Throughout history, writers have reflected in their works the concerns and realities of their time. Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, two of the greatest writers of universal literature, lived at a time when the relationship between human being and nature was not a topic of debate as it is currently.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, when Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare lived and wrote, ecology and sustainability were not extended concepts or concerns, the industrial revolution had not yet begun and the intensive exploitation of natural resources was not a reality.
The societies of the time depended largely on agriculture and nature for their livelihood, and this was reflected in a more integrated vision of the human being and its environment.
In “Don Quijote,” Cervantes describes in detail the landscapes of La Mancha, the relationship of Quijote and his squire with nature is part of his adventures. Windm mills, fields and forests are scenarios that help build the quixotic world.
In many of his works, William Shakespeare uses nature as a reflection of the emotions of his characters, so is in “the dream of a summer night,” where the forest becomes a magical place, in which nature becomes a fantasy space or “Macbeth,” the Shakesperian theater drama in which the climate and forests symbolize the disturbance and chaos.
Wish a current perspective, it can be affirmed that neither Cervantes nor Shakespeare showed concern for the environment, but also that their works invite you to think about the connection between the human being and nature, issues that today remain relevant in contemporary literature and thought.
Readings to understand and address the climatic crisis
Today environmental literature has won an outstanding place in the publishing world and has become a fundamental tool to understand the challenges facing the planet.
These books offer a wide range of perspectives on the environment, from complaint and scientific research, to philosophical reflection or inspiring narrative.
Precisely today it can be a good day to take a look at one of the most influential titles in this field,
with approaches and perspectives ranging from narrative and personal reflection to scientific analysis.
HAPPY DAY OF THE BOOK!
Novel
Annie Proulx’s infinite forest: It tells the history of two families for three centuries, exploring forest exploitation and its effects on the environment. The novel highlights the importance of forests and the need for sustainable management of natural resources.
The eternal peace of Kazuo Ishiguro: It is a novel that addresses sustainability from a philosophical and moral perspective. The story focuses on the search for a balance between technological progress and the conservation of the environment, and raises deep questions about our responsibility for nature and future generations.
Margaret Atwood’s morning sun: It is a novel that addresses the energy transition from a social and political perspective. The plot develops in a world where renewable energies have replaced fossil fuels, and explores the economic and social implications of this change.
Climate change.
Jared Diamond collapse: In this work, Diamond examines how ancient and modern societies have collapsed due to the poor management of natural resources.
The climate change of Naomi Klein: A book that connects the climatic crisis with the global economic system and proposes a radical change in our policies and practices.
Extreme heat of Jeffrey D. Sachs: A detailed approach to how climate change is affecting our lives and what we can do about it.
Ecology and conservation
Rachel Carson’s silent spring: This classic of environmental literature, published in 1962, was one of the first to alert the dangers of pesticides and their impact on wildlife. Carson, Marine Biologist, inspired the modern environmental movement and remains relevant in the struggle for conservation.
The sixth extinction of Elizabeth Kolbert: The author, winner of the Pulitzer Award, investigates in this essay the mass extinction of species caused by human activity. Kolbert combines scientific research and field stories to illustrate how our actions are accelerating the disappearance of species.
The story of the future of David Wallace-Wells: Although it is more an essay than a novel, its narrative immerses us in the possible consequences of not addressing climate change and urges us to reconsider our current policies and habits.
Energy transition
The end of Paul Roberts’s oil: An analysis of the inevitable transition of fossil fuels to renewable energies.
Lester R. Brown’s great energy transition: A vision of the world’s energy future and the necessary policies to achieve a sustainable transition.
The clean industrial pact. A shared roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonization ofChristopher Jones: summarizes the first actions of the European Commission to face the challenges of achieving a European industry decarbonized and at the same time globally competitive.
Actions and solutions
Paul Hawken’s Drawdown project: This work brings together the most effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hawken presents a detailed and viable plan based on scientific research, which includes from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture.
There is no planet B of Mike Berners-Lee: The author offers a practical guide to live sustainably. It addresses issues such as food, energy and consumption, and proposes concrete actions that each person can make to reduce their ecological footprint.