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The Optimistic Environmentalist: Progressing Towards a Greener Future
A hopeful, inspiring, and honest take on the environment Yes, the world faces substantial environmental challenges � climate change, pollution, and extinction. But the surprisingly good news is that we have solutions to these problems. In the past 50 years, a remarkable number of environmental problems have been solved, while substantial progress is ongoing on others. The Optimistic Environmentalist chronicles these remarkable success stories. Endangered species � from bald eagles to gray whales � pulled back from the precipice of extinction. Thousands of new parks, protecting billions of hectares of land and water. The salvation of the ozone layer, vital to life on Earth. The exponential growth of renewable energy powered by wind, water, and sun. The race to be the greenest city in the world. Remarkable strides in cleaning up the air we breathe and the water we drink. The banning of dozens of the world’s most toxic chemicals. A circular economy where waste is a thing of the past. Past successes pave the way for even greater achievements in the future. Providing a powerful antidote to environmental despair, this book inspires optimism, leading readers to take action and exemplifying how change can happen. A bright green future is not only possible, it’s within our grasp.
248 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
28 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
David R. Boyd
17Ìýbooks49ÌýfollowersDavid R. Boyd is an environmental lawyer, professor, and advocate for recognition of the right to live in a healthy environment. Boyd is the award-winning author of seven books and more than 100 articles and currently co-chairs Vancouver’s Greenest City initiative with Mayor Gregor Robertson. He lives on Pender Island, B.C. For more information, visit DavidRichardBoyd.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 30, 2015
It can all feel like doom and gloom when it comes to the state of the environment. Boyd, a Canadian environmental lawyer, knows his facts, but chooses to celebrate our success stories � bringing bald eagles and gray whales back from the brink of extinction; harnessing wind and solar power; clean air acts and the restoration of the ozone layer � and believe that humanity will continue along those same beneficial, enlightened paths. This is a good tonic to some of the more depressing accounts out there, e.g.
The Sixth Extinction
by Elizabeth Kolbert.
January 15, 2020
4.5 stars.
Read
November 4, 2023I’m pretty sure this book worked better when it was first published because even if having hope and try to stay positive is good for my eco anxiety honestly the world is a much darker place now that it was in 2015 and the climate and biodiversity crises are not the same. It was still an interesting book.
March 14, 2016
My first flee-response to the book was due to the title. I had just finished reading Terry Eagleton’s book, Hope Without Optimism, which tried to parse hope from optimism. He says authentic hope “needs to be underpinned by reasons. […] It must be able to pick out the features of a situation that render it credible.� Hope must be fallible, as opposed to optimism (a word Eagleton relates to 'temperamental cheerfulness') which is not. “True hope is needed most when the situation is at its starkest, a state of extremity that optimism is generally loath to acknowledge.� In other words, we need hope which acknowledges the challenges and allows us to prepare for them; situations in which blind optimism fails us.
David Boyd says in the introduction, “Research by psychologists and cognitive linguists offers profound insights for those who care about the planet’s future. Pressing people’s fear buttons, a prominent strategy among environmentalists, usually triggers an instinctive survival response. When confronted by fear, most people suppress their concern for other s and focus on their own interests. […] In the face of overwhelming environmental threats, people are overcome by feelings of helplessness and are less likely to take any kind of remedial action� (p.xix). It is at this point that my second flee-response begged me to move on to another book, as it often follows with a series of feel-good stories that will have absolutely zero impact on motivating a progressive response to our environmental challenges. I kept reading, however, and was pleasantly surprised.
The Optimist Environmentalist negotiates the Charybdis of naiveté and the Scylla of vacuity. Boyd is not unaware of our collective environmental challenges, but he chooses to present the many positive changes over the past number of decades. He discusses improvements for cleaner air, the effective response to ozone depletion, and the reduction in use of hazardous chemicals in food production and manufacturing. He also addresses the built environment and transportation as two of the most energy consuming sectors.
