Kalpana Sutaria’s Cooling Our Environment offers a compelling and timely overview of how architecture and urban planning can actively respond to climate change. Drawing from real-world projects and case studies, Sutaria grounds her vision in tangible examples—from passive cooling techniques in residential builds to large-scale municipal strategies that rethink infrastructure for sustainability. These examples are not only informative but also inspiring, showing how design can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

The book is clearly written with professionals in mind. Its structure is methodical, and the terminology leans technical—perhaps too much for the average reader. But for those in construction, urban development, or municipal planning, this is a valuable resource. Sutaria doesn’t just theorize; she equips readers with practical insights that could influence real-world decisions.

While it may not be the most accessible read for a general audience, Cooling Our Environment succeeds in its mission to showcase architecture’s role in climate resilience. It’s a solid reference for those shaping our built environment—and a reminder that every blueprint can be a blueprint for change.

This book was so interesting, and I appreciate the perspective that the author had. The book focuses on climate change education and awareness, how we can learn from past architecture’s practicality and creating buildings while being mindful of the site and geographic location, and environmental advocacy on micro and macro levels across the board. I appreciated how the author drew from her own experiences of growing up in India and how much those experiences guided this book. This book is part education, part memoir in some ways, and part call to action. The book invites its readers to remain curious and open-minded about how to join in the conversation about climate change and how to get involved in environmental advocacy. Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for an eARC of this book.