Yann Arthus Bertrand and The Good Planet Foundation have created several books which offer grandiose photographies that transcend the beauty of our planet and help us understand the reality of challenges such climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Below are some of our favorites (click on title to purchase):
EARTH FROM ABOVE – 365days, revised and updated version 2009. Reaching across the continents, from the icebergs of Antarctica to the cotton fields of India, the breathtaking, full-color photographs are accompanied by informative new text that describes the environmental concerns related to each location. (Click on the title to purchase on Amazon.com. Published by Abrams in a beautiful coffee table format: 9.2 x 2.2 x6.2″ – see Revelations in the same format)

EARTH FROM SPACE – The images that satellites deliver consist of colorful and abstract paintings, unexpected constructions, amazing colors. Beyond their strange beauty, these images are also charged with meanings; they illuminate the main themes of sustainable development, from deforestation, global warming, food production to the prevention of major disasters, and much more. They make us wonder about the work of men and the fate of the Earth.

MAN AND SEA – “How to make a different kind of book about the oceans, one that does not only show whales and coral reefs but shows as well threats weighing on them today and solution that we can provide? How to show the beauty and complexity of our relationship with the sea – because the Man is at the same time the reason and the solution of all these problems? I chose to do it through a dialogue with an exceptional submarine photographer, Brian Skerry. Seen from the sea, from air, his point of view and mine are complementary. Because both of us, we have seen the beauty of the world and we chose to show it. Even if the planet has changed and even though multiple threats are weighing on it, it will stay wonderful. Talking about its beauty perhaps means arousing a desire to preserve it.” Yann Arthus-Bertrand

FORESTS AND PEOPLE – Forests cover a little less than one-third of the Earth’s surface area and shelters more than half of its biodiversity. They ensure the air’s renewal and absorb important quantities of carbon. On the contrary, deforestation is responsible for one fifth of world greenhouse gas emissions. Forests thus have an impact on the life of close to two billion people. this book approaches forests in their diversity, their cultural and economic dimensions. It follows those that inhabit them but also presents the ways in which forests benefit us, the threats they face, and the ways in which to protect them.

The Earth From Above Postcard Book is also available for purchase on amazon.com.

I have purchased several books, and have always magically found the perfect photograph to send to each unique recipient!