Regarding the economy, Boyd does a very nice job describing good design principles including cradle-to-cradle design, zero waste, and biomimicry (innovation inspired by Nature). These are indeed essential ingredients to approaching sustainability in practice and depends on the implementation of strong policies in manufacturing. He quotes McDonough: “Human beings don’t have a pollution problem; they have a design problem", which is quite true.
One of the greatest strengths of the book, I believe, was that the solutions were to be found not only in individual consumer behaviour (where weaker books seem to thrash around), but in good public policy. Boyd astutely maintains: “Governments need to protect and fulfill this right by rigorously implementing and enforcing strong environmental laws and policies, using taxes and fees to make polluters pay, accelerating the shift to renewable energy, replacing environmental hazards with safe substitutes , applying the precautionary principle, and ensuring that environmental benefits and burdens are fairly shared� (p.192).
Boyd concludes that “The optimistic environmentalist’s message to the world is that we can do better� (p.202). And this book is designed to help us see that truth. The Optimist Environmentalist is well written, interesting, and achieves its goal of supporting authentic hope while acknowledging the challenges. It neither paralyzes with fear, nor does it lull into complacency. The word I might use is pragmatic - we can do better, but we need the public policy to advance positive change.
David Boyd says in the introduction, “Research by psychologists and cognitive linguists offers profound insights for those who care about the planet’s future. Pressing people’s fear buttons, a prominent strategy among environmentalists, usually triggers an instinctive survival response. When confronted by fear, most people suppress their concern for other s and focus on their own interests. […] In the face of overwhelming environmental threats, people are overcome by feelings of helplessness and are less likely to take any kind of remedial action� (p.xix). It is at this point that my second flee-response begged me to move on to another book, as it often follows with a series of feel-good stories that will have absolutely zero impact on motivating a progressive response to our environmental challenges. I kept reading, however, and was pleasantly surprised.
The Optimist Environmentalist negotiates the Charybdis of naiveté and the Scylla of vacuity. Boyd is not unaware of our collective environmental challenges, but he chooses to present the many positive changes over the past number of decades. He discusses improvements for cleaner air, the effective response to ozone depletion, and the reduction in use of hazardous chemicals in food production and manufacturing. He also addresses the built environment and transportation as two of the most energy consuming sectors.
Regarding the economy, Boyd does a very nice job describing good design principles including cradle-to-cradle design, zero waste, and biomimicry (innovation inspired by Nature). These are indeed essential ingredients to approaching sustainability in practice and depends on the implementation of strong policies in manufacturing. He quotes McDonough: “Human beings don’t have a pollution problem; they have a design problem", which is quite true.
One of the greatest strengths of the book, I believe, was that the solutions were to be found not only in individual consumer behaviour (where weaker books seem to thrash around), but in good public policy. Boyd astutely maintains: “Governments need to protect and fulfill this right by rigorously implementing and enforcing strong environmental laws and policies, using taxes and fees to make polluters pay, accelerating the shift to renewable energy, replacing environmental hazards with safe substitutes , applying the precautionary principle, and ensuring that environmental benefits and burdens are fairly shared� (p.192).
Boyd concludes that “The optimistic environmentalist’s message to the world is that we can do better� (p.202). And this book is designed to help us see that truth. The Optimist Environmentalist is well written, interesting, and achieves its goal of supporting authentic hope while acknowledging the challenges. It neither paralyzes with fear, nor does it lull into complacency. The word I might use is pragmatic - we can do better, but we need the public policy to advance positive change.
January 16, 2025
“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.� -Noam Chomsky
Every solution we need to combat climate change, ecological failure, and resource exploitation already exists and is proving successful, beneficial, and worth it. This book shows you that our utopia is possible, and where it already exists. It essentially says... why wouldn't we do something to benefit our environment? What is good for the planet is good for us in almost every way. This book shows that there is not this dichotomy between having a good green Earth and thriving economically, like our politics and media often promote.
