By: Madeline Davis, researched by Hal Dittbrenner
When people think about science, typically creative works are not the first things that come to mind. Science is viewed as a factual, technical subject. In contrast, creative mediums such as writing and art are viewed as free-flowing activities, meant to only reflect emotion and feeling.
However, these two subjects can come together to create beautiful, scientific pieces. Environmental writing and art are great examples of how science and artistic expression collide. Environmental writing and art are defined as forms of expression that explore and analyze the environment. Many creative environmental pieces also encourage people to take action regarding a relevant issue. These pieces are a great way for people to become more aware of environmental concerns. Writing and art can resonate with people, especially to those not in a scientific field, and bring awareness to problems that need solving.
Some people do not even realize that what they are reading or seeing is environmental. Paintings, poems, prose, and online media that discuss the environment, nature, and humans’ connections to the Earth.
Here are some of our favorite environmental writing and art pieces, as well as where to find them so that you can find inspiration for your own interdisciplinary environmental works!
“Walden” (also known as “LIfe in the Woods”)
Author: Henry David Thoreau
Where to find: Most major bookstores; can also be found online for free via Project Gutenberg
A forefather of environmental writing, Thoreau is best known for living alone in a simple woodland cabin. “Walden” is about this incredible experience. Throughout the text, Thoreau makes scientific observations about the flora and fauna in the environment around him. He keeps scientific records of animals, plants, and changes in a nearby pond. “Walden” is a great blend of creative writing and science.
Birds of America
Author: John J. Audubon
Where to find: Most major bookstores; can also be found online for free via Project Gutenberg
John J. Audubon was a French-American artist and naturalist. Audubon studied birds native to the American continent, writing about them and capturing their essence in watercolor paintings. This book features art, writing, and ornithology.
A Review of Low-Carbon Technologies and Projects for the Global Cement Industry
Authors: Yangyang Guo, Lei Luo, Tingting Liu, Liwei Hao, Yinming Li, Pengfei Liu, & Tingyu Zhu
Where to find: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1001074223000268
Guo et. al are environmental researchers based in Singapore. In their article, they review low-carbon projects that the cement industry has taken on, reviewing how these projects impact the environment. This article is a great example of environmentally conscious action!
Hopecast
Author: Jane Goodall
Where to find: https://janegoodall.org/our-story/about-jane/hopecast/
Esteemed primatologist Jane Goodall discusses humans and their impact on the environment in her still-active podcast. This podcast allows listeners to hear about Dr. Goodall’s incredible life, hear from guests in multiple scientific areas, and learn more about the world around us.
Fracking Chemical Leak
Artist: Cynthia Back
Where to find: https://directory.weadartists.org/artist/cbackstudio
Cynthia Back is a visual artist who depicts environmental disasters through collage paintings. She uses recycled materials to create her collages, including strips of her old artwork. Back’s collages are environmentalist in both form and message.
Strawpocalypse
Artist: Von Wong
Where to find: https://thestrawpocalypse.com/
Strawpocalypse is an art installation protesting the use of plastic straws. The art pieces were made with wasted plastic straws found on the streets of Vietnam. This piece featured almost 168,000 wasted and donated straws!
The Strawpocalypse project is a clever way of combining art and activism.
Always Coming Home
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Where to find: Most major bookstores
Always Coming Home takes place in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by rising sea levels. The book takes the form of an anthropologist’s record, describing new ways of life in a world ravaged by climate change. The book combines creativity and real-world climate science to make a powerful reading experience.
Time to Invest in the Worst
Author: Emily Lancaster, Christopher Jerde, Andrew Mahon, & Erin Grey
Where to find: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1258880/full
This open-access article discusses genome-sequencing invasive species so that they lower their negative environmental impact. It’s an excellent combination of theory and practical science.
The Climate Reality Project
Founder: Al Gore
Where to find: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/
This website, created by former Vice President Al Gore, highlights numerous environmental initiatives. It is a great place to explore and learn how to get involved in environmentalism.
The Land of Milk and Honey
Author: C Pam Zhang
Where to find: Most major bookstores
Who gets to eat in the climate-induced apocalypse? What kinds of foods remain after 98% of the world’s crops become extinct? This literary dystopia explores the relationships between food, the environment, and the ultra-wealthy.
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows
Artist: John Constable
Where to find: Tate Britain Art Museum
This piece places the natural environment front and center, from the ash trees to the rainbow to the river. This artwork captures the natural environment in a beautiful way.
Poetry and the Environment
Curated by: The Poetry Foundation
Where to find: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/146462/poetry-and-the-environment
The Poetry Foundation has curated some of the world’s best environmental poems! These poems, organized by environmental themes, are all stellar examples of poetry as activism!
Mississippi Multimedia Gallery
Hosted by: Hamline University
Where to find: Various locations along the Mississippi River
This traveling, multimedia exhibit showcases the mighty Mississippi
River. This exhibit includes art, videos, photos, interviews, and digital components.
Where Global Crop Yields May Falter Next
Authors: Kyle Davis, Hanan Ali, Endalkachew Kebede, Bhoktear Khan, & Afia Sarwar
Where to find: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-023-00911-w
Ever wanted to tell the future? Davis et. al. do in this article, where they discuss crop yields and their impacts on people and the environment.
Kauaʻi Multimedia Gallery
Hosted by: Hamline University
Where to find: https://cgee.hamline.edu/current-initiatives/multimedia-gallery-exhibits/kauai-multimedia-gallery
This museum-quality online gallery features environmental stories from Kaua’i, one of the islands of Hawai’i. This collection features photos, videos, and panoramas!
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