In recent years, the fossil-fuel industry has been undergoing a significant shift, increasingly turning its focus toward plastics as a new frontier for growth and profit. This pivot involves major oil companies investing billions of dollars in constructing new refineries and industrial plants aimed at producing plastics from petrochemicals. This transformation not only has economic implications but also raises serious environmental and social concerns. In the December 2025 issue of Scientific American, science journalist Beth Gardiner explores this critical story in depth, shedding light on the communities adversely affected by this industrial expansion and revealing how powerful corporations are attempting to shape the future of plastic production and usage.
To further enrich readers’ understanding of this complex and pressing issue, Scientific American has curated a list of five compelling books that delve into various facets of plastics, pollution, and corporate influence. These works provide valuable insights into the chemistry of plastics, the global waste management crisis, the hidden dangers of toxic chemicals, and the intertwined relationship between industry, environment, and society. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the challenges and stakes involved in the ongoing saga of plastic pollution and power.
The first book on this list is *Plastic Inc.: The Secret History and Shocking Future of Big Oil’s Biggest Bet* by Beth Gardiner, scheduled for release in February 2026. Gardiner’s forthcoming book offers an illuminating historical perspective on how the fossil-fuel industry came to place such a significant bet on plastics. More than just tracing the rise of plastic production, she uncovers the vast sums of money spent by corporations to discredit recycling efforts and to downplay the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Gardiner reveals the deliberate strategies employed to deter consumers and policymakers from reducing plastic consumption or addressing the carbon footprint associated with petrochemicals. This book promises to be an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the powerful forces shaping plastic’s future.
Another eye-opening read is *They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals* by investigative reporter Mariah Blake, which came out in May 2025. Blake’s book exposes the disturbing world of “forever chemicals,” a class of toxic substances that persist indefinitely in the environment and human bodies. Through meticulous reporting, Blake uncovers how major corporations have systematically concealed the health dangers posed by these chemicals, employing tactics designed to keep the public and regulators in the dark. This investigative work highlights the ongoing battle between public health advocates and corporate interests determined to minimize accountability for chemical pollution.
For those interested in the global journey of plastic waste, Alexander Clapp’s *Waste Wars: The Wild Afterlife of Your Trash* (published February 2025) offers a riveting exploration. Clapp takes readers on a globe-trotting tour to show how plastic waste is handled—or mishandled—once it leaves consumers’ hands. From being crushed and melted down to being dumped or lost at sea, the fate of plastic waste is often driven by expediency rather than environmental responsibility. Clapp’s narrative exposes the economic and political forces behind the efforts to hide or export waste, often at great ecological cost. The book lays bare the complex and often troubling reality of global waste management.
In contrast to the often grim tone of environmental literature, atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe’s *Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World* (September 2021) injects a message of optimism and practical solutions. Hayhoe, widely respected for her climate science expertise and communication skills, argues that despite the daunting challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, there is room for hope and healing. Her book emphasizes the importance of bridging political and cultural divides to foster collective action. Praised for its clear-headed optimism, *Saving Us* offers a refreshing counterpoint to despair, inspiring readers to engage with climate solutions and environmental stewardship.
Finally, for those interested in the intersection of corporate power and environmental impact through a historical lens, Bartow J. Elmore’s *Citizen Coke: The Making of Coca-Cola Capitalism* (December 2016) is a fascinating read. This book uncovers the dramatic story of how Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most iconic brands, has influenced environmental policies, consumer habits, and economic practices. Elmore details the company’s role in shaping water use, waste production, and global capitalism itself, weaving a tale filled with corporate espionage and strategic maneuvering. By examining the broader implications of Coca-Cola’s business practices, the book sheds