The best 31 Sustainability books

Cradle to Cradle (2009) exposes the fundamental flaws of manufacturing and the damage it inflicts upon our environment, even as we attempt to be eco-friendly. These blinks also introduce you to ways in which you can make a positive impact on the planet, and guide you through the process of rethinking your business in order to become eco-efficient.

The Upcycle (2013) explains that eco-consciousness and economics needn’t be at odds. In fact, ecological sustainability is good economics, and humans can nurture the planet by learning from nature and starting a green revolution.

The Necessary Revolution (2008) sheds light on the environmental and social challenges faced by people living in today’s world. Drawing on stories from real people and real communities, these blinks introduce the mentality we must adopt to fight for sustainability.

We Are the Weather (2019) is a rigorous investigation of climate change, what it means and why humans seem so powerless to tackle it. Jonathan Safran Foer argues that while climate change is terrifying and hard to understand, there is a very simple action that we can take: By leaving out meat and animal products for breakfast and lunch, we can make a huge contribution to the health of the planet.  

The Fate of Food (2019) looks at a rapidly changing world and the question of how we’ll feed our ever-growing population. Is it possible to produce a clean, climate-resilient food supply that’s adequate to meet our needs? The Fate of Food examines the technological and sociological demands of feeding the world. 

In How Bad are Bananas? (2010), author Mike Berner-Lee provides readers with an A-to-Z guide of how they can start living a more environmentally conscious life and reduce their own carbon footprint. You may think you’re familiar with climate change and carbon footprints, but do you really know the everyday activities that contribute to the current environmental crisis? From grocery shopping to washing your clothes, you’ll learn how to be more efficient and less wasteful.

There’s no doubt: global warming is real and its main driver is carbon emissions from human activity. Drawdown (2017) argues that despite the depth of the climate crisis humans have manufactured, it’s not too late for us to turn back the clock. From solar power to agroforestry to electric cars, Drawdown compiles countless proven ways that radically reduce human carbon emissions. This essential guide contains all the knowledge and technology that we need to reverse global warming and save the world.

Food Fix (2020) shows us how the world's gravest problems, like chronic disease, inequality, and climate collapse, can all be traced back to our food and the way we produce it. Here, American physician Mark Hyman describes what we should do next, setting out the path to healthy eating and regenerative farming. 

The Future We Choose (2020) presents us with two potential visions of life on earth: one of sweltering heat, diminishing biodiversity, and severely declining quality of life, and one where the planet’s temperature has stabilized, life flourishes, and humanity prospers. The world we choose will depend on the actions we take now, in what is a critical decade in the fight against climate change. While the prospect may seem daunting, it’s time to rise to the challenge and determine our future.

Food and Nutrition (2018) looks at the science behind what we eat. Based on only the best and most thorough studies, it cuts through the noise and fads to reveal what we really know about healthy eating.

A Life on Our Planet (2020) is celebrated naturalist David Attenborough’s account of the incredible wonders he’s seen in his 94 years on Earth – and a vivid warning of what will happen if we continue on our current path. It’s accompanied by a Netflix documentary of the same name.

The Creator Mindset (2020) is a comprehensive guide to incorporating creativity into everything you do. Far from being something that only artists possess, creativity is in fact an essential ingredient in any successful career or business. Unfortunately, most of us squander our full creative potential by not realizing we have it to begin with. Get ready to unlock the latent creative talent that’ll give you and your business an edge over the competition.

21st Century Investing (2021) is a guide to ethical and responsible investment strategies. Instead of making money at the expense of our fragile social and environmental systems, you can invest in ways that will actually strengthen them – ensuring societal stability and long-term returns. 

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (2021) is a guidebook to getting the world to an important milestone: zero greenhouse gas emissions. Bill Gates shares the knowledge he’s gained through his role on international climate commissions and as a go-to source of funding for climate solution startups. He pinpoints the ideas that show the most promise and explains the work that still needs to be done. 

Waste Not (2019) is a practical guide to changing your consumption lifestyle in order to have a big, eco-friendly impact. Learn how to enjoy the conveniences of the modern world without leaving behind a pile of modern trash.

What We Owe the Future (2022) makes the case for longtermism –⁠ the idea that people today have an obligation to create a good future for successive generations. Using philosophical reasoning, historical anecdotes, and social science research, it argues that the current moment could decide whether future people will live happy, flourishing lives or extraordinarily miserable ones. By carefully considering our actions with respect to issues like AI safety, biotechnology, and value lock-in, we increase the chances that future people will thrive –⁠ just as many of us do, now, thanks to people from the past.

The Climate Book (2023) unites dozens of voices in a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the complex relationships between climate change, politics, and media. Offering insights into the interconnectedness of various global issues and the urgent need for systemic change, it contains practical, actionable steps towards a sustainable and equitable future.

The Anthropocene Reviewed (2021) offers a unique collection of essays exploring the human experience in the current geological age known as the Anthropocene. It delves into various aspects of human life and the world, reviewing them on a somewhat satirical five-star scale, blending humor with deep reflection on the complexities and paradoxes of modern human existence.

The Road (2006) is a dystopian thriller following a father-and-son duo fighting to survive in a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape. Forced to scavenge for food and supplies, threatened by gangs of outlaw survivors, and faced with death and illness, the duo struggle to maintain morality and hope in a world that seems to have lost all humanity.

To Dye For (2023) exposes how the fashion industry harms human health and exploits workers through its use of toxic dyes and lack of supply chain transparency. It delves into the environmental and human costs behind our clothes, while also spotlighting companies innovating health-conscious dyes and production methods. Ultimately, it challenges consumers to make informed choices in order to pressure brands to clean up one of the world’s dirtiest industries.

Net Positive (2021) explores the transformative concept of businesses moving beyond profit to creating substantial, positive value for people and the planet. It delves into the revolutionary approach of net positive companies which are embracing a holistic responsibility to benefit multiple stakeholders, drive systemic change, and foster sustainable futures. It offers profound insights into how companies and leaders can be harbingers of positive, enduring change in the world.

LIT (2024) is a guidebook for anyone looking to ignite their inner potential and make a positive impact on their lives and the world around them. It’s designed to help people snap out of their rut, find inspiration, cultivate humility, and harness the transformative power of curiosity and compassion. 

Material World (2023) delves into the profound influence of six fundamental materials on the course of human civilization: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. You'll explore how these elements have not only built and destroyed empires, but are also crucial to shaping our present existence and future. It's a captivating journey revealing the largely unseen impact of everyday materials on our lives, from ancient times to the digital age.

Sustainable Leadership (2022) explores the strategies and insights from top CEOs who’ve successfully integrated sustainability into their business models. It serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders aiming to achieve remarkable sustainability results, offering practical advice and real-world examples. The focus is on vision, courage, and grit as essential qualities for sustainable leadership.

Not the End of the World (2024) argues for radical hope amid environmental crisis. Recent data show that, contrary to the usual gloom and doom, tremendous progress towards sustainability is being made. By focusing on well-defined and tractable issues, we can shift our collective behavior and avert climate disaster.

The World for Sale (2021) examines the shadowy world of commodity traders who quietly control the global supply of vital resources like oil, metals, and food. It uncovers how these risk-taking traders wield enormous influence by striking high-stakes deals in politically unstable regions. Through vivid stories, it reveals the immense power and ethical complexities of an industry that operates largely outside public scrutiny.

The New Map (2020) illustrates how global power dynamics are being reshaped by the convergence of energy politics, climate change, and international conflicts, particularly between the US, China, Russia, and the Middle East. It analyzes how America’s shale, Russia’s vast gas reserves, China’s growing influence, the Middle East’s adaptation to falling oil prices, and innovations in green tech and renewables are redrawing the world's energy map.

"No Impact Man" is a thought-provoking memoir by Colin Beavan that chronicles his year-long experiment to live a zero-waste, environmentally sustainable lifestyle in the heart of New York City. Through his personal journey, Beavan challenges readers to reconsider their own impact on the planet and inspires them to make positive changes for a more sustainable future.

Energy and Society by Harold H. Schobert explores the complex relationship between energy and society. It delves into the history, production, and consumption of energy, and examines the social, economic, and environmental impacts of our energy choices. From fossil fuels to renewable sources, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of energy in shaping our world.

The Infinite Resource by Ramez Naam explores how technological innovation and human ingenuity have the potential to address the world's greatest challenges, such as climate change, energy scarcity, and food security. Naam argues that by harnessing the power of innovation, we can create a sustainable future and overcome the limitations of finite resources.

The Passive Solar Energy Book by Edward Mazria is a comprehensive guide to harnessing the power of the sun to heat and cool your home. It covers the principles of passive solar design, offers practical tips for incorporating solar energy into your building plans, and provides case studies to illustrate successful implementation. Whether you're a homeowner, architect, or builder, this book will help you make the most of this abundant and renewable energy source.