Dubai: A ‘green’ book club started by youngsters is uniting climate enthusiasts for change

Dubai: A ‘green’ book club started by youngsters is uniting climate enthusiasts for change

Meeting bi-monthly and welcoming all at no cost, the Book Club Majlis places a strong emphasis on building a close-knit community

By Aanya Mitra Published: Tue 29 Aug 2023, 6:26 PM

A recent gathering brought together passionate environmentalists at The Sum of Us Cafe on Sheikh Zayed Road for a climate-focused book club called Green Reads.

“I truly believe that books can transform lives,” said Oumayma Daouadi, a French-Algerian climate consultant and founder of The Book Club Majlis, which jointly organised the initiative with The Dubai Climate Collective (DCC), a network of conscientious change-makers and local climate leaders dedicated to creating a sustainable cultural shift within the UAE.

The session featured a range of books, each offering unique perspectives on the climate crisis. Participants engaged in discussions about ‘The Playbook’ by behavioural scientist Jenifer Jacquet, which reveals how corporate industries prioritise profit over truth. Conversely, ‘Net Positive’ by former Unilever CEO Paul Polman explores the potential of these very industries, suggesting that business leaders possess the capability to address humanity's most pressing issues.

Meanwhile, Kristin Ohlson's 'The Soil Will Save Us' emphasised the critical role of healthy soil in reducing carbon emissions. The group also delved into ‘Climate Worrier: A Hypocrite’s Guide to Saving the