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Best Things First: The 12 most efficient solutions for the world’s poorest and our global SDG promises
In this urgent, thought-provoking book, Bjorn Lomborg presents the 12 most efficient solutions for the world's poorest and our global SDG promises. • If you want to make the world better, Best Things First is the book to read.
World leaders have promised everything to everyone. But they are failing. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are supposed to be delivered by 2030. The goals literally promise everything, like eradicating poverty, hunger and disease; stopping war and climate change, ending corruption, fixing education along with countless other promises. This year, the world is at halftime for its promises, but nowhere near halfway. Together with more than a hundred of the world’s top economists, Bjorn Lomborg has worked for years to identify the world’s best solutions. Based on 12 new, peer-reviewed papers, forthcoming in Cambridge University Press’ Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis , this book highlights the world’s best policies.
Some things are difficult to fix, cost a lot, and help little. Other problems we know how to fix, at low cost, with remarkable outcomes. We should do the smart things first.
Governments and philanthropists should focus on these 12 smartest things. Fix tuberculosis, malaria, and chronic disease, tackle malnutrition, improve education, increase trade, implement e-procurement, and secure land tenure. This will improve the world amazingly. The cost is $35 billion a year. The benefits include saving 4.2 million lives each year and generating $1.1 trillion more for the world’s poor.
We can definitely afford The cost of $35 billion is equivalent to the increase in annual global spending on cosmetics over the last two years. This is likely the best thing the world can do this decade.
World leaders have promised everything to everyone. But they are failing. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are supposed to be delivered by 2030. The goals literally promise everything, like eradicating poverty, hunger and disease; stopping war and climate change, ending corruption, fixing education along with countless other promises. This year, the world is at halftime for its promises, but nowhere near halfway. Together with more than a hundred of the world’s top economists, Bjorn Lomborg has worked for years to identify the world’s best solutions. Based on 12 new, peer-reviewed papers, forthcoming in Cambridge University Press’ Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis , this book highlights the world’s best policies.
Some things are difficult to fix, cost a lot, and help little. Other problems we know how to fix, at low cost, with remarkable outcomes. We should do the smart things first.
Governments and philanthropists should focus on these 12 smartest things. Fix tuberculosis, malaria, and chronic disease, tackle malnutrition, improve education, increase trade, implement e-procurement, and secure land tenure. This will improve the world amazingly. The cost is $35 billion a year. The benefits include saving 4.2 million lives each year and generating $1.1 trillion more for the world’s poor.
We can definitely afford The cost of $35 billion is equivalent to the increase in annual global spending on cosmetics over the last two years. This is likely the best thing the world can do this decade.
314 pages, Hardcover
Published May 8, 2023
322 people are currently reading
1917 people want to read
About the author
Bjørn Lomborg
39 books356 followersBjørn Lomborg is a Danish author and president of his think tank, the Copenhagen Consensus Center. He is former director of the Danish government's Environmental Assessment Institute (EAI) in Copenhagen. He became internationally known for his best-selling and controversial 2001 book, The Skeptical Environmentalist, in which he argues that many of the costly measures and actions adopted by scientists and policy makers to meet the challenges of global warming will ultimately have minimal impact on the world's rising temperature.
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December 26, 2023
The book promotes many good policy ideas in global development, and first-and-foremost pushes for better prioritization and does that in an accessible way. There is a relatively strong body of evidence underpinning these books, including the background papers for each chapter.
Still I take a number of issues:
- The book is framed as a critique of the SDG for lacking prioritization and therefore misdirecting global development efforts. While the first half of the statement is certainly true, the second statement is a lot more questionable and Lomborg provides almost no evidence for it. Does being SDGs attract much additional funding? Would getting rid of some SDGs make more money available for the remaining causes?
- The policy solutions proposed are typically framed in a silver bullet fashion. Given that these ideas are not at all new, have been researched, trialed and debated for at least a decade, this is quite frustrating. There is very little nuance on the difficulties in scaling policies especially when working with governments with limited capacity and working in challenging political or macroeconomic environments. The potential for failure is often incorporated as 'let's assume a 50% success rate', rather than think of the contexts where it can work or how it needs to be adapted. It also leads to dismissing work on institution building, governance and macroeconomic reform, which arguably may have a lot larger returns by allowing these 'downstream' policies to be implemented.
- No credit is given to the effective altruism movement and the multitude of organizations that have advocated for better prioritizing development interventions and have been preparing cost benefit analysis of various programs for two decades in very similar fashion to the book.
- The 8% discount rate used is huge, IMHO. This biases against education and climate change interventions. For an intervention where benefits are expected in 30 years, returns would have to be over 150X for it to make it on his top-list at such high discount rates. Given his notoriety as a climate change sceptic, he could be more upfront about the importance of his deliberate choice on the discount factor, rather than relegating the information into brief section of appendix.
- I am no fan of the framing these recommendations as 'consensus'. While I favor many of them, I am also aware of the many (quality) critiques some of them have attracted. The book keep repeating that the findings are based on peer-reviewed background paper, but worth noting they are published in a special issue of Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis rather than the leading journal of the fields they relate to. Presenting them as the key priorities identified by a group of respectable scholars/experts based in US/Europe would be a lot more honest.
Still I take a number of issues:
- The book is framed as a critique of the SDG for lacking prioritization and therefore misdirecting global development efforts. While the first half of the statement is certainly true, the second statement is a lot more questionable and Lomborg provides almost no evidence for it. Does being SDGs attract much additional funding? Would getting rid of some SDGs make more money available for the remaining causes?
- The policy solutions proposed are typically framed in a silver bullet fashion. Given that these ideas are not at all new, have been researched, trialed and debated for at least a decade, this is quite frustrating. There is very little nuance on the difficulties in scaling policies especially when working with governments with limited capacity and working in challenging political or macroeconomic environments. The potential for failure is often incorporated as 'let's assume a 50% success rate', rather than think of the contexts where it can work or how it needs to be adapted. It also leads to dismissing work on institution building, governance and macroeconomic reform, which arguably may have a lot larger returns by allowing these 'downstream' policies to be implemented.
- No credit is given to the effective altruism movement and the multitude of organizations that have advocated for better prioritizing development interventions and have been preparing cost benefit analysis of various programs for two decades in very similar fashion to the book.
- The 8% discount rate used is huge, IMHO. This biases against education and climate change interventions. For an intervention where benefits are expected in 30 years, returns would have to be over 150X for it to make it on his top-list at such high discount rates. Given his notoriety as a climate change sceptic, he could be more upfront about the importance of his deliberate choice on the discount factor, rather than relegating the information into brief section of appendix.
- I am no fan of the framing these recommendations as 'consensus'. While I favor many of them, I am also aware of the many (quality) critiques some of them have attracted. The book keep repeating that the findings are based on peer-reviewed background paper, but worth noting they are published in a special issue of Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis rather than the leading journal of the fields they relate to. Presenting them as the key priorities identified by a group of respectable scholars/experts based in US/Europe would be a lot more honest.
May 23, 2024
For anyone who likes to arbitrarily divide people between having 'serious' or 'simple' politics, you will really like this book.
In terms of positives, there is a something comforting with the way Bjørn Lomborg has so neatly organised the world's problems. Lomborg comes across as contemplative, and genuinely interested in making the world a better place. Best Things First is pitched as a tidy commentary for 12 benefit-cost analysis papers, which are 'the most efficient' policies to make the world better. I've linked the policies, with my own glib summary, and a link to the research paper (available via Lomborg's website, Copenhagen Consensus) at the bottom. This kind of transparency is an encouraging approach to publishing by public policy books and a trend I hope continues in other works.
Unfortunately, the book itself did not land for me. My opinion soured around halfway through and I think it comes down to my own political philosophy rather than anything inherently wrong with the book or its contents. Indeed, I hope that by linking the research papers below, any future readers of this book will be able to use it for the intended purpose; Lomborg is providing a commentary on specific research papers, and the book should be read alongside them.
The main issue is that this reads like a self-help book for politics. One positive to self-help books it that they provide general universal maxims which most people agree on. The negatives are that they limit people's perspectives, discourage radicalism and come across as insufferably smug. Lomborg is constantly applying maxims, and uses the research papers in the same way influencers use swimwear. The book presents enough academic jargon to sound credible, but never enough analysis to be convincing. It is repetitive and by the end each line of commentary becomes predictable and uninspired.
My other issue is that the kind of policies Lomborg is proposing are pitched as 'sensible' and 'practical' but require enormous supranational co-ordination. I'm all for a bit of long term planning, but it is frustrating that the book never tries to resolve the discord between the lofty aims and sensible identity. All of this said, I do hope people read the below articles, and pick up the book if it is something that interests them. Lomborg has good intentions and none of these polices are bad policies. It's just that they feel as practical, and pandering, as when a self help guru tells you to cut caffeine, actively listen, wake up at 5:30am, or plan your day.
Anyway, here's the links:
1. Tuberculosis, "We should treat it", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/one-million-lives-saved-per-year-a-costbenefit-analysis-of-the-global-plan-to-end-tuberculosis-20232030-and-beyond/A74F0D10F1017092A250EB604ED39B1B
2. Education, "Use iPads & standardise teaching", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/improving-learning-in-low-and-lowermiddleincome-countries/DA3D0AAC19F94DC83B9211F963F8A4D7
3. Maternal Health, "Family planning", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/achieving-maternal-and-neonatal-mortality-development-goals-effectively-a-costbenefit-analysis/A8615DB02BE897A00C618ED0543AA877
4. Agriculture, "Make more food with tech", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/benefitcost-analysis-of-increased-funding-for-agricultural-research-and-development-in-the-global-south/5E4F7A33E8DBCD5326D3C164AB51F84C
5. Malaria, "Vaccines & insecticides", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/an-investment-case-for-the-scaleup-and-use-of-insecticidetreated-nets-halfway-into-the-sdg-targets/6D7B343AD211E9DC2684689965F6868A
6. Corruption, "Move government procurement online"https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/investment-case-for-egovernment-procurement-a-costbenefit-analysis/1BC5D35109D488269F4C8F3E95C0B714
7. Nutrition, "Give children good food", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/investing-in-nutrition-a-global-best-investment-case/0C420F828BB9160A78E440004AFDA4A9
8. Chronic diseases, "Tax tobacco, salt and alcohol", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/best-investments-in-chronic-noncommunicable-disease-prevention-and-control-in-low-and-lowermiddleincome-countries/183F9634196F8DCAA863AF7DAD02D875
9. Immunisation, "Keep it up", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/sustainable-development-goal-halftime-project-benefitcost-analysis-using-methods-from-the-decade-of-vaccine-economics-model/27886D1E905A32EF04A4C9CEA559E119
10. Trade, "Stop constraining it", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/benefitcost-analysis-of-increased-trade-an-orderofmagnitude-estimate-of-the-benefitcost-ratio/C1B297FFD1062F9DEA69794B8C123204
11. Migration, "Bilateral skilled migration", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/benefitcost-analysis-of-increased-international-migration-of-skilled-labor-in-africa-and-the-world/D11396C36829F0DD3B43B1DE8BED78EC
12. Land tenure, "Monitor housing better", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/investment-case-for-land-tenure-security-in-subsaharan-africa-a-costbenefit-analysis/5BD8E51B1697D57453E29F41202006C1
On the whole, this is a well meaning book that offers a limited and unimaginative perspective on global policy which I hope does more to inspire people than convert them to the cause of dogged 'practicalism'.
In terms of positives, there is a something comforting with the way Bjørn Lomborg has so neatly organised the world's problems. Lomborg comes across as contemplative, and genuinely interested in making the world a better place. Best Things First is pitched as a tidy commentary for 12 benefit-cost analysis papers, which are 'the most efficient' policies to make the world better. I've linked the policies, with my own glib summary, and a link to the research paper (available via Lomborg's website, Copenhagen Consensus) at the bottom. This kind of transparency is an encouraging approach to publishing by public policy books and a trend I hope continues in other works.
Unfortunately, the book itself did not land for me. My opinion soured around halfway through and I think it comes down to my own political philosophy rather than anything inherently wrong with the book or its contents. Indeed, I hope that by linking the research papers below, any future readers of this book will be able to use it for the intended purpose; Lomborg is providing a commentary on specific research papers, and the book should be read alongside them.
The main issue is that this reads like a self-help book for politics. One positive to self-help books it that they provide general universal maxims which most people agree on. The negatives are that they limit people's perspectives, discourage radicalism and come across as insufferably smug. Lomborg is constantly applying maxims, and uses the research papers in the same way influencers use swimwear. The book presents enough academic jargon to sound credible, but never enough analysis to be convincing. It is repetitive and by the end each line of commentary becomes predictable and uninspired.
My other issue is that the kind of policies Lomborg is proposing are pitched as 'sensible' and 'practical' but require enormous supranational co-ordination. I'm all for a bit of long term planning, but it is frustrating that the book never tries to resolve the discord between the lofty aims and sensible identity. All of this said, I do hope people read the below articles, and pick up the book if it is something that interests them. Lomborg has good intentions and none of these polices are bad policies. It's just that they feel as practical, and pandering, as when a self help guru tells you to cut caffeine, actively listen, wake up at 5:30am, or plan your day.
Anyway, here's the links:
1. Tuberculosis, "We should treat it", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/one-million-lives-saved-per-year-a-costbenefit-analysis-of-the-global-plan-to-end-tuberculosis-20232030-and-beyond/A74F0D10F1017092A250EB604ED39B1B
2. Education, "Use iPads & standardise teaching", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/improving-learning-in-low-and-lowermiddleincome-countries/DA3D0AAC19F94DC83B9211F963F8A4D7
3. Maternal Health, "Family planning", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/achieving-maternal-and-neonatal-mortality-development-goals-effectively-a-costbenefit-analysis/A8615DB02BE897A00C618ED0543AA877
4. Agriculture, "Make more food with tech", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/benefitcost-analysis-of-increased-funding-for-agricultural-research-and-development-in-the-global-south/5E4F7A33E8DBCD5326D3C164AB51F84C
5. Malaria, "Vaccines & insecticides", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/an-investment-case-for-the-scaleup-and-use-of-insecticidetreated-nets-halfway-into-the-sdg-targets/6D7B343AD211E9DC2684689965F6868A
6. Corruption, "Move government procurement online"https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/investment-case-for-egovernment-procurement-a-costbenefit-analysis/1BC5D35109D488269F4C8F3E95C0B714
7. Nutrition, "Give children good food", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/investing-in-nutrition-a-global-best-investment-case/0C420F828BB9160A78E440004AFDA4A9
8. Chronic diseases, "Tax tobacco, salt and alcohol", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/best-investments-in-chronic-noncommunicable-disease-prevention-and-control-in-low-and-lowermiddleincome-countries/183F9634196F8DCAA863AF7DAD02D875
9. Immunisation, "Keep it up", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/sustainable-development-goal-halftime-project-benefitcost-analysis-using-methods-from-the-decade-of-vaccine-economics-model/27886D1E905A32EF04A4C9CEA559E119
10. Trade, "Stop constraining it", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/benefitcost-analysis-of-increased-trade-an-orderofmagnitude-estimate-of-the-benefitcost-ratio/C1B297FFD1062F9DEA69794B8C123204
11. Migration, "Bilateral skilled migration", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/benefitcost-analysis-of-increased-international-migration-of-skilled-labor-in-africa-and-the-world/D11396C36829F0DD3B43B1DE8BED78EC
12. Land tenure, "Monitor housing better", https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-benefit-cost-analysis/article/investment-case-for-land-tenure-security-in-subsaharan-africa-a-costbenefit-analysis/5BD8E51B1697D57453E29F41202006C1
On the whole, this is a well meaning book that offers a limited and unimaginative perspective on global policy which I hope does more to inspire people than convert them to the cause of dogged 'practicalism'.
May 15, 2023
If you had $35bn to spend every year between now and 2030, what would you spend it on? If you’re looking for ways to make a measurable impact on global problems, this book will both inspire and show you the detailed economic analysis it takes to understand why some initiatives work well, delivering massive returns on investment (benefit-cost ratio of at least $15:1) and others don’t. Should be essential reading for policymakers and billionaires looking to prioritise their philanthropic investments.
June 1, 2023
I absolutely love Bjorne work and the thinking that goes into how to actually make the world a better place while dealing with finite resources.
Each chapter is reasonably quick to read.
I think that one thing he does well is to not tie any of his work to any specific activity (obviously excluding the Copenhagen Consensus). However a part of me wants to immediately go out and support some of the r work being done.
The weakest chapter is the one on migration. But to be fair to him he really does try to address the political implications and limitations. But I think that he unfortunately still falls a bit short. In the other chapters we see clearer real world examples while this one relies too heavily on models.
I have been recommending this book everywhere as it feels like a must read for the many people who just want to look good but not actually do good
Each chapter is reasonably quick to read.
I think that one thing he does well is to not tie any of his work to any specific activity (obviously excluding the Copenhagen Consensus). However a part of me wants to immediately go out and support some of the r work being done.
The weakest chapter is the one on migration. But to be fair to him he really does try to address the political implications and limitations. But I think that he unfortunately still falls a bit short. In the other chapters we see clearer real world examples while this one relies too heavily on models.
I have been recommending this book everywhere as it feels like a must read for the many people who just want to look good but not actually do good
June 2, 2023
This book lucidly demonstrates how the UN and other governmental entities with funding power should be thinking about solving global problems --best things first-- and offers twelve ideas with the highest benefit-cost ratios.
I am always deeply skeptical of economists' modeling of anything, but since we can't seem to do without it then it ought to at least be guided by a clear pragmatism such as this. Good work.
I am always deeply skeptical of economists' modeling of anything, but since we can't seem to do without it then it ought to at least be guided by a clear pragmatism such as this. Good work.
May 5, 2024
Vernon Smith, Nobel Laureate, Professor of Business Economics and Law at Chapman University, blurbed this book: “There are no solutions, only trade off opportunities. In keeping with Bjorn Lomborg’s record of contributions, this incredible book offers the 12 best trade-offs for the big challenges facing the world.” This is a thoughtful book, grounded in the reality of what can be done to make the biggest difference, not what should be done based on the vision of the anointed. Here’s how Lomborg explains it:
“Not discussing priorities doesn’t make prioritization go away. We end up focusing more on issues that easily grab our attention and funding the policies favored by organizations that are good at campaigning. …the goal is not to make everything right but to make some things slightly less wrong. …most policy conversations continue to pretend that it’s possible to say yes to everything. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With 169 sprawling vows and more than 4,000 words, everything has been promised to everyone. The goals go from 2016 to 2030, meaning that in 2023 the world is at halftime, yet nowhere near halfway. That’s why we started the project Halftime for the SDGs, the foundation for this book."
He quotes Steve Jobs on the importance of focus:
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”
The 12 ideas presented in the book would cost about $35 billion per year, save 4.2 million lives annually, and make the poorer half of the world more than a trillion dollars better off each and every year (in 2023 dollars). He makes clear that the Millennium Development Goals were quite successful, especially compared to the Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 SDG are incoherent and incompatible, so they don’t rise to the level of a strategy, which is why they haven’t made a difference, and will not anywhere near the target date. One big reason is if progress is made on consumption and climate (as measured), it’s associated with decreases in almost all other goals.
Benefit-cost analysis is used to identify the best policies. Divide the benefits by the costs and you get the benefit-cost ratio (BCR). This includes the value of a statistical life, which makes people irrational (“if it saves one life…”), but it’s the way the world works. It’s not riskless, and we make tradeoffs regarding risk every day. The best ideas deliver more than $15 in benefits (climate policies deliver much less than that).
“The 12 best policies our experts have identified cover a wide range of areas: Tuberculosis, education, maternal and newborn health, agricultural research and development, malaria, e-procurement, nutrition, land tenure security, chronic diseases, trade, child immunization, and skilled migration.” The book is not focused on making the rich world better. In fact, the rich world can afford to make the poor and poorer half of the world better off with these policies, especially when you consider we spend $1.1 trillion on low-carbon energy, and $147 billion on pet food, $112 billion on cosmetics, and $488 billion on shampoo, skin cream, and fragrance.
There can be honest disagreements over the benefit-cost analysis. But the research is a good-faith attempt to take into account both sides of the ledger based on what we know at this point in time. I wish the climate science did the same. It seems to only tally the costs without considering the many benefits of fossil fuels (see Lomborg’s and Alex Epstein’s books on this topic).
I found this book persuasive with respect to the 12 ideas, but I am sure other experts believe differently. Let the debate begin, but let it be around those policies that can actually be effective, and not just lip service and virtue signaling.
“Not discussing priorities doesn’t make prioritization go away. We end up focusing more on issues that easily grab our attention and funding the policies favored by organizations that are good at campaigning. …the goal is not to make everything right but to make some things slightly less wrong. …most policy conversations continue to pretend that it’s possible to say yes to everything. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With 169 sprawling vows and more than 4,000 words, everything has been promised to everyone. The goals go from 2016 to 2030, meaning that in 2023 the world is at halftime, yet nowhere near halfway. That’s why we started the project Halftime for the SDGs, the foundation for this book."
