British environmentalist Tony Juniper’s new book Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet, explores the deep connection between social justice and environmental action, arguing that inequality is a key barrier to solving global crises like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Juniper, who has led Friends of the Earth, The Wildlife Trusts, and currently chairs Natural England, emphasizes that disadvantaged communities have little say in policy decisions, while powerful nations and wealthy individuals disproportionately contribute to environmental destruction. His book highlights how the richest 10% of the world’s population emit more greenhouse gases than the poorest 50%, yet the most vulnerable bear the brunt of climate disasters.
The book critiques global climate negotiations, where developing nations often have little influence, receiving “take it or leave it” deals from wealthier countries. Juniper points to post-COVID inequalities and the role of fossil fuel interests in slowing climate action.
He presents a ten-point agenda for a just transition, urging governments to shift from GDP-focused growth to wellbeing-based measures, implement carbon tax regimes, redirect subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and strengthen environmental protection laws. He also advocates for ecocide laws to hold polluters accountable.
While Juniper’s book effectively summarizes decades of climate negotiations and economic disparities, some critics note that it doesn’t fully center the voices of those most affected—working-class communities, women, and people in the Global South. Nevertheless, Just Earth serves as a compelling call to integrate climate action with social equity, reinforcing the idea that sustainability must be rooted in justice.