The state of climate change book publishing

The global book publishing industry has shown resilience and growth despite challenges such as the digital revolution, economic fluctuations, and the global pandemic. One of the most significant trends within this industry is the increasing focus on climate change literature. This genre has seen a notable rise in the past decade, reflecting the growing environmental awareness and urgency among the global population.

Statistical insight

According to various online sources, climate change books have become a prominent category in bookstores worldwide. In the past decade, the number of titles addressing climate change has more than tripled. In 2021 alone, over 2,500 new books on climate change were published globally, compared to fewer than 800 titles in 2011. According to The Bookseller, climate change books accounted for about 2% of all non-fiction titles published in 2021, a significant increase from 0.6% a decade earlier. By 2023, the number of new climate change book titles published annually had increased to over 3,000, reflecting ongoing interest and concern about environmental issues.

The need for greater visibility and popularity

Despite the encouraging increase in climate change publications, these books often lack the visibility and shelf space they deserve in bookshops. This lack of prominence can hinder their potential impact. Here are several reasons why climate change books should be more visible and popular, with a particular emphasis on the role of major booksellers:

The growing number of books on climate change signifies heightened public interest and awareness. However, for these books to effectively educate and inform a broader audience, they need to be more prominently displayed and accessible in bookshops. Greater visibility would ensure wider dissemination of critical information, helping to educate the public about the science, impacts, and solutions related to climate change.

Publishers respond to market demand, and the increase in climate change titles suggests a substantial market for such content. In 2023, climate change books represented approximately 5% of non-fiction sales in major markets like the United States and Europe, indicating a growing consumer base for this genre. However, amplifying the visibility and popularity of these books would signal to publishers that there is even more significant demand, potentially driving further investment in high-quality, impactful climate literature.

Books on climate change often serve as influential texts for policymakers, activists, and educators. They contribute to the broader discourse on environmental policy and action, potentially driving legislative and societal changes. More prominent shelf space and visibility in bookshops could accelerate the influence of these books on policy and action.

The proliferation of climate change literature reflects a cultural shift towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. It indicates that climate change is not only a scientific and political issue but also a cultural and social one. Increasing the visibility and popularity of these books could deepen this cultural shift, embedding environmental consciousness more deeply into societal norms.

Prominent advocates: Bill Gates and book reading

Prominent figures such as Bill Gates have played a significant role in promoting book reading, including books on climate change. Gates, known for his avid reading habits, frequently shares book recommendations through his blog and social media channels. His endorsement of climate change books has significantly boosted their visibility and credibility. For instance, Gates’ book “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” has become a key text in climate change literature, further amplifying public interest in the subject. His influence underscores the importance of high-profile endorsements in increasing the popularity and impact of climate change books.

Print vs. digital: A balancing act

While digital books have certainly carved out a significant niche, according to some experts accounting for about 20% of total book sales globally, print books remain dominant. In the United States, print books made up around 75% of the trade book revenue in 2022. Audiobooks, though still a smaller segment, are the fastest-growing format, with revenues increasing by 12% in the same year. By 2023, the audiobook market had grown even further, with a 15% increase in revenue, reflecting a broader trend towards digital consumption. This trend highlights the enduring appeal of physical books, including those on climate change, and the importance of their physical presence in bookstores.

Book sales in key markets

The visibility and popularity of climate change books are significantly influenced by major booksellers and market trends in key regions:

In 2023, the UK book market saw a 2% increase in overall book sales, with climate change books contributing to a significant portion of the non-fiction category. Major retailers like Waterstones and WHSmith reported higher demand for environmental literature.

The book market in Israel has shown steady growth, with a 3% increase in book sales in 2023. Climate change books have started gaining traction, particularly among younger readers and academic institutions.

China, one of the largest book markets globally, reported a 5% increase in book sales in 2023. Environmental books, including those on climate change, are becoming increasingly popular as the government and public emphasize sustainability and environmental education.

The Indian book market experienced a 4% growth in 2023. Climate change books are gaining prominence, especially in urban areas and among educational institutions focusing on sustainability and environmental sciences.

The role of major booksellers

The visibility and popularity of climate change books are significantly influenced by major booksellers. To enhance their impact, major booksellers should consider offering climate change books at more affordable prices and giving them more prominent shelf space. Some of the biggest book sellers globally include:

As the largest online retailer, Amazon plays a crucial role in the distribution and visibility of climate change books. Its recommendation algorithms and customer reviews can significantly impact book sales. By featuring climate change books more prominently and offering discounts, Amazon could further boost their visibility and sales. The company co-founded The Climate Pledge in 2019, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement targets. Amazon has launched the Climate Pledge Fund. Moreover, Amazon has rolled out over 15,000 electric delivery vehicles and announced other initiatives.

In the United States, Barnes & Noble is a key player in the physical book market. Its large chain of retail stores offers significant shelf space opportunities for climate change books. By placing these books in more visible locations and providing special promotions, Barnes & Noble can increase their accessibility and affordability. Company is owned by Elliott Management Corporation engaged with companies like Evergy and CenterPoint Energy demonstrate a role in supporting sustainable energy initiatives within its investment portfolio.

