All We Can Save

All We Can Save is a 2020 anthology of essays and poetry edited by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson. The collection features works from over 50 women at the forefront of climate science, policy, and activism in North America. The anthology emerged from Johnson and Wilkinson's observation of the lack of diverse voices in climate leadership at environmental conferences. Contributors include scientists, journalists, farmers, lawyers, teachers, activists, and innovators, each bringing unique perspectives on climate challenges and solutions. The essays and poems address climate change through multiple lenses - from scientific analysis to personal narrative, from policy proposals to artistic expression. The collection takes its title from Adrienne Rich's poem "Natural Resources," reflecting its themes of perseverance and collective action. The book represents an important shift in environmental literature by centering women's voices and feminist approaches to climate action. Its mix of practical solutions and varied viewpoints creates a new framework for understanding and addressing the climate crisis.

Readers appreciate the diverse voices and perspectives from women leading climate action, with many highlighting the mix of poetry, essays, and practical solutions. The anthology format receives praise for making complex climate topics more approachable and personal. Readers liked: - Balance of emotional and scientific content - Focus on hope and solutions rather than doom - Inclusion of Indigenous perspectives - Quality of writing across contributors Common criticisms: - Some essays feel repetitive - Academic tone in certain sections - Length can be overwhelming - Too US-centric in focus Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Each essay builds on the others without being redundant" - Goodreads reviewer "Made me feel less alone in climate anxiety" - Amazon reviewer "Would have benefited from more international perspectives" - Goodreads reviewer "The poetry sections didn't add value for me" - Amazon reviewer

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson This foundational text documents how chemical pesticides threaten ecosystems and sparked the modern environmental movement.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer A blend of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge presents a framework for understanding humanity's reciprocal relationship with nature.

The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert The chronicle of human-caused mass extinction events provides context for understanding the current climate crisis through scientific research and field reporting.

This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein An examination of how capitalism and the climate crisis intersect reveals the economic systems at the root of environmental challenges.

Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit A collection of essays maps the history of environmental and social activism to demonstrate the impact of collective action on systemic change.

🌿 The anthology's title comes from a line in a poem by Adrienne Rich: "My heart is moved by all I cannot save: so much has been destroyed I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world." 🌍 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, one of the editors, founded Ocean Collectiv and Urban Ocean Lab, and was named one of TIME's 100 Next emerging leaders. 🌱 The book inspired the creation of the All We Can Save Project, which supports women climate leaders through circles, scholarships, and other initiatives. 💫 The anthology features contributions from notable figures like Joy Harjo (U.S. Poet Laureate), Naomi Klein (author), and Kate Marvel (climate scientist). 🎨 The book's structure is organized around eight themes: Root, Advocate, Reframe, Feel, Nourish, Rise, Persist, and Emerge, each section beginning with original artwork by Madeleine Jubilee Saito.