"Science is both essential and frivolous, jubilant and despairing, lovely and brutal, perfect and broken—all at the same time—just like the scientists who fashion it," writes Hope Jahren in her introduction to The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2017. The pieces honored in this collection celebrate astonishing wonders—from our public lands to a new way of tasting food we eat—and investigate grave perils, like the rapid progression of climate change, air pollution, and more. They show us the beauty and innovation of our planet, and how urgently we must fight to protect it from all those who take it for granted.
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2017 includes:
