Technology & the future

The books behind it

• How Solar Energy…Gregory F. NemetT
  How Solar Energy Became CheapGregory F. Nemet · 2019Explains the policies, firms and cross-border learning hidden behind a celebrated cost curve.›Gregory F. Nemet, 2019. Why this book: Explains the policies, firms and cross-border learning hidden behind a celebrated cost curve.
• Under a White SkyElizabeth KolbertT
  Under a White SkyElizabeth Kolbert · 2021Tests technological climate interventions against the layered problems earlier interventions helped create.›Elizabeth Kolbert, 2021. Why this book: Tests technological climate interventions against the layered problems earlier interventions helped create.
• The Coming WaveMustafa Suleyman with Michael BhaskarT
  The Coming WaveMustafa Suleyman with Michael Bhaskar · 2023A practitioner’s broad argument about powerful, proliferating systems—best read critically beside technical evidence.›Mustafa Suleyman with Michael Bhaskar, 2023. Why this book: A practitioner’s broad argument about powerful, proliferating systems—best read critically beside technical evidence.
• ElectrifySaul GriffithT
  ElectrifySaul Griffith · 2021Makes the case for electrification concrete at household scale while exposing the infrastructure around it.›Saul Griffith, 2021. Why this book: Makes the case for electrification concrete at household scale while exposing the infrastructure around it.
• The GridGretchen BakkeT
  The GridGretchen Bakke · 2016Explains the social and physical machinery behind an outlet, including why changing it is difficult.›Gretchen Bakke, 2016. Why this book: Explains the social and physical machinery behind an outlet, including why changing it is difficult.
• Water 4.0David SedlakT
  Water 4.0David Sedlak · 2014Shows how urban water systems evolved and why the next transition must combine technology with institutions.›David Sedlak, 2014. Why this book: Shows how urban water systems evolved and why the next transition must combine technology with institutions.
• Power and ProgressDaron AcemogluT
  Power and ProgressDaron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson · 2023Argues from economic history that productivity gains become shared prosperity only through social choices.›Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson, 2023. Why this book: Argues from economic history that productivity gains become shared prosperity only through social choices.
• Empty PlanetDarrell BrickerT
  Empty PlanetDarrell Bricker and John Ibbitson · 2019A provocative declining-population argument that invites checking against the UN’s explicit variants.›Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson, 2019. Why this book: A provocative declining-population argument that invites checking against the UN’s explicit variants.
• The Seed…Janisse RayT
  The Seed UndergroundJanisse Ray · 2012Follows seed keepers who preserve crop diversity as a living practice rather than a frozen abstraction.›Janisse Ray, 2012. Why this book: Follows seed keepers who preserve crop diversity as a living practice rather than a frozen abstraction.
• How to Avoid a…Bill GatesT
  How to Avoid a Climate DisasterBill Gates · 2021A clear technology portfolio argument whose assumptions can be tested against current assessments.›Bill Gates, 2021. Why this book: A clear technology portfolio argument whose assumptions can be tested against current assessments.
• SuperforecastingPhilip E. TetlockT
  SuperforecastingPhilip E. Tetlock and Dan Gardner · 2015Explains probabilistic forecasting practices while showing how disciplined updating differs from certainty.›Philip E. Tetlock and Dan Gardner, 2015. Why this book: Explains probabilistic forecasting practices while showing how disciplined updating differs from certainty.
• The Heat Will…Jeff GoodellT
  The Heat Will Kill You FirstJeff Goodell · 2023Connects the physics of heat to unequal exposure in homes, streets, workplaces and ecosystems.›Jeff Goodell, 2023. Why this book: Connects the physics of heat to unequal exposure in homes, streets, workplaces and ecosystems.