Effective Environmentalism

Not the End of the World
 

Hannah Ritchie

In this radically hopeful book, data scientist Hannah Ritchie zooms out from the doomsday headlines, and a more hopeful picture emerges. We have made some incredible progress on environmental problems, and are well in reach of building a sustainable society. Not the End of the World gives readers the tools to understand the planetary crises by outlining what works, what doesn't, and what we urgently need to focus on to leave a sustainable planet for future generations.

Doing Good Better

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William MacAskill

Most of us want to make a difference. We donate to charity, buy Fairtrade coffee, or try to reduce our carbon footprint. Rarely to we know if we're really helping. Confronting this problem, MacAskill shows how, using data and evidence, it is possible to do an astonishing amount of good. By examining the charities we give to and the careers we pursue, you can create a radically better world. Many of the ideas of Doing Good Better are also applicable to climate change and the environment.

Regenesis

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George Monbiot

Farming is among the world's greatest causes of environmental destruction - and the one we're least prepared to talk about. We're felling forests and killing wildlife, while millions still grown hungry. Luckily, we can stop environmental degradation and feed all, by making more food with less farming. Monbiot discusses perennial grains, new sources of proteins and fats, and other methods to grow more food with less land, pesticides, emissions, and pollution.

80,000 Hours

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Benjamin Todd et al.

How do you find a fulfilling career that tackles the world's most pressing problems. You have about 80,000 Hours in your career. This means that you choice of career is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Make the right choices, and you can help solve some of the world's most pressing problems. 80,000 Hours covers topics like comparing global problems, understanding and developing your strengths, and finding a fulfilling career. Also available for free on the 80,000 Hours website.

Drawdown

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Paul Hawken (ed.)

Drawdown has become a seminal text on climate solutions. A coalition of researchers, scientists, and policymakers has come together to offer a set of realistic and bold solutions to climate change. Some of these are well-known - others you'll have never heard about. From revolutionising how we produce food to educating girls in lower-income countries, we can slow the Earth's warming reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases. Also available for free as a website.

Climate Shock

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Gernot Wagner & Martin L. Weitzman

If you had a 10% chance of having a fatal car accident, you’d take necessary precautions. If your finances had a 10% chance of suffering a severe loss, you’d reevaluate your assets. So if we know the world is warming and there’s a 10% chance this might lead to a catastrophe beyond anything we could imagine, why aren’t we doing more about climate change right now? Climate Shock explores the repercussions of a hotter planet and why it is important to be prepared against extreme climate change.