One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet

by Anuradha Rao

★ “The activists’ stories are extraordinary...It’s a powerful answer to Rao’s framing ‘Who is an environmental defender? What does she or he look like? Maybe like you. Maybe like me.’”― Publishers Weekly , starred review ★ “Thought-provoking reading for young people figuring out their own contributions. This valuable compilation shows that Earth’s salvation lies in the diversity of its people.”― Kirkus Reviews , starred review One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. The twenty short biographies introduce readers to diverse activists from all around the world, who are of many ages and ethnicities. From saving ancient trees on the West Coast of Canada, to protecting the Irrawaddy dolphins of India, to uncovering racial inequalities in the food system in the United States, these environmental heroes are celebrated by author and biologist Anuradha Rao, who outlines how they went from being kids who cared about the environment to community leaders in their field. One Earth is full of environmental role models waiting to be found.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Environment, Science, Politics

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are wonderful wins! This one is that for me. Thank you LibraryThing and Orca Book Publishers.

When I first began reading this I was not impressed with the writing. It felt very much like it was written for kids. I quickly discovered that it is actually marketed as a YA book, and then I became more impressed that this book was going to be available to encourage the younger generations to follow their passions like the wonderful people highlighted in this book!

I soon found myself in a groove when reading about these 20 "people of color protecting our planet". These great people live all over the world, and I enjoyed reading about each. Of course, as few stood out to me, but I have no doubt that to someone else a few others would stand out to them.

I really enjoyed learning about these humans(in no particular order):

Ghanimat Azhdari: Born and lives in Iran
-She works with Indigenous People and conservationists by teaching them how to map local borders, areas for migration, how to correctly plant for medicines, and so much more. All the while dealing with the demands of the government.

Daniel Reyes: From Mexico, lives in Austin, TX
- Researches and teaches about Mycology (study of Fungi) and how it is used to clean soil and water contaminated by oil drilling

Rue Mapp: Born/Lives in Oakland, CA
- Created Outdoor Afro - an outlet used to help get more African Americans involved with the outdoors. Her story is great. She's very hands on in her community and a great inspiration.

Saul Brown,'Hazil'hba': lives in the community of Waglisla in Heiltsuk territory
- Worked to prevent the destruction of Herring Fisheries in Pacific NW in Canada. The destruction of herring had become unsustainable and collapsed, and he and his community fought to save the Herring. The loss of these fish as part of the food web affects pretty much everything else.They protested and brought it to the law and made changes needed.

Nitya Chari Harris: Born in Bumbai, India; Lives in Langford, British Columbia
- Started "Coexisting with Carnivores" - teaches solutions when there is conflict between humans and animals in shared environments.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved an advance reading copy of this book to review, and really enjoyed it. I'm outside the target age range, which is why I gave it fewer stars to reflect my personal enjoyment & based on a 3 average, but I really think this would be a wonderful resource for young people interested in learning more about environmentalism and caring for the natural world. It covers a wide range of people and projects from all over the world, in a structure that is accessible but also ideally formatted for use as a textbook.

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know about an environmentalist, there's an extremely good chance that person is white. In 2019 when Greta Thunberg was getting much press, there were a couple popular tweets circulating, naming kids of other races that have also been working for environmental justice, but had not been given any press. I was happy to learn more about environmentalists through this book, and felt very inspired. The emphasis on community and local knowledge is amazing and so powerful. Also loved that these people are spread across the world, working on totally differing issues. Makes me feel both not alone and motivated/inspired.

[Meredith March · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could see myself using this book with my high school students.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the accessibility of this book as well as the diversity of ideas and backgrounds represented in the short, approachable chapters. The book is divided into themed sections based on area of focus, with short chapters within each section giving a personal history of each activist. The chapters do an excellent job of outlining the background of each person, where and how they grew up, and what triggered their interest in the fields they ended up pursuing. The variety of cultural backgrounds is incredibly varied, as well as the age of each activist and where their interests came from. I loved that some of these were young adults just coming into their activism, some were mature adults who have been activists for years, and some were adults who only found their calling late in life. The message is clear - you can find a way to something you care strongly about, no matter where you come from or what you've done before.

For a young adult audience, this book is practically perfect. It's easy to see yourself in these chapters and realize that you can find your own way to making a difference in the world. It also does an excellent job of showing that even the smallest difference is important - you don't need to aim for saving the earth; you can focus on one small piece that means something to you, and your impact will still make the world better.

As somewhat of an aside, I also really appreciated that each activist presented themselves at the beginning of each chapter, telling the reader exactly how they identify themselves. It gives a strong personal feel to each chapter and allows the reader to feel like they are meeting these people as they would want to introduce themselves. Personal identity is important, and most books interpret for themselves rather than explicitly ask their subjects to offer their identities. It's an excellent way to show how much Rao cares about the people she's introducing.

