Do good lives have to cost the earth? - Andrew Simms

Climate change is currently presented by campaign groups and scientists as an impossibly daunting threat. On the face of it, it would seem we must make impossible sacrifices if we want to do our bit for the environment and lead more sustainable, less damaging lives. This book shows that isn't the case at all.

It brings together household names who share a conviction that, on the contrary, living well needn't cost the earth - and will tell you why and how. Their collective vision, covering areas from architecture and politics to food and happiness, will completely reframe the way you think about climate change and what you're willing to do about it.

Far from the usual doom and gloom, many here argue that climate change presents a once-in-a-century opportunity to address a whole basket of problems with energy and imagination. If we get things right, instead of an environmental apocalypse we could end up in a win-win situation - with both more satisfying lives and robust answers to these pressing, seemingly unsurmountable, problems.

Contributions include:

Phillip Pullman, A C Grayling, Oliver James and John Bird on love, happiness and telling tales
Kevin McCloud, Nic Marks, Stephen Bayley and Wayne Hemingway on good design.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Colin Tudge and Rosie Boycott on good and sustainable food.
David Cameron and Caroline Lucas on the politics of the good life.
Tom Hodgkinson, David Boyle and David Goldblatt on having a good time.
Anita Roddick, Adair Turner, Ann Pettifor and Larry Elliott on good business and work.