Can we save the world, earth, planet? Many books promote the idea. A few examples:
- How Economics Will Save the World (2024)
- Garden to Save the World (2024)
- Six Energy Projects to Save the Planet (2024)
- Earthshot: How to Save the Planet (2021)
- How Degrowth Will Save the World (2020)
- How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World (2020)
- How to Save the World for Free (2019)
In comparison, Serres does not attempt to claim such a task. His thought springs from humility. He avoids promotional titles that he refers to as ‘soft pollution’. In Times of Crisis (2014) he says:
“I too must choose: there is a real crisis today and so we have to come up with something new. Can I do this? Nothing is less certain. Can we outline other paths? I hope so.”
I’d not come across Michel Serres so thanks you got me interested. On the books that say they will save the earth I find the same with books for children. I buy my nephews (4 and 7) books that give ways to ‘save the planet’. I’m a teacher but wonder if kids will leave school thinking all they have to do is recycle plastic and the world will be safe or saved!