12:05, 06 March 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Today is the global celebration of all things books and we wanted to take this opportunity to give you some more books to pad out your TBR list if you want to delve further into each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).
Adapted by all United Nations Member States, the global goals are designed as a “blueprint to achieve a better, more sustainable future for all.” Each book in this list offers contemporary or theoretical understanding of each of the 17 SDGs to empower you with increased knowledge to engage, act, and contribute meaningfully to a more equitable and sustainable future.
‘The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality’ by Angus Deaton (2021)
As a Nobel laureate, Angus Deaton explores the global history of poverty and inequality, shedding light on the ways health and wealth have been unevenly distributed across the world and offering insights into how to reduce poverty globally.
The British-American economist, sets out a historical in-depth look at the historical and ongoing patterns behind the health and wealth of nations, and addresses what needs to be done to help those left behind.
‘Ending Hunger: The quest to feed the world without destroying it’ by Anthony Warner (2021)
Coveted as an experienced and professional chef, and known through his blog The Angry Chef, Anthony Warner wrote Ending Hunger in response to the number of people experiencing hunger around the world for the first time in a decade.
Throughout this book, Anthony reveals that eliminating world hunger is well within reach and looks into topics of food culture and production to assess the issue.
‘Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End’ by Atul Gawande (2014)
Atul Gawande has made a name for himself as an American surgeon, writer, and public health researcher, using his knowledge in the medical field to provide depth of the challenges of healthcare. In his most recent book, he dissects the modern experience of mortality by mentioning the angles in which we currently focus on in healthcare. This book contextualises this experience by looking back in history at how survival was more important, while nowadays there needs to be more of an emphasis on the importance of wellbeing and quality of life.
‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’ by Paulo Freire (1970)
Considered a revolutionary text in the field of education, especially when it was published over 50 years ago, Brazilian educator Paulo Freire discusses how education can be a tool for liberation and empowerment, emphasising dialogue and critical thinking.
‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2014)
A powerful essay on modern feminism and gender equality, this book gives a good foundation into the topic of gender equality, written by Nigerian author and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Adapted from her much-admired Tedx talk of the same name – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness, making the case for why everyone should embrace feminism.
‘Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution, and Profit’ by Vandana Shiva (2002)
Written by Indian scholar, environmentalist and campaigner Vandana Shiva, she discusses the commodification of water and the urgent need for equitable access to clean water, stressing its role in social justice. In this book she also shines a light on the work of activists in the “water wars’ going against the corporations trying to turn this life-sustaining resource into profits.
‘The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations’ by Daniel Yergin (2020)
Known as the Vice President of S&P Global, Daniel Yergin has established a bustling career as an economic historian, and consultant within the energy and economic sectors. His experience within this industry has equipped him to discuss how energy and geopolitics are intersecting in the new age, with clean energy transitions and climate concerns shaping global conflicts and cooperation.
‘The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies’ by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee (2014)
This book explores the impact of technological advancements on the economy, work, and productivity, discussing the future of work and how society can adjust to these changes. MIT alumni Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee, reveal the forces driving the reinvention of our lives and our economy while addressing the issues of technological, societal and economic progress.
‘The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution’ by Walter Isaacson (2014)
American journalist Walter Isaacson traces the history of the key innovators behind the digital revolution and discusses the critical role of innovation in transforming industries and infrastructure. Known for writing many biographies including on tech mastermind Steve Jobs, he uses his knowledge of these pioneering figures to delve more into how they all contributed to our current digital revolution.
‘The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger’ by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett (2009)
Cultivating 30 years of research, this book argues that reducing inequality within a society leads to better outcomes for everyone, from improved health to better education. Not only showing where society has messed up, intrusion and a probable solution has been provided to help shift the balance back in favour of the people and a more collaborative society.
‘Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design’ by Charles Montgomery (2013)
Canadian journalist and urban experimentalist Charles Montgomery delves into how thoughtful urban design can foster happiness and sustainability, all while addressing the needs for cities to prioritise people. Happy City is a book that offers a solution, marrying psychology, culture and history in his work.
‘Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman’ by Yvon Chouinard (2005)
A pioneer of the fashion industry and founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, shares his philosophy of business, emphasising environmental responsibility, sustainable practices, and ethical production. The book reflects on how Patagonia incorporates these principles into its business model, encouraging consumers and companies alike to consider the environmental impact of their purchases and practices.
‘It's Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World’ by Michaela Loach (2023)
Michaela Loach stresses the urgency of addressing climate change and offers insights into how individuals, communities, and society at large can take meaningful action. She uses her voice to challenge the systems that contribute to environmental destruction, advocating for a more radical and transformative approach to climate action, social justice, and systemic change. This book also covers how the climate crisis disproportionately affects marginalised communities.
‘The Ocean: The Ultimate Handbook of Nautical Knowledge’ by Bill Johnston (2023)
This one is definitely for those that have a deep love of all things marine-life. Bill Johnston authored a beautifully illustrated guide to the ocean and its ecosystems, providing knowledge about the creatures and habitats below water and the conservation efforts necessary to protect them.
‘The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History’ by Elizabeth Kolbert (2014)
Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs – and this extinction is most likely to be mankind’s legacy. Elizabeth Kolbert combines brilliant field reporting, the history of ideas and the work of geologists, botanists and marine biologists to tell the gripping stories of a dozen species, and how this event is caused by human activity, focusing on the loss of biodiversity on land and the importance of preserving ecosystems.
‘SDG16 - Peace and Justice: Challenges, Actions and the Way Forward’ by Vesela Radovic (2019)
In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, marked by conflict, terrorism, and political instability, goal 16 has never been more vital. Peace and justice serve as key pillars for creating a sustainable society, helping bridge the divides between the Global North and South, rich and poor, and developed and developing nations. This book, penned by Senior Researcher in the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Belgrade University, Serbia, Vesela Radovic, explores how various stakeholders are proactively working to foster peace, ensure access to justice, and build accountable institutions. It offers a hopeful vision for the future, where the transformative impact of SDG16 will be far more visible and positive than we might have expected.
‘Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Late or Too Late?’ by John Ure (2024)
To mark a decade since the UN SDGs were established, economist and consultant John Ure offers a contemporary analysis of the progress made towards the SDGs since their inception. In this book he pulls on his experience working with numerous UN agencies and intergovernmental bodies to assess the current progress made towards achieving the set goals by 2030. Dividing the goals into four core themes – poverty, environment, civil society, and global partnerships – this accessible, compelling book calls on policymakers, businesses, and individuals to reassess their roles in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Oxfam. This charity is working to end poverty and inequality, providing humanitarian aid, development programs, and advocacy for fairer policies. Find out more.
World Resources Institute (WRI). This global research organisation focuses on creating solutions to environmental and social challenges. Its work aims to integrate sustainability into economic systems. Learn more here.
Amnesty International. Acting as a global movement, This organisation mobilises people in over 150 countries who campaign to end abuses of human rights. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Quality Education, Partnerships For The Goals.