In the UK, Waterstones is a major bookseller that can influence the market by prominently displaying climate change books in its stores. Offering discounts and dedicated sections for environmental literature can help raise awareness and sales. It is also owned by Elliott Management Corporation.

In France and other European countries, Fnac is a major retailer that offers extensive shelf space for books, including those on climate change. Highlighting these books through promotions and strategic placement can drive greater engagement. It is owned by Vesa Equity Investment, owned by Daniel Křetínský whose broader business activities through his other ventures, notably EP Corporate Group (EPH), show a commitment to sustainable practices. EPH, which operates under the umbrella of EP Equity Investment, has engaged in significant green energy initiatives. These include the development of large-scale solar and wind power projects, issuing green bonds, and shutting down coal units to reduce carbon emissions.

Notable bestsellers on climate change

Several climate change books I can advise you to read have gained bestseller status, significantly impacting public discourse and awareness:

“How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” by Bill Gates: This book provides a comprehensive plan for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and has been highly influential since its release. Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science, and finance, he has focused on what must be done in order to stop the planet’s slide to certain environmental disaster. In this book, he not only explains why we need to work toward net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases, but also details what we need to do to achieve this profoundly important goal.

“The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells: A sobering look at the future of the planet if current trends continue, this book has been a bestseller and critical in raising awareness. The language of the book is eye opening: The slowness of climate change is a fairy tale, perhaps as pernicious as the one that says it isn’t happening at all, and if your anxiety about it is dominated by fears of sea-level rise, you are barely scratching the surface of what terrors are possible, even within the lifetime of a teenager today.

“This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate” by Naomi Klein: Klein’s book argues that the climate crisis is a product of the capitalist system and has become a seminal text in climate change activism. Klein argues that the changes to our relationship with nature and one another that are required to respond to the climate crisis humanely should not be viewed as grim penance, but rather as a kind of gift—a catalyst to transform broken economic and cultural priorities and to heal long-festering historical wounds.

“The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert: This Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines the current extinction event caused by human activity and its implications for the future. As The Washington Post mentioned: “A fascinating and frightening excursion… Kolbert presents powerful cases to bring her point home.”

“Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis” by Greta Thunberg and her family: This book offers a personal and urgent account of the climate crisis from one of its most prominent activists. The Telegraph wrote: “A surprisingly funny and optimistic book. Thunberg and her family might be screaming ‘FIRE’ on a crowded planet. But they believe we have the power to put that fire out if we act, right here, right now.” I am just reading the book she edited and wrote from 2022, The Climate Book which is a stunning and essential work.

Conclusion

The book publishing industry, marked by its steady growth and adaptability, continues to evolve with changing consumer preferences and global issues. The notable increase in climate change books in bookstores is a testament to the industry’s responsiveness to current global challenges and the rising public consciousness about environmental issues. Publishers have recognized the urgent need to educate the public on the complexities and ramifications of climate change, resulting in a surge of publications that address everything from scientific explanations and policy discussions to personal narratives and practical guides for sustainable living. However, for these efforts to translate into meaningful progress against climate change, these books must not only be produced but also become more visible and affordable to the average consumer. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the publishing industry’s role in disseminating knowledge and shaping discourse becomes increasingly vital. This trend not only highlights the importance of environmental literacy but also underscores the potential of books to influence public opinion and drive meaningful action.

Major booksellers like Barnes & Noble and Waterstones have a significant role to play in promoting environmental awareness by prioritizing climate change literature. By giving preferential treatment to books and writers focused on climate change, they can enhance visibility and accessibility, thereby ensuring that these critical messages reach a wider audience. This can be achieved through prominent displays, dedicated sections, and promotional discounts, which can help attract a broader audience and increase the likelihood of purchase. Additionally, integrating climate change books into educational programs and community events hosted by bookstores can further amplify their reach. Highlighting these works not only boosts their sales but also educates the public, fostering a greater understanding of environmental issues and encouraging a culture of sustainability. Such strategic positioning can also inspire other sectors to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the book industry.

Positive discrimination towards climate change writers and publishers in major bookstores can drive substantial impact. By making these books more prominent and easier to access (reserving a special shelf next to bestsellers section), booksellers can contribute to a more informed and proactive society. This strategy supports environmental authors and publishers, encouraging them to continue producing high-quality content on this critical issue. The increased visibility of climate change books can also influence public discourse, making environmental sustainability a more central topic in everyday conversations. Furthermore, booksellers can collaborate with schools, libraries, and environmental organizations to promote these books, ensuring that the message of sustainability reaches diverse audiences. Ultimately, the collective efforts of the book publishing and retail industry can significantly amplify the reach and influence of climate change literature, playing a crucial role in the global movement towards environmental sustainability. By taking these steps, booksellers not only enhance their own business prospects but also contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change, proving that commercial success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.