“This book breaks down why our economic system is dragging its feet on sustainability, mainly because green investments just don’t pay off enough under current market rules. It moves from how electricity markets developed to the real-world challenges of scaling renewables, offering an accessible take on the energy transition. It’s a thought-provoking read that makes a strong case for market reform and a bigger role for the state if we’re serious about tackling climate change.”

Alessia Morris Gouveia
Final Year Chemical Engineering Student, University of Birmingham
Engineers Without Borders UK Student Champion

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“My recommendation for the 2025 reading list is Patagonia’s Progress Report 2025. It stood out to me because it is one of the most honest pieces of sustainability reporting, ever! A masterclass in effective sustainability communications! They’re clear about what is working, what is not, and where they still need to improve.

That level of openness feels important at a time when many organisations are still unsure how to communicate their claims responsibly.”

Charlie Martin
CEO at The Anti-Greenwash Charter

“I felt this article and podcast described, with painful accuracy, something recognisable and human and completely devastating about our deep need to normalise even as situations and conditions worsen around us. They’re talking about Trump, and Putin, but it has direct parallels in climate, where we hear things but minimise or normalise them in order to cope, or tell ourselves stories about why something can’t happen to us, in order to keep on living. I’m not sure it’s exactly an uplifting read, but it’s clear-sighted, and it’s kind, and those are two qualities we need right now as we work towards change.”

Dee Halligan
Founder, Forth / First Hand

“A vibrant and inspiring book by my Fighting Dirty co-founder that gives exceptional insight into the systems that shape society, and what we must do to create a better world. Will leave you fired up and ready to go!”

Georgia Elliott-Smith
Founder and Director, Fighting Dirty
Chair of the Board, Engineers Without Borders UK

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“My favourite book of the year is an old one, but feels just as relevant today as it did when it was written, bell hooks’ Teaching to Transgress. It challenges a number of notions around teaching and the purpose of teaching (and learning) and uses creative strategies to get the message across. If you enjoy interesting and creative approaches to writing, it is a real treat. I wish I had read it years ago, although also grateful to have read it right now, in this moment.”

James Norman
Professor of Sustainable Design, University of Bath
Engineers Without Borders UK Change Maker

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“As a young scientist and faculty at Carnegie Mellon, Dr. Pausch contributed a lot to robotics before learning at 47 that he had terminal cancer. He realised he had two choices: being upset and tense, or using his remaining months in ways that could be memorable to his children, his wife and the University. Asked to give a lecture, he struggled with the decision but ultimately chose the title ‘Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.’ The lecture is still famous and relevant. 

We don’t know how long we will survive… the inspiration to me is not the years we live, but how long we are remembered for what we have done and the value we add to society or the community in which we are living. If we look at today, a small change could become global, no matter where it began.”

Kapil Dev Regmi
President, Engineers Without Borders Nepal
President Elect, Engineers Without Borders International

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“Read this and you will see how it all comes together. Simply put, it provides an understanding of a systemic view of life that has implications from economics and politics to medicine, psychology and law.”

Mark Enzer OBE
Fellow, Mott MacDonald
Steering Group Chair, Built Environment Connective

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“This was a wake-up call on how design, data, and engineering often exclude women by default. It has deeply influenced how I think about inclusive engineering and humanitarian design, and who we truly design for.”

Dr Navjot Sawhney
Founder, The Washing Machine Project

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“I’d recommend ‘The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad’ by Simon Parkin as being relevant to Engineers Without Borders members. It’s an almost unbelievable story of a devastating decision that botanists had to make during the second world war, and speaks strongly of the role of ethics and longevity in our work as scientists and engineers.”

Roma Agrawal MBE
Structural engineer, broadcaster and author

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A reflection on Jacinda Ardern’s leadership philosophy, offering insights into how empathy, kindness and collaboration can be powerful tools in politics, crisis response and public life.

Dr Shini Somara
Broadcaster, author and IMechE Fellow

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This bold, data-driven book makes the case for redesigning society through ideas once seen as radical – from universal basic income to shorter working hours – showing how practical policies can create a fairer, more fulfilled world.

Verel Rodrigues
Environmental campaigner
Social and climate justice advocate

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