· 4 min read
As the leading platform for sustainability information and data, illuminem is proud to present a curated collection of sustainability book reviews, offering both inspiration and practical knowledge to help navigate the complexities of creating a greener future.
Carbon
The Carbon Paradox, by Renat Heuberger, Steve Zwick, and Marco Hirsbrunner - curated by illuminem
Recognized as one of the most anticipated climate titles of 2025, this book redefines the boundaries between fact and fiction to shed light on a pressing global dilemma: how to finance meaningful climate action in an imperfect world.
Climate change
Not the End of the World, by Hannah Ritchie - curated by illuminem
From her book Not the End of the World, Hannah Ritchie shares why climate progress is possible, highlighting real-world data, declining emissions, and the power of collective action.
World Without End, by Jean-Marc Jancovici - curated by illuminem
A must-read graphic novel on climate change, energy, and sustainable solutions for our planet's future.
The Shetland Way, by Marianne Brown - curated by illuminem
An environmental writer returns to her father’s home for his funeral in a family memoir that becomes an examination of Shetland’s crucial role in the energy landscape.
Energy
Dutch Disease to Energy Transition, by Noé Van Hulst - excerpts from Noé Van Hulst
From Dutch Disease to Energy Transition explores how resource-rich countries can combat economic volatility, diversify away from fossil fuels, and navigate the global energy transition, emphasising the urgency of decarbonisation and policy reform.
Total Renewable Energy: A Tale of a Decarbonized World, by Massimiliano Masi - interview of Massimiliano Masi by Andrea Gori
In his book Total Renewable Energy: A Tale of a Decarbonized World, Empowered by AI, Massimiliano Masi explores the urgent need for climate action, highlighting the S curve of climate impact and the role of AI in enabling renewable energy solutions.
Nature
Becoming Nature Positive, by Marco Lambertini - curated by illuminem
In this unprecedented new multi-author book Becoming Nature Position, leading nature voices discuss what Nature Positive means, why it is so crucial – and what it will take to move away from today’s nature-negative society and economy and embrace a new nature-positive development, economic and, perhaps above all, cultural model.
Sustainable finance
Disrupt with Impact, by Roger Spitz - review by James Balzer
In Disrupt with Impact, Roger Spitz challenges traditional business strategies, advocating for antifragility and anticipatory risk management to thrive in a volatile, interconnected world.
Sustainable lifestyle
Self-learning in sustainability: the rising importance of books over degrees - curated by Maria Tymtsias
A curated list of essential books for self-directed learning in sustainability, aiming to provide a deeper, practical understanding beyond academic programs.
Bright Green Lies, by Derrick Jensen - excerpts from Erin Remblance
Erin Remblance reviews Bright Green Lies by Derrick Jensen, Lierre Keith, and Max Wilbert, highlighting how the environmental movement favours industrial solutions over true sustainability. The authors challenge "bright green" environmentalists who believe technology can sustain a high-energy lifestyle, advocating for degrowth and reconnecting with nature.
The Great Greenwashing, by John Pabon - curated by illuminem
From his book The Great Greenwashing, John Pabon exposes deceptive sustainability claims and offers practical ways individuals and companies can drive real environmental change.
The Joyful Environmentalist, by Isabel Losada - curated by illuminem
Isabel Losada’s The Joyful Environmentalist, brings a mixture of whimsy, practical tips, and life lessons to environmentalism, with a firm focus on individual action.
Fuel your brain, not the planet - and keep it green!
