Life On A Little-Known Planet: Dispatches From A Changing World
What can we learn from scientists racing to save our changing planet? Pulitzer winner Elizabeth Kolbert explores the frontiers of climate science.
In March and April 2026, the SciFri Book Club will read Life on a Little-Known Planet: Dispatches from a Changing World by Elizabeth Kolbert. This collection brings together the Pulitzer Prize winner’s most influential essays about climate change and the natural world. She takes us around the globe to meet the scientists, researchers, and everyday citizens working to understand and protect our changing world. Along the way, readers discover a carbon-neutral island in Denmark, explore a biologist’s efforts to talk to whales, and meet the “father of global warming.” Kolbert translates the most important environmental science of our time into vivid portraits and thought-provoking essays that balance awareness and wonder. You can get your copy from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org.
This Book Club season kicks off on Sunday, March 1, and you can read along with us! Discussion questions are shared on Monday of each week in the community group and via the newsletter. We’ll be (loosely) following this schedule, but all our readers are welcome to join us at their own pace:
- March 1-8: Introduction, Part 1 “Talk to Me” and “Life on a Little-Known Planet”
- March 9-15: Part 1 “Killing Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle” and “Stung”
- March 16-22: Part 2 “A Song of Ice” and “The Lost Canyon”
- March 20: Club Chat on Mighty Networks at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
- March 23-29: Part 2 “The Island in the Wind” and “The Siege of Miami”
- March 27: Author Q&A Livestream at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
- March 30-April 5: Part 3 “Testing the Waters” and “A New Leaf”
- April 6-12: Part 3 “Going Negative” and “Recall of the Wild”
- April 13-19: Part 4 “The Catastrophist” and “The Weight of the World”
- April 20-26: Part 4 “Mr. Green” and “The Guru of Doo-Doo”
- April 27-30: Part 4 “Last Words” and Final Thoughts
- April 30: Community Meeting at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
Plus, we’ll be hosting events! Keep an eye out on our website or join our Book Club newsletter to be the first to know.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! You can grab a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri), listen to the podcast interview with the author, read the excerpt, join the discussion in our online Book Club community, sign up for our email newsletter, or RSVP for our upcoming Book Club events.
Grab Your Own Copy
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have Life on a Little-Known Planet in its catalog, but many branches offer options for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save The Date(s): SciFri Book Club Events
Club Chat on Mighty Networks, March 20
Join book club members on Mighty Networks to chat (via text) about the Science Friday interview with Elizabeth Kolbert. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and get excited as we dive into Life on a Little-Known Planet.
- When: Friday, March 20 at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
- Where: Book Club Online Community Group
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for reminders
Tune in to Science Friday on Friday, March 20 to hear the interview between Kolbert and SciFri Host Flora Lichtman. Or download the podcast on March 19, wherever you get your favorite podcasts!
Please note that this is the working schedule, but of course, the news could change our plans.
Q&A with Elizabeth Kolbert, March 27
In Life on a Little-Known Planet, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Kolbert collects her most compelling pieces about climate change and the natural world. Learn about her reporting on those working to preserve our environment.
- When: Friday, March 27 at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s YouTube channel
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for reminders
Join us online for a livestream all about the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick for March and April 2026. Come with your curiosity—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
Book Club Community Meeting, April 30
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
- When: Thursday, April 30 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in Life on a Little-Known Planet. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress—come chat with other science-interested folks about infectious disease, medicine, healthcare inequity, and much more.
Join Our Community Space
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly read sand join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.