[Evan Edinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Anuradha Rao’s book, “One Earth: People of color protecting our planet” shortly after it came out in Spring 2020, when most of the world was in lockdown from the first wave of COVID-19. I loved the book then. The events of the last year show me that we need books like this more than ever. This book is worth re-reading, and I’m diving back into it now.
Ms. Rao’s book challenges a nasty myth about environmental and conservation movements, that they are white, middle-class, and elitist. And the book challenges that myth in the most effective way possible – up close and personal.
This Canadian book introduces us to just a few of the inspiring people of colour who are leading our collective way out of the environmental, climate change and biodiversity crises our world is facing. The book presents us with a cross-section of the local heroes in Canada and elsewhere who are changing the world, one green step at a time. They are young and old, urban and rural, in several countries, of all faiths and ethnicities. The nature of their science and activism as portrayed in the book is just as broad.
The book is written and formatted for young readers – grade 7-12, to put it in school terms, but the book is equally engaging for adults. The interview-based format lets the 20 local heroes in the book speak in their own voices. The excellent photos of the people and their activities bring it all to life even more. It’s accessible, easy to read, and most importantly, inspiring.
COVID has reminded us how vulnerable we are, how precious life is, and how much we all need a healthy natural world to support our physical, mental, and spiritual health. This book reminds us that people of all colours are already doing the hard work to protect that natural world that sustains us. It’s the kind of reminder we all need.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who considers herself an environmentalist, I knew I had to read this inspirational book. Inside I found real-life stories of people who have made it their life's work to save the environment. The author interviewed a variety of people who focused their lives on different environmental areas to be stewards and leaders, encouraging others to also follow their passions to preserve our planet. I read about different pathways and areas I never knew existed to helping plants, animals, soil, water, and even our food supply.

I think readers will find the "Did you know" sections included very helpful and will use these as takeaways for new knowledge. I enjoyed the highlighted quotes, photos, and diversity within this important book. Maybe it will inspire readers of all ages to pursue more active roles in stewardship.

[Caitlan Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing, rich, fascinating, and accessible book for both adults and young people. I'm an Early Childhood Educator working in nature school. I'm also a white settler on unceded Coast Salish lands. This book gave me a new appreciation of how narrow and limited environmental activism is when only people who look like me are involved in leadership and decision making. I came to a deeper appreciation about how culture, faith, and community informs and inspires care of the land in so many different ways. I learned about the depth of wisdom and inspiration carried within a multitude of experiences and traditions that people bring to the table when protecting and healing the earth. I read this book all the time. A true treasure and that everyone should read!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pledged to some of middle school environmental club leaders at my school that I would read this book for Earth Day this year. It took me awhile to read, but not because it wasn't engaging. The exact opposite, in fact! I read one chapter at a time, and with 20 individual stories, that took time.

Each story was inspiring and just the perfect length to get a sense of the person, their passions, and the actions they are taking to help the environment and the people around them. From protecting forests and animals to eating vegan and improving the options in food deserts, there is a good variety of topics covered.

[Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgally and the author for the gifted copy.

This book is full of information that is not widely known. I enjoy learning new things and I think this could really help to inspire youth.

It is mostly text with some graphics. I did notice a lot of the graphics were cut off, I'm not sure if it was because I was reading on my phone or not.

If you are looking to learn something new or want to be inspired this would be a good choice read.

If you're looking for romance, plot lines ect, you wont find that here. This book is infographical.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Earth is one of the best resources that I have come across to introduce my students to BIPOC who are doing their part to make the planet a better place. It has been a challenge, at times, to find materials that feature environmental activists who look like my students or who celebrate harmony with nature, according to their particular cultural beliefs. This book served as a catalyst. Upon reading Rao's book, many of my students decided to become "Earth Protectors." I would say that is a definite win.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA to A

[Pam Rashmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful collection of stories that inspire change, in every day life as well as on a bigger scale! I bought it for myself and soon realized that my 'tween' sons could also benefit from these true stories of regular people who create ripples to make this Earth a better place. It also shows how doing what you love and are passionate about can allow any to excel in their field. I highly recommend this book for everyone!

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book of POC who are working so hard to do the work that POC have always done. I was especially inspired by the stories of Saul Brown, Ghanimat Azhdari, and Dominique Edwards, but everyone in the book is admirable. I had an advanced copy given to me by Library Thing, so my copy didn’t have color pictures, which meant that some of the photos were hard to see.

[Great Books]

Introducing readers to 20 environmental defenders and enthusiasts this book will inspire the next generation of earth activists. These stories come from people of various backgrounds, locations, and paths in their fight to help and preserve our environment for future generations to come.

Reviewer #5

[Sandy Wilmering · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book discusses how 20 people of colour are protecting Earth in different ways, including providing cleaner water or nutritional food, protecting plants and creatures in danger, and reducing waste. While I found some of the topics more interesting than others, the people themselves are very inspiring as they passionately advocate for and create positive changes for our environment.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book; just enough information so it doesn't overwhelm, very inspiring.

[Ranette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always find that I don't like books that start off accusing white people, which is by the way, a color of not including those of different colors. This book does this twice in three pages.

[Numberbox]

Paused at p.109

[Jason Greenroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives examples from the lives of those who are environmentalists. I like it.

[Bianetth Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many earth warriors to learn and find hope from 🔥

[Jadyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6

[Cindy DavisClark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw this on display at a library. Earth day read. Interesting stories about people of color around the world addressing environmental issues in their communities.

[Christianne Wilhelmson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a few months since I finished this book, and since the stories still resonate in my mind, I wanted to add my thoughts to my rating. The word that keeps coming back to me as I think of these stories is 'community'. The stories shared here, of every day people of all ages and life experiences around the world, are inspiring and reveal that we have in our communities leaders who are making change for the better. The word 'environmentalist' might trigger in our minds a person that looks a particular way, but this book shatters that stereotype and reminds us that the solutions to problems in our communities need and do come from the community itself. If you need hope, inspiration or a reminder that it takes all voices and views to make change, I highly recommend this book