An all-star team provides a clear, critical and fascinating discussion of the concept and
practice of green transformations for a more sustainable and just world. Drawing on
critical social theory they show us who has the power to define and implement transformations – comparing technocentric, marketized, state-led and citizen-led movements
for sustainability – and the politics of knowledge and science that defines environmental
crisis and responses. What adds depth to their arguments is that these authors are not
isolated academics – they have been out there in the world of international relations,
government policy, and NGOs with a thoughtful and engaged approach to change.
Diana Liverman, Institute of the Environment, University of Arizona, USA
In the twenty-first century environmental imperatives will increasingly define economic
policy and societal choices. Key questions such as who will make these choices, who
could be the winners and losers and how will our political and governance systems
mediate this process of transition are key to understanding the political economy of
green transformation. The dynamics of innovation and policy discourse on the green
economy have been remarkably fast and diverse. The questions and interpretations put
forward by the authors in The Politics of Green Transformations are timely and provide
important context and focus for a rapidly evolving paradigm of sustainable development.
Achim Steiner, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director,
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Kenya
The world has moved from why to what? No longer is the question why we should
act. Instead the question is what should we do, at the scale that can make a real
transformation? The problem is that current solutions are small because they are at best
transitional. The world needs real solutions that can be scaled up at speed to meet
the needs of all – transformational solutions. What then can we do? What is working
and where? This is what the ‘politics of green transformations’ is about. This is what
we must understand so that we can move beyond the fluff of green verbiage to real
pathways that can bring us real change. I would encourage you to read this book because
we must relearn the message of sustainability for a world that is increasingly warmer,
riskier and unjust.
Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, India
This book is a thoughtful and robust exploration of the concept of green transformation.
It will make a significant contribution to better understanding this complex and
sometimes contested issue. The authors offer an essential reading for anyone who wants
to invest in making development more sustainable.
Youba Sokona, Co-Chair IPCC WGIII and Special Advisor,
South Centre, Switzerland
If you have ever wondered why there is so much talk about green transformations and
so little action, this is the book to read. It is a fascinating and enlightening tour of the
green political map in all its complexity. It won’t give you all the answers, but it will
enable you to ask the right questions.
Carlota Perez, London School of Economics, UK and Nurkse Institute,
Estonia, author of Technological Revolutions and
Financial Capital: the Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages.
practice of green transformations for a more sustainable and just world. Drawing on
critical social theory they show us who has the power to define and implement transformations – comparing technocentric, marketized, state-led and citizen-led movements
for sustainability – and the politics of knowledge and science that defines environmental
crisis and responses. What adds depth to their arguments is that these authors are not
isolated academics – they have been out there in the world of international relations,
government policy, and NGOs with a thoughtful and engaged approach to change.
Diana Liverman, Institute of the Environment, University of Arizona, USA
In the twenty-first century environmental imperatives will increasingly define economic
policy and societal choices. Key questions such as who will make these choices, who
could be the winners and losers and how will our political and governance systems
mediate this process of transition are key to understanding the political economy of
green transformation. The dynamics of innovation and policy discourse on the green
economy have been remarkably fast and diverse. The questions and interpretations put
forward by the authors in The Politics of Green Transformations are timely and provide
important context and focus for a rapidly evolving paradigm of sustainable development.
Achim Steiner, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director,
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Kenya
The world has moved from why to what? No longer is the question why we should
act. Instead the question is what should we do, at the scale that can make a real
transformation? The problem is that current solutions are small because they are at best
transitional. The world needs real solutions that can be scaled up at speed to meet
the needs of all – transformational solutions. What then can we do? What is working
and where? This is what the ‘politics of green transformations’ is about. This is what
we must understand so that we can move beyond the fluff of green verbiage to real
pathways that can bring us real change. I would encourage you to read this book because
we must relearn the message of sustainability for a world that is increasingly warmer,
riskier and unjust.
Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, India
This book is a thoughtful and robust exploration of the concept of green transformation.
It will make a significant contribution to better understanding this complex and
sometimes contested issue. The authors offer an essential reading for anyone who wants
to invest in making development more sustainable.
Youba Sokona, Co-Chair IPCC WGIII and Special Advisor,
South Centre, Switzerland
If you have ever wondered why there is so much talk about green transformations and
so little action, this is the book to read. It is a fascinating and enlightening tour of the
green political map in all its complexity. It won’t give you all the answers, but it will
enable you to ask the right questions.
Carlota Perez, London School of Economics, UK and Nurkse Institute,
Estonia, author of Technological Revolutions and
Financial Capital: the Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages.