6+ Favorite Books on Environmental Economics (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on environmental economics (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman
$13.23

In Hot, Flat, and Crowded, Thomas Friedman tackles the urgent environmental crisis we face today and America’s aimlessness since 9/11. He highlights three key trends: climate change, a growing global middle class, and an increasing population. Friedman argues we need a green revolution to address these challenges and regain our national focus. While I appreciated the book’s clear and engaging take on these pressing issues, I found some of Friedman’s predictions a bit too black and white—history has a way of surprising us. Overall, it’s a valuable read that encourages action and leadership in environmental efforts.
Pros:
The book addresses urgent global environmental issues.
It emphasizes the need for America to take a leadership role.
It offers practical suggestions for individual and national action.
The writing is approachable and easy to understand.
Cons:
The predictions may oversimplify complex future scenarios.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/14/2025 12:02 pm GMT
The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson
$23.31

In The Soil Will Save Us, Kristin Ohlson takes a closer look at soil health and its vital role in tackling climate change. She travels the globe, showcasing innovative practices from farmers and scientists that highlight how improving our soil can help reduce atmospheric carbon. I appreciated the book's focus on an often-overlooked topic, making it relevant for everyone from consumers to gardeners. However, I felt it missed the mark by not exploring the complexities behind current farming practices, leaning too heavily on assumptions about farmers’ motivations. Overall, it’s an eye-opening read with some room for deeper analysis.
Pros:
The book explores an important and overlooked topic.
It highlights best practices in soil science and sustainable agriculture.
It offers hope for solving major environmental issues through simple solutions.
Cons:
The book lacks depth in discussing the underlying reasons for current farming practices.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/14/2025 12:02 pm GMT
Silent Spring Revolution by Douglas Brinkley
$17.05

In Silent Spring Revolution, Douglas Brinkley explores the surge of environmental activism from 1960 to 1973, spotlighting key figures like Rachel Carson and political leaders including JFK, Johnson, and Nixon. I found the book incredibly insightful, showcasing how the era’s struggles laid the groundwork for today’s environmental issues. Brinkley connects past events to our current challenges, making it feel relevant and urgent. The detailed accounts of significant events and the mechanics of environmental politics really struck me. Honestly, I loved everything about it—it's a dense read, but so engaging that I couldn't put it down.
Pros:
Meticulously researched and well-written chronicle of environmental activism
Highlights significant historical figures and events
Offers relevant insights into contemporary political issues
Provides context for the lived experiences of Americans in the 1950s and 1960s
Explores the mechanics of environmental politics and coalition building
Emphasizes America's dual role in environmental damage and leadership
Cons:
Nothing!
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/14/2025 07:00 pm GMT
Ministry For The Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
$11.99

In Ministry for the Future, Kim Stanley Robinson tackles the pressing issue of climate change through the lens of an international organization led by Mary Murphy, an Irish diplomat. The story is told in a mix of short chapters that shift between Mary and Frank, an American aid worker, along with various other perspectives that explore crucial themes of ecology and economics. I found it incredibly relevant, capturing the unsettling reality of our warming planet while offering a hopeful view of innovation and collaboration. Sure, it can get a bit earnest, but overall, it lived up to the hype and is a must-read for anyone concerned about our future.
Pros:
Highly relevant to current global issues
Captures the weirdness and challenges of climate change
Short, concise chapters make it very readable
Prime example of science fiction's potential
Lives up to the hype
Cons:
The book is a bit earnest
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/15/2025 03:01 am GMT
Windfall by McKenzie Funk
$9.41

In Windfall, McKenzie Funk dives into how businesses and entrepreneurs are cashing in on the impacts of global warming. He travels the world, breaking down the crisis into three categories: Melt, Drought, and Deluge. Each section explores different opportunities arising from climate change, like shipping routes in melting ice and mineral access in Greenland. I found it a fascinating read, highlighting the harsh reality that profit can come from disaster. While it can be a bit bleak, the insights are compelling and make it a strong book overall.
Pros:
Gripping account of global warming's economic opportunities
Well-researched with insights from multiple continents
Fascinating exploration of the intersection between climate change and profit
Cons:
A bit depressing
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/15/2025 04:00 am GMT
The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis
$9.08

In The Fifth Risk, Michael Lewis takes a close look at the chaotic transition during Donald Trump's presidency, focusing on the Department of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce. The book shines a light on the often-overlooked civil servants who keep our government running and the risks posed by a lack of understanding of federal operations. I loved how it highlighted the critical roles these employees play, like the sole person managing ocean rescue strategies for the entire U.S. The takeaway? We need to value and support our public sector. Honestly, I found nothing to dislike—it's an excellent read!
Pros:
The book focuses on the importance of federal government bureaucracy rather than just Trump.
It highlights the critical roles of government employees and their significant contributions.
It calls for better management and pay to make public sector jobs more attractive.
Cons:
Nothing - excellent read.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/15/2025 04:01 am GMT
How The World Really Works by Vaclav Smil
$4.99

In How The World Really Works, Vaclav Smil explores the essential role of energy conversion in shaping our modern lives. I found this book to be a real eye-opener, emphasizing how our world relies on four key materials: cement, steel, plastics, and ammonia, all made possible by cheap hydrocarbon energy. Smil’s straightforward approach is refreshing, cutting through the political noise surrounding energy to present clear facts and statistics. While I wished for more examples of future innovations, the book’s academic tone and realism made it a compelling read. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking look at our energy-driven existence.
Pros:
The book is concise and to the point.
It is packed with statistics and explanations of complex topics.
The author presents facts and evidence in a realistic manner.
Cons:
A few bits of academic jargon were present.
I wish there were examples of future outcomes provided.
I would have liked to see more about human creativity in problem-solving.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

10/15/2025 05:01 am GMT