No. 137, June 18, 2020
Hello Revelator readers, Now is the time to listen to the people most affected by environmental injustice and racism — and the activists working to solve those problems. We've gathered 16 essential recent books about environmental justice, activism and related topics to get you started. The discovery of a lost plant species has revealed an "extinction hotspot" in Appalachia. Here's what scientists say should be done. Trouble's brewing in the Arctic — or really, thawing. Rising temperatures are warming the region's permafrost, triggering the release of trapped greenhouse gases. How close are we to a dangerous tipping point? Subscriber bonus: The Wild 5 Here are five more stories we're watching this week. 1. "Halt in Ecotourism Threatens Conservation Efforts Worldwide" (Washington Post) 2. "U.S. Supreme Court Clears Way for Pipeline to Cross Appalachian Trail" (Reuters) 3. "Banned: No More Pangolin Scales in Traditional Medicine, China Declares" (Mongabay) 4. "B.C. Mine Proposed in Critical Caribou Habitat Shows How Endangered Species ‘Fall Through the Cracks' " (The Narwhal) 5. "Driller Charged Over Contamination in 'Gasland' Town" (AP) In case you missed it: Author and ethicist Harriet Washington's book, A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind, explains why the fallout from environmental toxicity isn't just physical. Read our interview with her here. What should we cover next? Our stories rely on insight from experts, frontline activists and readers around the world — especially these days, when so much damage is being done behind the scenes, out of the public eye. We want to hear from you, so please drop us a line anytime. Coming up: Miami is facing an existential crisis due to climate change. A new book investigates whether it can make a just transition in the face of its climate woes and what that means for the rest of our cities. Look for our latest links in next Thursday's newsletter — or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the headlines as they go live. As always, thank you for reading — and stay safe. | 
