Doughnut Economics : Kate Raworth
The foundational framework for thinking about economics within planetary boundaries. Essential starting point.
Less Is More : Jason Hickel
The case for why economic growth isn't the answer. Challenging complement to mainstream green economy thinking.
Drawdown : Paul Hawken
The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming. 100 ranked solutions with data.
Speed & Scale : John Doerr
An action plan to solve the climate crisis now. OKR-style framework with measurable targets. Context: 86% of newly commissioned renewable capacity in 2022 had lower LCOE than the cheapest new fossil alternative. All fossil fuel demand peaks before 2030 under IEA stated policies.
The Ministry for the Future : Kim Stanley Robinson
Hard science fiction exploring realistic pathways through the climate crisis. Policy meets narrative.
Braiding Sweetgrass : Robin Wall Kimmerer
Indigenous wisdom meets scientific knowledge. Transforms how you think about our relationship with the living world.
The Gr0ve
Understanding the Green Transition : The Gr0ve Blog Series
The Gr0ve's accessible explainer series breaking down the green economy for newcomers.
Not the End of the World : Hannah Ritchie
Data scientist from Our World in Data proves environmental progress is real and measurable. The numbers back it up: solar LCOE dropped from $0.445/kWh (2010) to $0.044/kWh (2023), now 56% cheaper than fossil alternatives. Onshore wind fell 69% to $0.033/kWh. PV module prices hit $0.13/W after a 25.7% learning rate sustained across four decades.
Electrify : Saul Griffith
MacArthur fellow lays out the economic case for electrifying everything. Founded Rewiring America.
Superpower : Ross Garnaut
Australia's potential as a renewable energy superpower. Strong economics-first argument. The Western Green Energy Hub proposal illustrates the scale: 50 GW hybrid wind/solar producing >3 Mt/year renewable hydrogen. Green hydrogen must beat ~$2.0-2.9/kg (the projected 2030 cost of SMR+CCS alternatives).
The New Map : Daniel Yergin
Pulitzer winner on how energy transformation reshapes geopolitics and economics.
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster : Bill Gates
Technology and investment framework for reaching zero emissions. Practical, economics-focused. Current green premiums: green steel competitive with conventional at hydrogen below ~$2-2.8/kg (with carbon prices of $15-50/t). Green ammonia carries a 42-110% premium under typical EU conditions. Power-to-liquid SAF requires ~100 kWh per gallon.
The Big Fix : Hal Harvey & Justin Gillis
Policy solutions that actually work at scale. Implementation over ideology.
Creating Climate Wealth : Jigar Shah
Founder of SunEdison on making money in clean energy. Pure economics argument. Emerging market solar/wind auctions now below $30/MWh in India, Brazil, and the Middle East. US solar+4hr battery hybrids at $46-102/MWh (unsubsidized), competitive with gas combined cycle ($39-101/MWh) and below gas peakers ($115-221/MWh).
Regeneration : Paul Hawken
Follow-up to Drawdown with implementation focus. Comprehensive regeneration framework.
Sacred Economics : Charles Eisenstein
How economic systems can work with natural abundance rather than artificial scarcity.
Prosperity Without Growth : Tim Jackson
Rigorous economic framework for post-growth prosperity. Academic but accessible.
The Value of Everything : Mariana Mazzucato
How public investment drives green innovation. Challenges value extraction economics.
Mission Economy : Mariana Mazzucato
How moonshot thinking can drive the green transition. Government as market shaper.
Regenesis : George Monbiot
How to feed the world without devouring the planet. Provocative food systems rethink.
The Age of Resilience : Jeremy Rifkin
Shift from efficiency to adaptivity. How biomimicry and natural systems reshape economics.
Stolen Focus : Johann Hari
Addresses attention economy barriers to engaging with long-term environmental thinking.
Sapiens : Yuval Noah Harari
Sweeping history of humanity that reframes our relationship with nature and technology. Essential context for understanding why the green transition is a return to biological systems, not a departure.
Saving Us : Katharine Hayhoe
Climate scientist on communication, connection, and why the transition requires social bridges not just technology.
The Future We Choose : Figueres & Rivett-Carnac
Paris Agreement architects on what's still possible. Solutions-focused, not doom.
Under a White Sky : Elizabeth Kolbert
Pulitzer winner explores human interventions in nature, from gene drives to carbon capture. Nuanced take.