change. While it can be difficult to avoid being bogged down by extreme weather events and bleak reports, we know the solutions and incredible and inspiring people are lining up to tackle the issue. 

Windfall by Ketan Joshi

This book, by renewable expert Ketan Joshi, explores “a future where communities champion equitable new clean tech projects, where Australia grows past a reliance on toxic fuels, and where the power of people is used to rattle fossil fuel advocates from their complacency.”

Plus a couple great reads for the Kids:

Amy’s Balancing Act by Bjorn Sturmberg

Amy has always done things a certain way, but when her old horse gets ready to retire, Amy must find a fresh approach. In this book, with the help of some new friends, Amy discovers the power of teamwork and how to balance keeping the mail on time with having a lighter impact on the environment.

With a Little Kelp From my Friends by Matthew Bate

From ancient history and mythology to modern uses in food, health and medicine, discover how seriously cool seaweed is, and how it can even help tackle climate change. Complete with a guide to common seaweeds and foraging guidelines, this charmingly illustrated picture book will educate and inspire, and encourage respect for the natural world.