Sales of Environment and Climate-Related Books Increase Every Year Since 2018

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] Yes24, a bookstore, analyzed sales data of environment-related books in celebration of the 52nd Earth Day and found that the sales of books on environmental issues and climate change have grown every year since 2018. Last year, sales grew by 17.5% compared to the previous year, which is more than 3.8 times the size of the growth since 2018, when sales first shifted from negative to positive growth.

Regarding the age groups of buyers, middle-aged customers in their 40s and 50s accounted for the largest share. Buyers in their 40s (41.1%) and 50s (29.1%) made up over 70%, followed by those in their 30s (14.9%), 20s (7.3%), and 60s (5.6%). The gender ratio was approximately 4:6, with a higher proportion of female buyers.

Recently published environment-related books can be broadly categorized into 'climate literacy books,' which emphasize the seriousness of environmental pollution and the climate crisis while offering suggestions or critical perspectives on related policies and research projects, and 'climate action books,' which propose practical lifestyle changes such as zero waste, minimal life, and veganism to slow climate change and protect the environment.

Among new climate literacy books, the February release Ending the Climate Crisis Within a Generation highlights the climate crisis on a large scale?covering the ocean, land, and energy?and helps readers internalize the problem and build a foundation for action. The Earth Is Fine, We Are the Problem uses easy and entertaining storytelling to clearly explain common knowledge and information about climate change. The April release A Defense of Beef raises questions about the relationship between beef and climate change and offers ethical solutions for meat consumption.

Not Everyone Can Go Vegetarian for the Earth is an eco cartoon essay that suggests small but sustainable practices for ordinary people who worry about the environment while still using plastic. The zero waste guide Less Is More: Reducing and Reusing, which advocates flexible reduction rather than perfect elimination, and Eco Minimal Household Practice, which offers slightly inconvenient but thoughtful ways of living for oneself, family, and the planet, are also climate action books that explain eco-friendly practices in daily life.

The growth trend of environment-related books is also clearly evident in the children’s category. This is due to the rising prominence of environmental and climate issues across society and the expanding educational atmosphere encouraging children to take an early interest in the environment.

According to Yes24’s analysis, annual sales of children’s environment books have steadily increased over the past three years, and the number of published titles also grew from 156 in 2019 to 207 in 2021, an increase of more than 1.3 times. Sales of children’s environment books in the first quarter of this year grew by 30.7% compared to the fourth quarter of last year.

Among new children’s environment books, What Happens If the Temperature Rises by 1 Degree? was selected as Austria’s Science Book of the Year and explains climate change from various perspectives such as science and history in an easy-to-understand way. What Is Carbon Neutrality? guides upper elementary students on the concept of 'carbon neutrality,' one of the most frequently mentioned terms in Korean society in 2021.

The activities of Swedish youth environmental activist Greta Thunberg continue to influence domestic media and publishing. The picture book Greta Thunberg, Changing the World follows Greta’s adventures and helps children realize what they can do for the environment.

Meanwhile, in celebration of the 52nd Earth Day, Yes24 will open the 'World Earth Day Commemorative Exhibition' on April 21. Visitors can see comments and recommended books from nine authors of environment-related books on climate change, waste issues, veganism, and more. Additionally, an event will be held where 100 members who leave comments about 'My Small Efforts to Protect the Earth' will be selected by lottery to receive 1,000 YES points each.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.