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Numbers Don't Lie
by Vaclav Smil • 2020
Your smartphone costs the planet as much as a car. 71 data points that rewrite modern life.
3.82
11k+
Numbers Don't Lie Summary
Numbers Don't Lie 95%
Your smartphone costs the planet as much as a car. 71 data points that rewrite modern life.
by Vaclav Smil 2020
3.82
11k+ ratings
2052
by Jørgen Randers • 2012
A Limits to Growth update: population shrinks, growth slows, yet 2°C warming still hits by 2052.
3.95
355
2052 Summary
2052 95%
A Limits to Growth update: population shrinks, growth slows, yet 2°C warming still hits by 2052.
by Jørgen Randers 2012
3.95
355 ratings
An Inconvenient Apocalypse
by Wes Jackson • 2022
Civilization's biological drive for energy makes collapse inevitable. No green tech can stop it.
3.56
198
An Inconvenient Apocalypse Summary
An Inconvenient Apocalypse 95%
Civilization's biological drive for energy makes collapse inevitable. No green tech can stop it.
by Wes Jackson 2022
3.56
198 ratings
How the World Really Works
by Vaclav Smil • 2022
Both doomers and utopians skip the same thing: modern civilization's staggering material scale.
3.94
14k+
How the World Really Works Summary
How the World Really Works 95%
Both doomers and utopians skip the same thing: modern civilization's staggering material scale.
by Vaclav Smil 2022
3.94
14k+ ratings
Energy and Civilization
by Vaclav Smil • 2017
A week of American energy use matches a year of Nigerian. The history behind that gap.
4.09
4k+
Energy and Civilization Summary
Energy and Civilization 95%
A week of American energy use matches a year of Nigerian. The history behind that gap.
by Vaclav Smil 2017
4.09
4k+ ratings
Confronting Collapse
by Michael C. Ruppert • 2009
Cheap oil made modern life possible. It is peaking, and nothing can fully replace it.
3.83
313
Confronting Collapse Summary
Confronting Collapse 94%
Cheap oil made modern life possible. It is peaking, and nothing can fully replace it.
by Michael C. Ruppert 2009
3.83
313 ratings
Work
by James Suzman • 2020
Work predates paychecks by billions of years. A history of how energy became employment.
3.83
3k+
Work Summary
Work 94%
Work predates paychecks by billions of years. A history of how energy became employment.
by James Suzman 2020
3.83
3k+ ratings
How Everything Can Collapse
by Pablo Servigne • 2015
Collapse follows a recognizable script. Industrial civilization is already past the first scene.
4.16
1k+
How Everything Can Collapse Summary
How Everything Can Collapse 94%
Collapse follows a recognizable script. Industrial civilization is already past the first scene.
by Pablo Servigne 2015
4.16
1k+ ratings
Plan B 3.0
by Lester R. Brown • 2008
Planetary systems are collapsing in unison. The fix demands wartime mobilization, not half measures.
3.93
531
Plan B 3.0 Summary
Plan B 3.0 94%
Planetary systems are collapsing in unison. The fix demands wartime mobilization, not half measures.
by Lester R. Brown 2008
3.93
531 ratings
Growth
by Daniel Susskind • 2024
Growth is recent, reversible, and destructive. The choice isn't whether to grow but how.
3.75
831
Growth Summary
Growth 94%
Growth is recent, reversible, and destructive. The choice isn't whether to grow but how.
by Daniel Susskind 2024
3.75
831 ratings
Origin Story
by David Christian • 2008
How energy and information built the universe, life, and us. What they mean for our future.
4.06
8k+
Origin Story Summary
Origin Story 94%
How energy and information built the universe, life, and us. What they mean for our future.
by David Christian 2008
4.06
8k+ ratings
How Infrastructure Works
by Deb Chachra • 2023
The hidden networks you rely on were built for a climate that no longer exists.
3.64
937
How Infrastructure Works Summary
How Infrastructure Works 94%
The hidden networks you rely on were built for a climate that no longer exists.
by Deb Chachra 2023
3.64
937 ratings
Bad Ideas?
by Robert Winston • 2009
Writing, farming, and nuclear power share an uncomfortable secret: each was supposed to save us.
