Michael O’Mara Books is to publish an important book on climate change action in partnership with Scientists For XR, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, entitled Scientists on Survival: Personal Stories of Climate Action.

An anthology of fascinating and impassioned personal essays, Scientists on Survival is written by scientists from a huge variety of disciplines, including biochemists, engineers, astrophysicists, geologists, immunologists, mathematicians, psychologists, zoologists and more. Some have spent decades associated with prestigious institutions, others are students setting out on a career in science. What unites them is their fascination with and love for the world around them.

With this book they are attempting to illustrate the scale of the emergency through the issues that motivated them to become activists, whether in the form of nonviolent direct action, raising awareness, teaching, championing community action or through personal decisions. There is an impassioned foreword by naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham.

This collection adds compelling insights that speak to us all, as they weave scientific truth into powerful human stories.

Scientists for XR said, ‘In this book we share our journeys from knowing to acting, both as individual scientists and as a community of climate activists. Understanding the climate and ecological emergency has brought us each to feel fear, grief, and even rage, but together we dare to strive for the best possible future for life on Earth. Via this collection of our very personal thoughts, feelings and experiences, we hope readers will find something honest, refreshing, relatable and motivating.’

Lesley O’Mara, Managing Director at Michael O’Mara, said: ‘This book is all the more powerful because the essays are so personal to each scientist. It isn’t a book about statistics or graphs, rather it breaks away from the traditional forms of science communication and encourages each scientist to speak from the heart.’

Louise Dixon acquired world rights directly from the group.

Scientists on Survival: Personal Stories of Climate Action, will be published by Michael O’Mara Books on Thursday 27 March 2025, priced £9.99 in paperback