Promise the Earth

''Restraint' and 'virtue' are not terms used often in the climate debate, but as this fine book makes clear they should be. We need wisdom of all kinds, technical and moral, if we're going to have a chance.' Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the Sun
'This brilliant book makes the case that rational self-interest alone will not bring about the radical changes to the world economy required to protect our children from the climate breakdown that is coming. The role of faith and compassion has historically played a major role in the way that people cooperate and plan for the future, this persuasive book makes case that it is needed more than ever.' Mark Miodownik, University College London
'This book is important, timely and groundbreaking. I have always admired Julian Allwood's unwillingness to offer easy scientific solutions to the climate crisis in favour of tougher but workable options. And here Allwood and his theologian co-author Andrew Davison outline the basic challenge while digging deep into the human experience to explain why and how we can all potentially help meet this environmental challenge – with heart and even joy.' Terry Macalister, Climate journalist and former Energy Editor of The Guardian
'Julian Allwood and Andrew Davison have written THE climate book for the responsible adult. A combination of hard-nosed environmental accounting and the values found at the divinity school, this book brings to mind a saying from World War 2, 'Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition'. In a clear, authoritative, and original way the authors talk of leadership, love, virtue, and restraint. They talk in terms of human values that people have and can display and that are badly needed to address the environmental crisis that we have brought upon ourselves. I highly recommend this book. It is well written and goes right to the point, jampacked at only 170 pages.' Timothy G. Gutowski, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
'Sobering but hopeful. There are many books about climate change but none quite like this one. Life does not fit into neat categories and disciplines, and nor does the challenge facing us right now – all of which makes this book, which combines science, economics and faith, such essential reading. If you want to understand what eliminating our emissions might actually look and feel like – this is the place to start.' Ed Conway, Economics Editor of Sky News, author of 'Material World'
'A Safe Climate in Good Faith' is a compelling call to action, urging readers to confront the climate crisis with urgency and honesty, and to participate in transformative climate action. Integrating science and theology, and appealing to Christian virtues like courage, prudence, and temperance, this book eschews misplaced techno-optimism and empty pledges, advocating for restraint and re-evaluating our priorities. Importantly, this book is not about deprivation, but about embracing a more fulfilling life aligned with our deepest values. It offers a pathway to reconnect with our humanity, foster community, and rediscover a sense of purpose. 'A Safe Climate in Good Faith' offers a hopeful vision for a sustainable future through living a 'good life'. Lorraine Whitmarsh, Director – Centre for Climate Change & Social Transformations (CAST)
'The impact of climate change means we know we can't go on as we are but either we do not really understand the scale of the problem or are unsure what to do that will make sufficient difference. It is a spiritual and moral problem as well as a scientific and practical one. Julian Allwood and Andrew Davison's insightful collaboration, between an engineer and a theologian, is clear, creative and energising. The clarity of their understanding and the application of virtues creates the moral and spiritual energy for major public policy and lifestyle change capable of making a big difference. Here is the energy to address issues that are so pressing and so easy to ignore.' Nicholas Holtam, Formerly Bishop of Salisbury and Church of England lead bishop on the environment
'This book offers a rare blend of optimism and pragmatism. It binds together two of humanity's most powerful ways of thinking – faith and science – resulting in a trusty guide for anyone seeking a path to a safer climate.' Joe Smith, Director of the Royal Geographical Society
'Political consensus around the urgent need for climate action has not produced action at a pace commensurate with the threats we face. While climate innovation and green energy infrastructure will be an important part of future economic growth, it is clear that more is needed if we are to engage the challenge of Net Zero with requisite speed. In 'A Safe Climate in Good Faith', Julian Allwood and Andrew Davison face the truth that climate mitigation requires the use of today's technologies differently rather than hoping for exponential change from tomorrow's hoped-for innovations. It requires a whole-of-society approach: we must all be involved in this project, some familiar habits must change and the exercise of restraint, in some circumstances, will be necessary. Allwood and Davison face these challenges with optimism, reframing the requirements for change in light of the seven virtues. The book is an excellent reminder to us of the agency we all exercise in our everyday decisions and each individual's capacity to make a real change for the collective good.' Lord Browne of Ladyton, Former Labour MP and Secretary of State
'The authors' writing on resource use and their presentation of facts regarding climate change and ways to minimize impact are written with characteristic clarity and the book is packed with useful suggestions for actions to promote progress. We know that politics and finance have time horizons of 3-4 years, businesses 15-20 years, and families 40-50 years, so appealing to people's values is essential to cultivate a response to climate change commensurate with the timescale of impact. The focus of the book on Christianity might at first sight limit its value to citizens of only a few countries, but the message is so important, that it needs to be shared widely, across radically different countries and beliefs. The book should inform many non-Christians who are nonetheless climate influencers.' Thomas Graedel, Yale University
'If you believe that the climate change already doing damage will soon be catastrophic and that radical decarbonisation is far harder than politicians are admitting, you need to start thinking more radically. Professors Allwood and Davison make fascinating use of Christian beliefs about virtue to fashion just such a radical response. You do not have to think their programme is a practical one, or to share their faith, to find the result a very thought provoking, and challenging, contribution to the debate.' Oliver Morton, Senior Editor, Essays, Special Reports and Technology Quarterlies, The Economist