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No Planet B: A Teen Vogue Guide to the Climate Crisis
Teen Vogue, the fresh voice of a generation of activists, currates a dynamic collection of timely pieces on the climate justice movement. With accessible, concise explanations of the features and causes of climate change as well as pieces urging an intersectional approach to environmental justice this book is the handbook for the emerging youth climate movement. Using a feminist, indigenous, antiracist, internationalist lens the book paints a picture of a world in climate crisis and presents bold, courageous ideas for how to save it. Featuring introductions from leading climate activists, No Planet B is essential reading for everyone fighting for a Green New Deal and more.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published March 9, 2021
18 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 11, 2021
A great collection of work by young reporters and activists, with a strong focus on intersectionality and climate justice. I especially appreciated the international scale. I chose this from Haymarket for my Little Free Library to expand coverage of climate justice and I hope it gets to political young people in the neighborhood.
April 7, 2021
This book is co-published by Haymarket and Teen Vogue, which seems like a funny combo, but it works really well. It is able to represent a lot of really nuanced and difficult political realities of the climate crisis while still being easily readable (I read the whole thing in about a week.) This book really drives home that mass grassroots mobilization of people is where the best solutions to address the climate crisis will be found.
The book is split into 3 sections: Reporting, Activism, and Intersectionality. I did feel like some of the concepts in Intersectionality could have been further explored. However, since it's a book for teens it is fitting that this is a starting point for deeper future conversations.
The book is split into 3 sections: Reporting, Activism, and Intersectionality. I did feel like some of the concepts in Intersectionality could have been further explored. However, since it's a book for teens it is fitting that this is a starting point for deeper future conversations.
November 2, 2021
This was a fantastic collection of essays from Teen Vogue! There were a lot of essays about young activists and their work in raising awareness and getting the attention of the politicians who can make decisions. There was also a really interesting article about visiting the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. My favourite section was probably the last one which specifically dealt with climate issues from an intersectional lens.
July 21, 2024
I’d 100% give this to someone who wants to learn more about climate change. This is a super approachable read addressing the science and intersectionalities associated with the climate crisis. It’s just a collection of articles from Teen Vogue on climate-related topics, and all of them are easy to read and important to understand.
October 14, 2021
This book covers a lot of different climate topics and in a very personal and easy to understand way. I’m going to have my environmental ethics students read it because we cover many of the topic in this book, in the course.
January 25, 2022
Interesting and diverse selection of essays and articles from the archives from issues globally the US, from the Everglades to the mountains in Alaska. Loved how this hit on topics of feminism, Indigenous folks, youth activism, and environmental racism in a way that many books about the climate crisis do not.
March 23, 2024
Those kids were spittin facts
January 16, 2022
[3.5 stars] A collected anthology of Teen Vogue articles and interviews about youth organizing in the global climate justice movement. I think this guide is a decent introduction to climate reporting for youth and adults; concepts are presented clearly and concisely (not always the case in adult-focused reporting) and there is an intentional focus on a range of youth leaders in addition to Greta Thunberg. Since the anthology is primarily a reprint of articles, it can be redundant if you're a frequent reader of Teen Vogue, as I was for a while, including the years covered here. I thought the final section (titled “Intersectionality”) was the strongest, with the article on the Red Deal being a must-read. I wish the entire book was curated with the same strong analysis of race, gender, geography, and colonization. I also wish it had delved deeper into an anti-capitalist framework (the bread and butter of the publisher, Haymarket Books) or any critique of the global military industrial complex but I’m not surprised that its orientation toward activism was more along the lines of Teen Vogue’s parent, Condé Nast; despite editorial language about the importance of mass movement and corporate accountability, a majority of stories centered nonprofit groups and individual actions, which can sometimes be useful but will not address the urgency of climate change on their own. Recommended for readers of any age seeking intro materials or explainers.
Goodreads Challenge 2022: 5/52
Popsugar Reading Challenge: about a man-made disaster
Feminist Reading Challenge: about climate
Nonfiction Reading Challenge: about climate / weather
Goodreads Challenge 2022: 5/52
Popsugar Reading Challenge: about a man-made disaster
Feminist Reading Challenge: about climate
Nonfiction Reading Challenge: about climate / weather
March 6, 2024
I understand that this book is just a collected anthology of Teen Vogue articles about climate change, the climate disaster, and the grassroots organizations that are fighting for change and therefore it's goal is to report not problem solve. However, I have never read a more unhelpful and uninspiring piece of political nonfiction EVER. Not only is it devoid of any plan to organize, it spends way too much propping up politicians like AOC who, while co-opted the Green New Deal, has not moved the GND past proposal phase. Not all her fault, just a product of the bourgeois democracy we live under where politicians are only incentivized by capital. Also with the amount of interviews taken from Greta Thunberg, it is almost unimaginable to me that the first time capitalism is blamed for the climate crisis is on page 98! I made a note because for the first 100 pages all the book discussed was why climate change is bad, but no blame was put on the specific monopolies who are actually responsible. There were even interviews taken that supported the idea of a decentralized climate movement because they thought the chaos of not having an organized movement would propel their demands faster!!!!! Like wtf, you think shouting at some politicians with a few of your friends is going to change anything?!
All this said, there are only two articles in the entire book worth reading in my opinion. The first is "The Red Deal is an Indigenous Climate Plan that Builds on the Green New Deal" by Rey Levy-Uyeda and the second is "Climate Disaster is a Labor Issue" by Kim Kelly. If you know nothing about the climate disaster you may enjoy learning stuff from the rest of the book, but these are the only chapters that began to touch on a real solution. In the Red Deal article, Levy-Uyeda demonstrates how different North American Indigenous Groups are working to add to the GND in order to preserve their land alleviate any burdens brought on by the climate crisis. On page 183 we have our first glimpse at a tangible solution to unchecked capitalism poisoning our climate in that the second tenet of the Red Deal claims that "mass movement politics must be a catalyst for change," i.e. revolution.
"Reformists misunderstand this fundamental truth about capitalist states. States protect capital and the wealthy class, not life. Reformists who appeal to the state for change compromise out future. We refuse to compromise." THIS IS THE PROBLEM with politicians who propose things like the GND but still belong to the state who will never allow something like the GND pass because that would harm capital. The idea of reform needs to be thrown out the window! How many times do we see "proposed reforms" lead to a dead end because they protect the interest of the ruling class? When will people realized that reform and bureaucracy are the death nells of change?
In "Climate Disaster is a Labor Issue," we see another glimpse of a solution that is quickly catapulted into the ether of nothingness. To quote, "What if, instead, the labor movement took matters into its own hands, and we seized control of our future?" Yeah! What if? Can we talk about that? This is literally the only sentence in this book that hints at a viable start to a solution is quickly followed (and pummeled by) by promoting training programs and apprenticeships that the AFL-CIO offers to its members to help those affected by changes in environmental operations and then the article ends!
While ultimately good, the Green New Deal can never be fully realized under capitalism. Certain unions like AFL-CIO are against GND because they fear loss of jobs in coal and oil industries. Under socialism (and later communism) this is a moot point because we have the food to keep the working class alive regardless of job standing, we will have the property to house anyone regardless of job status, and we can let those workers choose what path they want to pursue next without fear of education cost or starting over because education will not just be for those with capital and careerism dies without monetary incentive. People will not be working for a profit, they will be working for the cause of humanity! With a mass worker's revolution, we can choose where to pool our resources: fossil fuels or renewable energy. Saving our planet is only achievable by seizing the means of production from the owning classes and redistributing resources to science, clean energy, and tech development to prevent a total climate collapse.
All this said, there are only two articles in the entire book worth reading in my opinion. The first is "The Red Deal is an Indigenous Climate Plan that Builds on the Green New Deal" by Rey Levy-Uyeda and the second is "Climate Disaster is a Labor Issue" by Kim Kelly. If you know nothing about the climate disaster you may enjoy learning stuff from the rest of the book, but these are the only chapters that began to touch on a real solution. In the Red Deal article, Levy-Uyeda demonstrates how different North American Indigenous Groups are working to add to the GND in order to preserve their land alleviate any burdens brought on by the climate crisis. On page 183 we have our first glimpse at a tangible solution to unchecked capitalism poisoning our climate in that the second tenet of the Red Deal claims that "mass movement politics must be a catalyst for change," i.e. revolution.
"Reformists misunderstand this fundamental truth about capitalist states. States protect capital and the wealthy class, not life. Reformists who appeal to the state for change compromise out future. We refuse to compromise." THIS IS THE PROBLEM with politicians who propose things like the GND but still belong to the state who will never allow something like the GND pass because that would harm capital. The idea of reform needs to be thrown out the window! How many times do we see "proposed reforms" lead to a dead end because they protect the interest of the ruling class? When will people realized that reform and bureaucracy are the death nells of change?
In "Climate Disaster is a Labor Issue," we see another glimpse of a solution that is quickly catapulted into the ether of nothingness. To quote, "What if, instead, the labor movement took matters into its own hands, and we seized control of our future?" Yeah! What if? Can we talk about that? This is literally the only sentence in this book that hints at a viable start to a solution is quickly followed (and pummeled by) by promoting training programs and apprenticeships that the AFL-CIO offers to its members to help those affected by changes in environmental operations and then the article ends!
While ultimately good, the Green New Deal can never be fully realized under capitalism. Certain unions like AFL-CIO are against GND because they fear loss of jobs in coal and oil industries. Under socialism (and later communism) this is a moot point because we have the food to keep the working class alive regardless of job standing, we will have the property to house anyone regardless of job status, and we can let those workers choose what path they want to pursue next without fear of education cost or starting over because education will not just be for those with capital and careerism dies without monetary incentive. People will not be working for a profit, they will be working for the cause of humanity! With a mass worker's revolution, we can choose where to pool our resources: fossil fuels or renewable energy. Saving our planet is only achievable by seizing the means of production from the owning classes and redistributing resources to science, clean energy, and tech development to prevent a total climate collapse.
October 18, 2024
It's no secret that Teen Vogue has been, over the past few years, one of the shining lights in American journalism. In work like the articles collected in this book, they've certainly been more thoughtful about climate change than many of the mainstream news organisations - frankly, the less said about those places the better. So I was excited to read this, especially as the publisher's note at the front of the book says that the contributors here range from ten to twenty-five. Good writers all, and good for them. It makes the book accessible to young readers, I think, to have so many of them represented here.
The book's structured into three sections: reporting, activism, and intersectionality. That's useful, as is the continual linking of each of these concepts to each other as the book goes on. I do think that it falls quite often into repetition, which makes the read in places seem somewhat longer than it actually is, but then this is a collection of articles, not a narrative planned out in advance, and perhaps that's one of the risks an editor takes in a collection like this.
The book's structured into three sections: reporting, activism, and intersectionality. That's useful, as is the continual linking of each of these concepts to each other as the book goes on. I do think that it falls quite often into repetition, which makes the read in places seem somewhat longer than it actually is, but then this is a collection of articles, not a narrative planned out in advance, and perhaps that's one of the risks an editor takes in a collection like this.
April 23, 2021
This book does a great job of lifting up and centering the voices of Indigenous, Black, and Brown youth climate activists from around the world. Even better, it does so in accessible language and shorter-format essays and articles that teach without talking down to its audience or simplifying some of the most complex problems in our world--it even has a glossary of terms in the back!
Even for folks who are already well versed in matters of the climate crisis, there is plenty to learn about:
-microplastics and the myths around recycling
-how climate change affects lots of different marginalized communities from Malawi to Bangladesh
-connecting the dots between climate change and migration, colonialism, labor, racism, gender inequality...
-a new generation of activists and role models
-how to take action and organize!
Definitely recommend reading and/or sharing with any teens in your life. Happy Earth Day~
Even for folks who are already well versed in matters of the climate crisis, there is plenty to learn about:
-microplastics and the myths around recycling
-how climate change affects lots of different marginalized communities from Malawi to Bangladesh
-connecting the dots between climate change and migration, colonialism, labor, racism, gender inequality...
-a new generation of activists and role models
-how to take action and organize!
Definitely recommend reading and/or sharing with any teens in your life. Happy Earth Day~
February 1, 2024
This book is a collection of essays from Teen Vogue that tackle climate change, largely over three main components: reporting, activism, and intersectionality. It wasn’t sophisticated by any stretch, but it wasn’t meant to be. It brought up a lot of issues I admittedly didn’t know enough about, and did so using very easy-to-understand language and explanations. I wish it had been curated better and annotated further; because this was a compilation of existing essays, it lacked a lot of context on where some of the legislation went or how upcoming (as of writing) events transpired. Ultimately, I think it’s a fine introductory work.
I’d recommend this to folks that want a simple primer on climate change. I read it for a book club and it was a good format for that!
I’d recommend this to folks that want a simple primer on climate change. I read it for a book club and it was a good format for that!
July 8, 2021
a good collection of essays with a strong focus on intersectionality and uplifting the voices of youth activists of color. i'm assuming these were originally magazine articles?? they kind of read that way. they're very short, and i wish there were more depth and context. the book gives a good overview of what youth activists are doing to advocate for change and to get politicians to take the climate crisis seriously. i think there's more emphasis on what activists are doing than on climate change itself. which is fine!! just not what i was looking for.
October 28, 2021
Even though many of the articles included are outdated by now, this was an excellent collection of young people eloquently expressing the urgent need for attention to the climate crisis. What's even better is that the book has a focus on intersectionality. It repeatedly draws attention to the connection between the climate crisis, systemic racism, and BIPOC oppression. Possibly my favorite bit was that, as opposed to every other climate crisis book I've read, this one actually mentions disabled people in their analysis of plastic pollution.
December 31, 2023
A great last read of 2023 - sad and, at the same time, energetic. Hooes from the youth with no future, that aew trying to get environmental issues onto the agenda of every politician, enterprise, and other people.
This selection of multiple texts from different teens in different locations was very eye-opening to understand the environmental impact from different points of view. If you have kids in your family, I'd say it is a must-read, so you get up to speed on why there is no pla B for them - and we'll be dead, so they will be the ones suffering.
This selection of multiple texts from different teens in different locations was very eye-opening to understand the environmental impact from different points of view. If you have kids in your family, I'd say it is a must-read, so you get up to speed on why there is no pla B for them - and we'll be dead, so they will be the ones suffering.
April 5, 2021
I have a newfound respect for Teen Vogue. The articles present here provide ecocritical explorations of intersectionality and capitalism in an accessible way that lay-readers may easily understand. Scholars may not find much here, but teachers may find these articles useful for introducing students to higher level ideas associated with social justice.
February 17, 2023
Don't let the mention of "Teen Vogue" on the cover fool you- this collection of essays is powerful and relevant for all of us. After all, there is no Planet B! I especially appreciated the essay about the GPGP (the Great Pacific Garbage Patch) and the chilling reality of microplastics in our water, food, and bodies.
February 24, 2024
A curated collection of Teen Vogue articles that illuminate the terrifying reality of the climate crisis around the world…and the intersectional activists who are doing everything they can to save our planet.
March 5, 2024
A decent introductory text, but as a collection of essays, there were sections that got quite repetitive. There were just enough new insights to keep me reading, though I wish there had been at least one essay that touched on land use and transportation as they relate to climate change.
April 1, 2024
A collective group of essays about the global climate crisis. I read this for book review, and it was not an easy read but was interesting to learn how President Trump denies the ongoing crisis dipole the ongoing proof.