"There's an enduring myth that society must choose between environmental protection and economic well-being. But will going green really require costly sacrifices and decreases in our standard of living? No." (189)
David R. Boyd's book makes everything within me smile and motivates me to keep fighting for our great blue planet. It also just makes me think of this comic:
Every solution we need to combat climate change, ecological failure, and resource exploitation already exists and is proving successful, beneficial, and worth it. This book shows you that our utopia is possible, and where it already exists. It essentially says... why wouldn't we do something to benefit our environment? What is good for the planet is good for us in almost every way. This book shows that there is not this dichotomy between having a good green Earth and thriving economically, like our politics and media often promote.
"There's an enduring myth that society must choose between environmental protection and economic well-being. But will going green really require costly sacrifices and decreases in our standard of living? No." (189)
David R. Boyd's book makes everything within me smile and motivates me to keep fighting for our great blue planet. It also just makes me think of this comic:
December 6, 2017
Very optimistic, good for cheering up even the most cynical of environmentalists. However there was often not enough detail or background on the stories. I would have liked to know what the lessons learned were from say, the recovery of the bald eagle, that could be applied to protecting other endangered species. Or how to apply some of the success stories that worked in Sweden to other northern regions. Overall the book was good at presenting successes, not so great at giving ideas on how to replicate them. As well, were a few examples that soured the rest for me. Early in the book the author celebrates Ontario, Canada for eliminating coal power and promoting renewable alternatives of wind and solar, all without mentioning that the majority of Ontario's electrical power generation is nuclear. Nuclear wasn't even mentioned in relation to Ontario so it was difficult even to know the author's opinion on that power source.
Overall, a cheerful read, but useful only for giving ideas of ideas to research separately.
Overall, a cheerful read, but useful only for giving ideas of ideas to research separately.
August 22, 2024
It’s like reading a 200 page lit review of environmental successes. Take that how you will. Meh recommendation.
August 5, 2018
I received the book for free through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Reads.
Overall, I liked this book. It's obvious that the author made a lot of research to provide statistics and facts supporting his arguments. I really loved the fact that a lot of aspects of "living greener" and that (as the title suggested) the book isn't as alarming as it is full of hope for the future.
The only downside for me was that some chapters weren't as interesting to me. I think that since the author really wanted to talk about a lot of aspects, for sure not all chapter were going to be compelling to all people.
So even though I struggled getting through some of these chapters, which were a bit more technical or maybe a little less accessible to me, I still very much enjoyed the book and learn a lot from it.
Overall, I liked this book. It's obvious that the author made a lot of research to provide statistics and facts supporting his arguments. I really loved the fact that a lot of aspects of "living greener" and that (as the title suggested) the book isn't as alarming as it is full of hope for the future.
The only downside for me was that some chapters weren't as interesting to me. I think that since the author really wanted to talk about a lot of aspects, for sure not all chapter were going to be compelling to all people.
So even though I struggled getting through some of these chapters, which were a bit more technical or maybe a little less accessible to me, I still very much enjoyed the book and learn a lot from it.
June 6, 2017
Soyons optimistes!
February 10, 2021
This was another assigned reading for my Environmental Studies class. I think it was intended to be an uplifting palate cleanser after reading The Story of Stuff. Unfortunately, I only found it to be problematic.
I find it odd that no one has mentioned the irony of David Boyd telling readers the importance of staying optimistic when discussing and addressing environmental issues after he admits that being an environmental lawyer was so bleak that he became deeply depressed and had to switch careers. I’m so sorry, but how can you preach optimism after confessing that being on the front line of the environmental movement was too dismal to emotionally handle? Even if this were not the case, the world is not a black and white (or optimistic and pessimistic) as Boyd makes it out to be. Of course there are times to be hopeful and optimistic, but it isn’t pessimistic to point out the flaws and tragedies of today’s world.
Secondly, Boyd states several times that he is not “cherry-picking data�, but it certainly feels like he is, especially in the first chapter about endangered species. He gives readers stories of endangered animals recovering from the brink of extinction, but glosses over the fact that we are currently in the sixth largest extinction event in the history of Earth.
Thirdly, I felt the organization was very poor. Boyd seemed to clump vaguely similar topics together, and had a habit of going on odd tangents hardly relevant to his original point. These tangents usually including a tale about his daughter, which I found annoying rather than sweet. This wasn’t supposed to be an autobiography!
And finally, (this has nothing to do with my rating or the content of this book, I just HAD to mention it) in one of the strangest humble brags I’ve seen/read in my entire life, Boyd tells us that he’s only ever had two headaches in his entire life. (Page 82 of my copy). So, congrats, I guess?
I find it odd that no one has mentioned the irony of David Boyd telling readers the importance of staying optimistic when discussing and addressing environmental issues after he admits that being an environmental lawyer was so bleak that he became deeply depressed and had to switch careers. I’m so sorry, but how can you preach optimism after confessing that being on the front line of the environmental movement was too dismal to emotionally handle? Even if this were not the case, the world is not a black and white (or optimistic and pessimistic) as Boyd makes it out to be. Of course there are times to be hopeful and optimistic, but it isn’t pessimistic to point out the flaws and tragedies of today’s world.
Secondly, Boyd states several times that he is not “cherry-picking data�, but it certainly feels like he is, especially in the first chapter about endangered species. He gives readers stories of endangered animals recovering from the brink of extinction, but glosses over the fact that we are currently in the sixth largest extinction event in the history of Earth.
Thirdly, I felt the organization was very poor. Boyd seemed to clump vaguely similar topics together, and had a habit of going on odd tangents hardly relevant to his original point. These tangents usually including a tale about his daughter, which I found annoying rather than sweet. This wasn’t supposed to be an autobiography!
And finally, (this has nothing to do with my rating or the content of this book, I just HAD to mention it) in one of the strangest humble brags I’ve seen/read in my entire life, Boyd tells us that he’s only ever had two headaches in his entire life. (Page 82 of my copy). So, congrats, I guess?
March 27, 2020
The overall message of the book is one I resonate with and the world certainly needs more David Boyds in it. There are some good passages - notably those on circular economy, forever chemicals and the future of buildings - and the text provides a relatively comprehensive overview of different global environmental challenges the world faces and past success stories of collective action in response.
However, the lack of detail and the piecemeal anecdotes thrown in simply to attempt to colour Boyd's points proved a bit difficult to swallow at times. For instance, when making a point about the economic rationale for big companies adopting more circular methods of production, he throws in - almost arbitrarily - a single sentence about H&M's used clothing recycling programme. As if this it speaks for itself and is obviously a great example. In fact, anyone informed about H&M's "sustainable" Conscious collection appreciates it is a case in point for PR-driven greenwashing, aimed simply at appeasing its customer base's collective conscience so that the fast-fashion multinational can continue thriving through its inherently destructive business model - that of endlessly selling cheap sh*t.
I would recommend this as an introductory read to anyone interested in sustainability and innovative green solutions humans have come up with in the past. Be warned however that it is very much written from a Canadian's perspective and that the optimistic political commentary in the concluding chapter seems rather fanciful, although I suppose Boyd couldn't have guessed - much like the rest of us in 2015 - that we'd shortly be arriving in Trumpland, with the likes of Jair Bolsonaro and Boris Johnson warming the bench...
However, the lack of detail and the piecemeal anecdotes thrown in simply to attempt to colour Boyd's points proved a bit difficult to swallow at times. For instance, when making a point about the economic rationale for big companies adopting more circular methods of production, he throws in - almost arbitrarily - a single sentence about H&M's used clothing recycling programme. As if this it speaks for itself and is obviously a great example. In fact, anyone informed about H&M's "sustainable" Conscious collection appreciates it is a case in point for PR-driven greenwashing, aimed simply at appeasing its customer base's collective conscience so that the fast-fashion multinational can continue thriving through its inherently destructive business model - that of endlessly selling cheap sh*t.
I would recommend this as an introductory read to anyone interested in sustainability and innovative green solutions humans have come up with in the past. Be warned however that it is very much written from a Canadian's perspective and that the optimistic political commentary in the concluding chapter seems rather fanciful, although I suppose Boyd couldn't have guessed - much like the rest of us in 2015 - that we'd shortly be arriving in Trumpland, with the likes of Jair Bolsonaro and Boris Johnson warming the bench...
November 9, 2024
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Yes, the world faces substantial environmental challenges � climate change, pollution, and extinction. But the surprisingly good news is that we have solutions to these problems. In the past 50 years, a remarkable number of environmental problems have been solved, while substantial progress is ongoing on others.
The Optimistic Environmentalist chronicles these remarkable success stories. Endangered species � from bald eagles to gray whales � pulled back from the precipice of extinction. Thousands of new parks, protecting billions of hectares of land and water. The salvation of the ozone layer, vital to life on Earth. The exponential growth of renewable energy powered by wind, water, and sun. The race to be the greenest city in the world. Remarkable strides in cleaning up the air we breathe and the water we drink. The banning of dozens of the world’s most toxic chemicals. A circular economy where waste is a thing of the past. Past successes pave the way for even greater achievements in the future.
Providing a powerful antidote to environmental despair, this book inspires optimism, leading readers to take action and exemplifying how change can happen.
THE PUBLISHER SENT ME THIS ARC. THANK YOU.
My Review: Nine years on, this book hits different. We've just been through a truly horrifying US election, won by the lowest scum ever to win the world's most powerful political office; we can expect bad trouble to follow, on many fronts, soon.
That is going to require clear thinking and focused action. In its turn, that will require us to know where we are. The author presents his facts and draws very positive conclusions based on them.
No one can protect something they do not know the value, and the extent of. Learn! Don't despair...learn, and grown hardened to the messages of nihilism and misery and *shudder* change.
Protect our planet or we all go down together.
The Publisher Says: Yes, the world faces substantial environmental challenges � climate change, pollution, and extinction. But the surprisingly good news is that we have solutions to these problems. In the past 50 years, a remarkable number of environmental problems have been solved, while substantial progress is ongoing on others.
The Optimistic Environmentalist chronicles these remarkable success stories. Endangered species � from bald eagles to gray whales � pulled back from the precipice of extinction. Thousands of new parks, protecting billions of hectares of land and water. The salvation of the ozone layer, vital to life on Earth. The exponential growth of renewable energy powered by wind, water, and sun. The race to be the greenest city in the world. Remarkable strides in cleaning up the air we breathe and the water we drink. The banning of dozens of the world’s most toxic chemicals. A circular economy where waste is a thing of the past. Past successes pave the way for even greater achievements in the future.
Providing a powerful antidote to environmental despair, this book inspires optimism, leading readers to take action and exemplifying how change can happen.
THE PUBLISHER SENT ME THIS ARC. THANK YOU.
My Review: Nine years on, this book hits different. We've just been through a truly horrifying US election, won by the lowest scum ever to win the world's most powerful political office; we can expect bad trouble to follow, on many fronts, soon.
That is going to require clear thinking and focused action. In its turn, that will require us to know where we are. The author presents his facts and draws very positive conclusions based on them.
No one can protect something they do not know the value, and the extent of. Learn! Don't despair...learn, and grown hardened to the messages of nihilism and misery and *shudder* change.
Protect our planet or we all go down together.
January 15, 2023
The premise of the book is wonderful!
It guided me from the doom-and-gloom narrative seen so often around the topic of our impact on the planet and balanced it with hope.
For all of human kinds faults, there are good people putting forward incredible efforts to do better to protect this beautiful planet.... and all life that inhabits it. And, according to this book, they have quickly made incredible strides.
After finishing the book, I became an optimistic environmentalist. Instead of viewing the conversation of protecting our planet as a conversation too big and complicated to take part in, I am emboldened to press forward and look for solutions myself.
Every little bit helps, and this book reminds us that there is hope for a better future if we keep fighting for it.
It guided me from the doom-and-gloom narrative seen so often around the topic of our impact on the planet and balanced it with hope.
For all of human kinds faults, there are good people putting forward incredible efforts to do better to protect this beautiful planet.... and all life that inhabits it. And, according to this book, they have quickly made incredible strides.
After finishing the book, I became an optimistic environmentalist. Instead of viewing the conversation of protecting our planet as a conversation too big and complicated to take part in, I am emboldened to press forward and look for solutions myself.
Every little bit helps, and this book reminds us that there is hope for a better future if we keep fighting for it.
January 1, 2018
Maybe I'm just reluctant to be optimistic about the current state of environmental affairs as I believe too much optimism on the subject begets complacency, but something about this book did not sit right with me. I found that instances of positive progress when mentioned were not always supported with seemingly reliable statistics or information, weakening the argument for maintaining an optimistic outlook on a specific issue. A lot of the progress was somewhat shallow, not really quelling any internal environmental fears of my own. The book was written in a somewhat colloquial style, which is preferred by some, but hindered the strength of any more properly supported arguments.
May 16, 2024
I like how the focus of the whole book is on how good we are doing without ignoring what is still there to do. Recently, with all the catastrophes around us, it's pretty easy to fall into the anxious climate crisis aspect of life, but taking the time to breathe in and learn about the efforts we are making is very encouraging to not give up and keep pressuring our government and big companies.
Must read!
Should be recommended in science classes!
Must read!
Should be recommended in science classes!
January 15, 2019
While the book shares many good success stories, it also highlights that North America has a long way to go to behave better. If I had read the book two years ago, perhaps it would have made me more optimistic. However, there are great reminders of how the Earth can heal itself if humans can get out of her way.
March 26, 2020
Honestly I have a hard time reading non fiction. Like usually 3 weeks for a short book. This is a hope filled book on the environment. Instead of constant negativity, David R Boyd shares successes and emerging technologies that could save all the people.
I love continued learning and this book succeeds in filling that void.
I love continued learning and this book succeeds in filling that void.
April 18, 2019
Loved this book as an intro to environmental awareness. Loved it even more as a Canadian, a lot of good resources here, and so many things to look into and learn more. Eye opening and very engaging -- Thanks David!
September 9, 2024
While Boyd's ideas are sometimes naive (such as the powerful belief in electric cars and Elon Musk) and at other times harmful (such as the sneering at nuclear energy), he is right in that we need to think more optimistically about our prospect.
June 23, 2018
From an academic standpoint, it was good but it would’ve more helpful if he included direct citations of the numbers he referenced rather then a list of general references and an email.
September 28, 2018
Read it!! A much-needed breath of fresh, optimistic air for the environmental sector.
February 17, 2019
This was alright. I think the writing could have been better, and the formatting in general needed some work. But I liked the information and concepts presented within? Still worth the read.
April 23, 2019
skimmed and flipped through most of this. not the right time/type of book. always good to look at the progress/where we started
May 27, 2019
Enjoyed this read. While admitting that there's still much work to be done, David Boyd reminds of us our successes.
June 2, 2019
Positive outlook on the problems with industry and environment of the day. Lots of statistics and facts but with a good flow. Boyd shows the importance of optimism in a time of uncertainty.
June 7, 2019
Great read, for a thorough review of environmental advances, social and technical.
November 30, 2021
This book gave me some hope - but reading it in 2021 is different than I think reading when it was first published. It felt dated and at times irrelevant. Would love an updated version!
November 2, 2023
this was good; wonder how he feels abt the environment now
March 4, 2024
A very easy and uplifting read on current strategies being implemented around sustainability
October 31, 2024
Important approach, not pink glasses but power of good news ans well as over all big picture. It is motivating to not give up and feel defeated.
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