5 essential books every sustainability practitioner should read

Some classics from my book-shelf

As a sustainability practitioner I pick up the odd recommendation for books here and there. However, it’s hard to track down ‘killer’ books – ones that aren’t particularly dry and stale on very particular topics, but those that are challenging, force you to reevaluate your world-view and change your perspective. The following reads may not do this for you, but they did for me and so I thought they were worth sharing.

1) Prosperity without growth: economics for a finite planet

Tim Jackson was working at the Sustainable Development Commission when this book was born, and there’s not been a better explanation of the fallacy of infinite growth, and of how growth doesn’t automatically correlate with what really matters. Slightly too academic in places, but still a compelling case for moving on from our existing approach to development.

2) Ecological Intelligence

I was surprised to find that Daniel Goleman had written a book on the environment. Much better known for his psychology books on Emotional Intelligence, here, Goleman surfaces the hidden environmental impacts of products we use and buy, through the interrelated, systemic nature of our planet and the infinite combinations of interactions between products it can be impossible to test for. He argues that properly informed consumers can drive a step change in reducing environmental impact, and that the emerging era of technology and transparency will enable this.

3) This Changes Everything

From the woman who took the lid off of the scandal of low-wage  clothing production in developing countries, Naomi Klein’s new book shows how our world and its policy frameworks, and social norms have evolved in a way which degrades both people and planet. Its a broad, fast moving ride, covering everything from international trade law to the renewables revolution in Germany. In lifting the lid on many different facets of our world, she shows how to effectively tackle climate change we need to tackle social justice and environment together with fundamental reform of our existing institutions.

4) The Death and Life of Great American Cities

In the early 1960’s, the Rockefeller foundation funded Jane Jacobs to travel the length and breadth of North America to explore the characteristics of successful cities. Her book became the fundamental reference point of successful urban design, setting the standard for how we should design our cities for convenience, safety, and integration.

5) Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

Not a sustainability book at all, but more of a book focused on being an effective practitioner. I’m not a big fan of management and leadership books but Greg McKeown’s book is the only one I’ve read which actually helped me develop my focus. As a sustainability professional its all too easy to get distracted by shiny things, or the latest fad, instead of getting on delivering. This book is the only example of where there’s a list of ways to say no, and helped me recognise that as well as recognising the need to be dynamic when the RIGHT opportunities come along, it’s just as important to realise that closing off options is a good habit too as it allows you to achieve your goals faster and more effectively.