July 30, 2024
felt repetitive in a lot of parts just because it was a collection of articles, but thought it did a great job of examining the intersectionality of the climate crisis and the different racial, gendered, and economic lenses we must examine it through
May 25, 2025
Was such a great book on Climate Change and so many inspiring youth activists. Started this book months ago, got about half way but was very sad so took a break and finished it today. I think reading this book really shows you how so many kids are making a difference and how you can too!
May 9, 2021
The kids don't stand a chance. // Seems hyper focused on plastic over acknowledging the cost on land and water and human health that animal ag has caused. We need to work on both.
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January 20, 2022363.73874 N7395 2021
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May 22, 2022Even though some of these articles are only a few years old, some feel quite dated.
March 11, 2023
A time capsule of vibrant youth-centered journalism: three sections of short articles, Science Reporting, Youth Activism, and Global Intersectionality. All these kids are growing old now.
March 20, 2025
Sticking to reusable straws and reusing plastic bags
July 27, 2025
The second chapter about young activists gave me energy and hope.
September 17, 2022
I didn't have very high expectations for this book since it was sponsored by a teen's version of a magazine that I would consider fluff. But I was surprised that this book was quite good and appropriate for adult audiences as well. I appreciated that the book represented the intersection of climate, women and indigenous rights, people of color and international perspectives.
April 27, 2022
The youth are our future, and Teen Vogue is helping to lead the charge—through education, coverage, and amplification of marginalized voices. In No Planet B, edited by Lucy Diavolo and published by Haymarket Books, a community of climate activists speak up in a way that is accessible, educational, and inspirational.
No Planet B taught me quite a bit I didn't know. I was most impressed by its coverage of the plastics crisis. For example, the need to shift to a 'reuse' approach and not depend on recycling to save us. Corporations are using recycling as a distraction while ramping up the fossil fuel and fracking–heavy production of plastics. Our throwaway culture and single-use plastics are a huge issue but also a growing economy—we need to cut it down at the source, production. Not to mention, I learned from these pieces that the US sends much of its recycled and disposable waste abroad—for a long time, to China, but now to Southeast Asia. While many Western "green" programs and corporations lean on the top five countries responsible for marine plastics to fix up their act and stop "mismanaging" their natural resources, these same countries—China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka—are where Western countries are sending their trash.
The essays cover the young climate activists fighting for change at high levels and in their communities—whether they're sleeping outside McConnell's office in protest, advocating for the Green New Deal, or standing with Greta Thunberg in global climate strikes. The essays also cover intersectional climate justice, discussing and highlighting how climate change disproportionately impacts people of color, Indigenous groups, people living in poverty, and young women around the world. They amplify those voices and stress that climate justice is not only an environmental but a social and political issue.
All around, this collection is easy to read but full of crucial, important truths. It highlights how our youth are making a difference, and how we should learn from their actions, invest in their movements, and join the fight.
No Planet B taught me quite a bit I didn't know. I was most impressed by its coverage of the plastics crisis. For example, the need to shift to a 'reuse' approach and not depend on recycling to save us. Corporations are using recycling as a distraction while ramping up the fossil fuel and fracking–heavy production of plastics. Our throwaway culture and single-use plastics are a huge issue but also a growing economy—we need to cut it down at the source, production. Not to mention, I learned from these pieces that the US sends much of its recycled and disposable waste abroad—for a long time, to China, but now to Southeast Asia. While many Western "green" programs and corporations lean on the top five countries responsible for marine plastics to fix up their act and stop "mismanaging" their natural resources, these same countries—China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka—are where Western countries are sending their trash.
The essays cover the young climate activists fighting for change at high levels and in their communities—whether they're sleeping outside McConnell's office in protest, advocating for the Green New Deal, or standing with Greta Thunberg in global climate strikes. The essays also cover intersectional climate justice, discussing and highlighting how climate change disproportionately impacts people of color, Indigenous groups, people living in poverty, and young women around the world. They amplify those voices and stress that climate justice is not only an environmental but a social and political issue.
All around, this collection is easy to read but full of crucial, important truths. It highlights how our youth are making a difference, and how we should learn from their actions, invest in their movements, and join the fight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews