In the prologue for their book At Every Depth: Our Growing Knowledge of the Changing Oceans, UC Davis scientist Tessa Hill and writer Eric Simons open with an astute observation about humanity’s relationship with the ocean. While so much of the big blue is still a mystery to us, the beauty and life within it are being affected by our choices as a species. In some ways, the oceans are changing faster than we can study them.

Knowledge about the Earth and its environment is woven throughout these new books, including two from College of Letters and Science faculty, that came out in 2023 or are about to be published. From oceans, fire and evolution to transportation and sustainability, these books inspire action on the world’s most pressing environmental issues.