In his book, Prof Geoffrey Heal grapples with the question on every policymaker's mind: Is it possible to achieve sustainable development without compromising economic growth? He draws anecdotes from his years in environmental economics both as an academic and advisor in various high-level committees to show efforts that are being made to address this question. He entwines economics, politics and science around the environment and climate change while still presenting the core issues in a digestible manner.

Though he dwells more on the USA examples and the political economy around climate change which for me, I was a tad bit too much. Nonetheless, as I continued to read the book, I greater appreciation why since the country is heavily dependent on fossil fuels for economic growth. I also appreciated that he discussed emerging and developing countries like China that clearly prioritised industrial revolution to the detriment of the environment and are now mending their ways.

Overall, I think the would like a quick and digestible introduction to environmental economics or a good conversation starter. I will definitely be revisiting this book since climate change is such a hot button topic.