3.56
142
Bad Ideas? Summary
Bad Ideas? 94%
Writing, farming, and nuclear power share an uncomfortable secret: each was supposed to save us.
by Robert Winston 2009
3.56
142 ratings
Doughnut Economics
by Kate Raworth • 2017
GDP growth cooks the planet. A two-boundary goal replaces it; the space inside remakes economics.
4.16
16k+
Doughnut Economics Summary
Doughnut Economics 94%
GDP growth cooks the planet. A two-boundary goal replaces it; the space inside remakes economics.
by Kate Raworth 2017
4.16
16k+ ratings
Optimal Illusions
by Coco Krumme • 2023
Optimization promised perfection. It delivered fragile systems and hollowed communities.
3.00
238
Optimal Illusions Summary
Optimal Illusions 94%
Optimization promised perfection. It delivered fragile systems and hollowed communities.
by Coco Krumme 2023
3.00
238 ratings
The Collapse of Complex Societies
by Joseph A. Tainter • 1988
Society's greatest threat isn't invasion; it's the rising cost of keeping itself organized.
4.15
2k+
The Collapse of Complex Societies Summary
The Collapse of Complex Societies 94%
Society's greatest threat isn't invasion; it's the rising cost of keeping itself organized.
by Joseph A. Tainter 1988
4.15
2k+ ratings
Small is Beautiful
by Ernst F. Schumacher • 1973
The case for an economics small enough to fit people, their work, and a finite planet.
4.09
7k+
Small is Beautiful Summary
Small is Beautiful 94%
The case for an economics small enough to fit people, their work, and a finite planet.
by Ernst F. Schumacher 1973
4.09
7k+ ratings
Less Is More
by Jason Hickel • 2020
Growth is wrecking the planet, and green growth is an illusion. The case for planned shrinkage.
4.50
9k+
Less Is More Summary
Less Is More 94%
Growth is wrecking the planet, and green growth is an illusion. The case for planned shrinkage.
by Jason Hickel 2020
4.50
9k+ ratings
The Empathic Civilization
by Jeremy Rifkin • 2009
Every energy revolution expanded human empathy. Now that same engine threatens to undo us all.
4.03
937
The Empathic Civilization Summary
The Empathic Civilization 94%
Every energy revolution expanded human empathy. Now that same engine threatens to undo us all.
by Jeremy Rifkin 2009
4.03
937 ratings
The Age of Sustainable Development
by Jeffrey D. Sachs • 2015
Growth, inclusion, and sustainability are the same project. Sacrifice one, and the others collapse.
4.21
856
The Age of Sustainable Development Summary
The Age of Sustainable Development 94%
Growth, inclusion, and sustainability are the same project. Sacrifice one, and the others collapse.
by Jeffrey D. Sachs 2015
4.21
856 ratings
Population 10 Billion
by Danny Dorling • 2013
We may never reach 10 billion people. The real threat is inequality, not numbers.
3.40
186
Population 10 Billion Summary
Population 10 Billion 93%
We may never reach 10 billion people. The real threat is inequality, not numbers.
by Danny Dorling 2013
3.40
186 ratings
Decline and Fall
by John Michael Greer • 2014
Empires are wealth pumps. America's runs on oil, nearly dry. The collapse cycle is inevitable.
4.29
156
Decline and Fall Summary
Decline and Fall 93%
Empires are wealth pumps. America's runs on oil, nearly dry. The collapse cycle is inevitable.
by John Michael Greer 2014
4.29
156 ratings
False Alarm
by Bjørn Lomborg • 2020
Two trillion a year for one-twentieth of a degree: the smarter investments our panic overlooks.
4.16
3k+
False Alarm Summary
False Alarm 93%
Two trillion a year for one-twentieth of a degree: the smarter investments our panic overlooks.
by Bjørn Lomborg 2020
4.16
3k+ ratings
Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development
by Edward Saja Sanneh • 2018
Energy, water, health, and waste are one system. Solve them separately and each solution unravels.
4.00
2
Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development Summary
Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development 93%
Energy, water, health, and waste are one system. Solve them separately and each solution unravels.
by Edward Saja Sanneh 2018
4.00
2 ratings
Ubiquity
by Mark Buchanan • 2000
One grain of sand explains why markets crash, species vanish, and empires fall.
3.90
716
Ubiquity Summary
Ubiquity 93%
One grain of sand explains why markets crash, species vanish, and empires fall.
by Mark Buchanan 2000
3.90
716 ratings
The Rare Metals War
by Guillame Pitron • 2018
Your electric car runs on metals that leave toxic wastelands and enrich an authoritarian superpower.
4.04
1k+
The Rare Metals War Summary
The Rare Metals War 93%
Your electric car runs on metals that leave toxic wastelands and enrich an authoritarian superpower.
by Guillame Pitron 2018
4.04
1k+ ratings
The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire
by Henry Gee • 2025
The human population will soon peak and shrink. The only way out of extinction leads through space.
3.65
470
The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire Summary
The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire 93%
The human population will soon peak and shrink. The only way out of extinction leads through space.
by Henry Gee 2025
3.65
470 ratings
Big History
by David Christian • 2008
13.8 billion years: from pure energy to a planet shaping species. The thread is not chance.
4.42
561
Big History Summary
Big History 93%
13.8 billion years: from pure energy to a planet shaping species. The thread is not chance.
by David Christian 2008
4.42
561 ratings
Earth in Human Hands
by David Grinspoon • 2016
If most civilizations burn out within a thousand years, why would we be the exception?
4.19
311
Earth in Human Hands Summary
Earth in Human Hands 93%
If most civilizations burn out within a thousand years, why would we be the exception?
by David Grinspoon 2016
4.19
311 ratings
2030
by Mauro F. Guillén • 2020
By 2030, three demographic waves collide: aging societies, female fortunes, and an ascendant Asia.
3.69
3k+
2030 Summary
2030 93%
By 2030, three demographic waves collide: aging societies, female fortunes, and an ascendant Asia.
by Mauro F. Guillén 2020
3.69
3k+ ratings
Apocalypse Never
by Michael Shellenberger • 2020
The planet is getting better in the ways that matter. The alarmists got it backward.
4.16
6k+
Apocalypse Never Summary
Apocalypse Never 93%
The planet is getting better in the ways that matter. The alarmists got it backward.
by Michael Shellenberger 2020
4.16
6k+ ratings
The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels
by Alex Epstein • 2014
Climate deaths fell 98% this century. Fossil fuels caused that, and their moral defense is overdue.
4.07
2k+
The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels Summary
The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels 93%
Climate deaths fell 98% this century. Fossil fuels caused that, and their moral defense is overdue.
by Alex Epstein 2014
4.07
2k+ ratings
Invention and Innovation
by Vaclav Smil • 2023
Moore's Law is an outlier. Everywhere else, innovation crawls, stumbles, or backfires.
3.84
1k+
Invention and Innovation Summary
Invention and Innovation 93%
Moore's Law is an outlier. Everywhere else, innovation crawls, stumbles, or backfires.
by Vaclav Smil 2023
3.84
1k+ ratings
Going Nuclear
by Tim Gregory • 2025
Nuclear is the cleanest, safest, densest energy on Earth. Only irrational fear stands in its way.
4.47
350
Going Nuclear Summary
Going Nuclear 93%
Nuclear is the cleanest, safest, densest energy on Earth. Only irrational fear stands in its way.
by Tim Gregory 2025
4.47
350 ratings
Why Most Things Fail
by Paul Ormerod • 2005
Business and biology share one extinction curve. Smarter planning barely bends it.
3.48
391
Why Most Things Fail Summary
Why Most Things Fail 93%
Business and biology share one extinction curve. Smarter planning barely bends it.
by Paul Ormerod 2005
3.48
391 ratings
Renewable Energy
by Bruce Usher • 2019
The energy transition was stalled by storage. The solution is already in millions of garages.
4.33
302
Renewable Energy Summary
Renewable Energy 93%
The energy transition was stalled by storage. The solution is already in millions of garages.
by Bruce Usher 2019
4.33
302 ratings
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
by Yuval Noah Harari • 2018
How to think in a century where jobs vanish, truths splinter, and biology becomes programmable.
4.15
179k+
21 Lessons for the 21st Century Summary
21 Lessons for the 21st Century 93%
How to think in a century where jobs vanish, truths splinter, and biology becomes programmable.
by Yuval Noah Harari 2018
4.15
179k+ ratings
The Grid
by Gretchen Bakke • 2016
The clean-energy future depends on a century-old machine that was never designed to handle it.
