This is a sparkling book. It is both an urgent rallying cry and a measured and accessible introduction to the topic. Brimming with insight and humor, it tackles the question that will shape eons: if human society doesn't learn to shrink its material footprint the consequences will be dire--so how can that task be approached? Anyone who wishes that earth remains habitable should read this book.--Gareth Dale, Brunel University London

Giorgos Kallis is an ICREA professor at ICTA, Autonomous University of Barcelona.