7 Books About Sustainability to Inspire You
We’ve put together our list of 7 great books about Sustainability.
Whether you’re aiming to learn about the topic, looking for inspiration, or working to expand your expertise in this exciting field, there’s something here for you!
Links are provided to view these recommended books on Amazon. If you choose to use these links please be aware that as an Amazon Associate Greener Insights earn from qualifying purchases. This commission supports us to continue providing our regular sustainability and climate updates on a cost free basis.
1. Sustainability: A History
Jeremy Caradonna’s Sustainability: A History explores the evolution of sustainability from its early roots to its modern significance.
The book covers key historical moments, including the Industrial Revolution, ecological awareness, and contemporary environmental movements. It offers insights into how sustainability intersects with economics, society, and the environment.
By reading this book, readers will gain a deep understanding of sustainability’s origins, its relevance to addressing today’s global challenges like climate change, and how it can guide future development toward ecological balance and long-term human well-being.
View Sustainability: A History on Amazon here
2. A Life On Our Planet
In A Life on Our Planet, by David Attenborough, reflects on his decades of exploring the natural world, detailing the environmental devastation he has witnessed due to human activity.
The book covers the decline of biodiversity, climate change, and habitat destruction, offering both a stark warning about the planet’s future and a hopeful vision for its recovery.
Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the current environmental crisis, practical solutions to restore ecosystems, and inspiration to take action to protect the planet for future generations.
View A Life On Our Planet on Amazon here
3. How Bad Are Bananas?
In How Bad Are Bananas? by Mike Berners-Lee, you’ll explore the carbon footprint of everyday activities, products, and choices, from bananas to email to large-scale events.
The book covers a wide range of scenarios, offering readers an accessible guide to understanding the environmental impact of their lifestyle decisions. This insight is supported with practical tips for reducing carbon emissions in daily life.
Readers will gain a clearer understanding of the hidden carbon costs of common items and actions, empowering them to make more sustainable, eco-conscious choices
View How Bad Are Bananas? on Amazon here
4. The Big Fix
The Big Fix: 7 Practical Steps to Save Our Planet, by Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis, presents a pragmatic roadmap for addressing climate change.
The authors outline seven critical actions: improving energy efficiency, decarbonising electricity, electrifying transportation, adopting sustainable farming practices, curbing industrial emissions, promoting reforestation, and supporting climate-friendly policies.
When addressing these key topics, they combine scientific insights with actionable strategies. In doing so, Big Fix offers you a greater understanding of practical solutions to climate change, and for creating a sustainable future.
View The Big Fix on Amazon here
5. Let My People Go Surfing
In Let My People Go Surfing, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, shares his journey from climbing enthusiast to ethical entrepreneur.
The book covers the evolution of Patagonia’s business practices, emphasising environmental responsibility, sustainable production, and a unique corporate culture that values employee well-being and work-life balance. Through this, Chouinard offers insights into leading a business with purpose, challenging conventional models of growth and profit.
Readers will gain practical lessons on integrating environmental ethics into business, fostering innovation, and building companies that prioritize both people and the planet
View Let My People Go Surfing on Amazon here
6. Doughnut Economics
In Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist, Kate Raworth challenges traditional economic models and presents a new framework for sustainable development.
The book covers seven key principles that rethink economic growth, focusing on creating systems that meet human needs within the planet’s ecological limits. Raworth’s “doughnut” model balances essential social foundations with environmental ceilings, offering a blueprint for equitable, regenerative economies.
Readers will gain fresh perspectives on economics, practical tools to rethink policy and business, and strategies to address global challenges like inequality and climate change.
View Doughnut Economics on Amazon here
7. Regenesis
“Regenesis” by George Monbiot explores the future of food and farming, advocating for transformative changes in agriculture to address environmental degradation and food insecurity.
Monbiot highlights the destructive impact of current farming practices on ecosystems and proposes innovative solutions.
In doing so, the book combines scientific insights with practical ideas to envision a regenerative agricultural system that benefits both people and the planet.
Inspiring a Sustainable Future
Sustainability represents the great challenge of the modern world, as we struggle to establish a balance between the environment, our society and economics.
The books we have recommended here provide diverse perspectives on sustainability, ranging from historical insights, through to practical solutions and visionary ideas. Through these perspectives we hope you’ll find new insights and inspiration to support the development of a sustainable future!
If your looking to learn more about sustainability and take action, then you can also check out the below resources here on Greener Insights:
What is Sustainability: Fundamentals Explained
Positive Sustainability Trends In The Spotlight
Make My Home Sustainable: Practical Guide To Getting Started
Sustainability For Small Business: Useful Actions To Take
Plus we have plenty more useful insights in the related posts section below.
Happy reading!