3.86
5k+
The Grid Summary
The Grid 93%
The clean-energy future depends on a century-old machine that was never designed to handle it.
by Gretchen Bakke 2016
3.86
5k+ ratings
The Great Transition
by Lester R. Brown • 2014
Wind and solar are now cheapest. The shift isn't a political choice; it's a price signal.
3.66
201
The Great Transition Summary
The Great Transition 93%
Wind and solar are now cheapest. The shift isn't a political choice; it's a price signal.
by Lester R. Brown 2014
3.66
201 ratings
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster
by Bill Gates • 2021
Five activities emit 51 billion tons a year; the cost gaps show where innovation must hit first.
4.11
51k+
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster Summary
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster 93%
Five activities emit 51 billion tons a year; the cost gaps show where innovation must hit first.
by Bill Gates 2021
4.11
51k+ ratings
The Green New Deal
by Jeremy Rifkin • 2019
The fossil-fuel economy is a bubble. Green tech will pop it by 2028.
3.68
812
The Green New Deal Summary
The Green New Deal 93%
The fossil-fuel economy is a bubble. Green tech will pop it by 2028.
by Jeremy Rifkin 2019
3.68
812 ratings
Progress
by Johan Norberg • 2016
Extreme poverty fell faster in 50 years than 500. And that is not even the headline.
4.03
2k+
Progress Summary
Progress 93%
Extreme poverty fell faster in 50 years than 500. And that is not even the headline.
by Johan Norberg 2016
4.03
2k+ ratings
Design for a Better World
by Donald A. Norman • 2023
Everything around you was designed: economy, waste, climate. Design can repair what it broke.
3.61
198
Design for a Better World Summary
Design for a Better World 93%
Everything around you was designed: economy, waste, climate. Design can repair what it broke.
by Donald A. Norman 2023
3.61
198 ratings
The Reality Bubble
by Ziya Tong • 2019
You see 0.0035% of the light spectrum. The remaining 99.9965% hides how the world really works.
4.18
1k+
The Reality Bubble Summary
The Reality Bubble 93%
You see 0.0035% of the light spectrum. The remaining 99.9965% hides how the world really works.
by Ziya Tong 2019
4.18
1k+ ratings
Enlightenment Now
by Steven Pinker • 2018
The world is getting better, by the numbers. The credit belongs to ideals we are abandoning.
4.19
33k+
Enlightenment Now Summary
Enlightenment Now 93%
The world is getting better, by the numbers. The credit belongs to ideals we are abandoning.
by Steven Pinker 2018
4.19
33k+ ratings
Falter
by Bill McKibben • 2019
Engineers want to redesign humans as the climate exit. The two crises share a cause.
4.00
2k+
Falter Summary
Falter 93%
Engineers want to redesign humans as the climate exit. The two crises share a cause.
by Bill McKibben 2019
4.00
2k+ ratings
Human Frontiers
by Michael Bhaskar • 2021
More money, more minds, more data than ever. So why have the big ideas dried up?
3.83
126
Human Frontiers Summary
Human Frontiers 92%
More money, more minds, more data than ever. So why have the big ideas dried up?
by Michael Bhaskar 2021
3.83
126 ratings
A Culture of Growth
by Joel Mokyr • 2016
What fueled modern growth? Not property rights. A cultural shift that made nature a solvable puzzle.
3.94
427
A Culture of Growth Summary
A Culture of Growth 92%
What fueled modern growth? Not property rights. A cultural shift that made nature a solvable puzzle.
by Joel Mokyr 2016
3.94
427 ratings
The Square and the Tower
by Niall Ferguson • 2017
The real shapers of history were not kings but the networks connecting everyone else.
3.65
4k+
The Square and the Tower Summary
The Square and the Tower 92%
The real shapers of history were not kings but the networks connecting everyone else.
by Niall Ferguson 2017
3.65
4k+ ratings
Complexity
by M. Mitchell Waldrop • 1992
In a desert convent, a few rogue scientists discovered the universal grammar of complex systems.
4.05
3k+
Complexity Summary
Complexity 92%
In a desert convent, a few rogue scientists discovered the universal grammar of complex systems.
by M. Mitchell Waldrop 1992
4.05
3k+ ratings
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