A review by ihavequalities
The Vulnerable Planet: A Short Economic History of the Environment by John Bellamy Foster

challenging informative medium-paced

4.0

I skimmed this book for a paper I wrote and decided to give it a proper read. Originally written in 1999 Bellamy Foster examines environmental degradation is best understood through looking at economic systems (capitalism) rather than biology or individual choices. If you believe that capitalism is destroying the planet, then it gives you a good framework to better understand that position. I think it still holds up despite being published over 20 years ago. It’s also not very dense or long, so feels more accessible that other sources I came across while writing.