Reclaiming Our Planet: How Environmental History Can Help Solve the Climate Crisis by Alexander Gates is a compelling and insightful exploration of how environmental history can provide valuable lessons in addressing today’s climate crisis. Gates masterfully connects historical patterns of human interaction with the environment to contemporary environmental challenges, arguing that understanding our past is crucial for crafting effective solutions for the future.

The book is well-written and accessible, blending academic rigor with clear and engaging prose. Gates weaves together case studies, historical examples, and current climate science to demonstrate how human activities have shaped the planet’s ecosystems and how past mistakes can inform future policies and actions. His thorough research provides readers with a broader perspective on the complexities of environmental issues, making it clear that solving the climate crisis requires not only scientific innovation but also a deep understanding of the cultural, economic, and political forces that have historically driven environmental degradation.

While the book is highly informative and thought-provoking, it occasionally gets bogged down in dense historical detail, which may be overwhelming for readers without a background in environmental studies. Additionally, while the solutions offered are valuable, some readers might wish for more concrete and actionable steps to address the climate crisis on an individual or grassroots level.

Overall, Reclaiming Our Planet is an engaging and important read that highlights the intersection of history and environmentalism, offering a unique perspective on how the lessons of the past can guide our efforts to combat climate change. Gates provides a valuable contribution to the discourse on climate change and environmental sustainability, making this a worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding the deeper roots of the crisis and how we might begin to solve it.

Reclaiming Our Planet is a hopeful non-fiction book about what we can do to help humanity’s fight against climate change (and other environmental problems) with research-based information and practical tips.

It starts a much-needed conversation of how we can analyse history and implement our lessons in our current fight. All cases are supported with scientific evidence and historical situations where the practices to overcome the said environmental problems were fruitful. This approach is encouraging, positive, evidence-based and practical. Each topic ends with tips on what we can do to reclaim our planet.