Climate activists reveal reading list to ignite action

The climate crisis demands more than just awareness; it requires a sustained, informed response. Vogue has convened four leading climate activists – Xiye Bastida, Pattie Gonia, Isaias Hernandez, and Leah Thomas – to curate a vital reading list, offering critical perspectives on sustainability, resistance, and the urgent need for systemic change.

A call to arms: voices shaping the future

From Indigenous wisdom to the realities of food systems, these recommendations aren’t mere suggestions; they’re blueprints for a more just and resilient world. It’s a testament to the diverse approaches needed to confront this global challenge.

Xiye bastida’s stark reminder: ‘begin again’

“This is the book I would’ve loved to write because it just makes sense, but it also makes us question everything we know about how to be human,” shares climate activist Xiye Bastida. Her endorsement of Oliver Jeffers' Begin Again highlights the fundamental need for introspection and a reevaluation of our values. The book’s grounding simplicity, coupled with its challenging questions, feels profoundly relevant in these turbulent times. It’s a quiet fire, sparking a deeper commitment to action.

Leah thomas’s groundbreaking anthology: ‘black nature’

Leah Thomas’s selection of Camille T. Dungy’s Black Nature is nothing short of transformative. “This anthology reframes what we think of as ‘nature writing,’ centering African American poets whose relationships to land have always been shaped by resistance, survival, and care,” she explains. The collection serves as a powerful rebuke to the dominant narrative, reminding us that Black environmental storytelling has long been a vital, though often overlooked, component of the climate conversation. It’s a crucial corrective, demanding we acknowledge the history of environmental injustice and the resilience of Black communities.

Robin wall kimmerer’s ‘braiding sweetgrass’: wisdom from the earth

“Braiding Sweetgrass is one of the few works of art in which the secrets of Earth’s wisdom become so accessible to learn,” notes X.B. Forest. Kimmerer’s work offers a profound connection to the natural world, urging us to recognize the inherent value of plants and ecosystems. The book’s accessible blend of scientific knowledge and Indigenous wisdom is a vital resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our relationship with the planet. It feels less like a lecture and more like a grandmother sharing ancient truths by the fire.

Patricia ononiwu kashian’s ‘forest euphoria’: queerness in the wild

Isaias Hernandez champions Patricia Ononiwu Kashian’s Forest Euphoria, arguing that it