He quotes Steve Jobs on the importance of focus:
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”
The 12 ideas presented in the book would cost about $35 billion per year, save 4.2 million lives annually, and make the poorer half of the world more than a trillion dollars better off each and every year (in 2023 dollars). He makes clear that the Millennium Development Goals were quite successful, especially compared to the Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 SDG are incoherent and incompatible, so they don’t rise to the level of a strategy, which is why they haven’t made a difference, and will not anywhere near the target date. One big reason is if progress is made on consumption and climate (as measured), it’s associated with decreases in almost all other goals.
Benefit-cost analysis is used to identify the best policies. Divide the benefits by the costs and you get the benefit-cost ratio (BCR). This includes the value of a statistical life, which makes people irrational (“if it saves one life…”), but it’s the way the world works. It’s not riskless, and we make tradeoffs regarding risk every day. The best ideas deliver more than $15 in benefits (climate policies deliver much less than that).
“The 12 best policies our experts have identified cover a wide range of areas: Tuberculosis, education, maternal and newborn health, agricultural research and development, malaria, e-procurement, nutrition, land tenure security, chronic diseases, trade, child immunization, and skilled migration.” The book is not focused on making the rich world better. In fact, the rich world can afford to make the poor and poorer half of the world better off with these policies, especially when you consider we spend $1.1 trillion on low-carbon energy, and $147 billion on pet food, $112 billion on cosmetics, and $488 billion on shampoo, skin cream, and fragrance.
There can be honest disagreements over the benefit-cost analysis. But the research is a good-faith attempt to take into account both sides of the ledger based on what we know at this point in time. I wish the climate science did the same. It seems to only tally the costs without considering the many benefits of fossil fuels (see Lomborg’s and Alex Epstein’s books on this topic).
I found this book persuasive with respect to the 12 ideas, but I am sure other experts believe differently. Let the debate begin, but let it be around those policies that can actually be effective, and not just lip service and virtue signaling.
October 5, 2024
5 out of 5, amazing.
This books could be treated as a great counterpart to Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society. It covers several interventions, that are cheap in execution and can save/improve life of a lot of people. Now, you may ask, ok but what cheap means and how it is calculated. It's all covered there (in a short but dense appending) including discounting.
Another aspect of this book that is simply amazing is its constructions. Chapters are focused on a single topic and provide reasoning and description of a given intervention. If a reader is more interested in the actual science behind, they will find a link to a scientific paper that was published. No cheap talk here!
The last but not least, covered in the first chapters is demolishing of the targets/ideas raised by politicians, United Nations and other bodies. They provide wishy-washy targets that cannot be met. There are often not measurable at all (stop hunger) or simply there are no ways of having them implemented.
I wish there was more folks who can reason in the same manner. No left, right, pro or against, just wanting best things first.
This books could be treated as a great counterpart to Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society. It covers several interventions, that are cheap in execution and can save/improve life of a lot of people. Now, you may ask, ok but what cheap means and how it is calculated. It's all covered there (in a short but dense appending) including discounting.
Another aspect of this book that is simply amazing is its constructions. Chapters are focused on a single topic and provide reasoning and description of a given intervention. If a reader is more interested in the actual science behind, they will find a link to a scientific paper that was published. No cheap talk here!
The last but not least, covered in the first chapters is demolishing of the targets/ideas raised by politicians, United Nations and other bodies. They provide wishy-washy targets that cannot be met. There are often not measurable at all (stop hunger) or simply there are no ways of having them implemented.
I wish there was more folks who can reason in the same manner. No left, right, pro or against, just wanting best things first.
January 29, 2024
Best Things First (2023) by Bjorn Lomborg applies the lens of cost benefit analysis to using money to make the world a better place.
Lomborg starts by comparing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Lomborg’s view the MDGs were reasonably well framed and did actually get progress toward their seven goals to be quicker. The SDGs, with 17 goals and many more targets became poorly defined and were also not well thought through.
In their place Lomborg has assembled scholars to put together a smaller set of goals which have high cost benefit ratios. Lomborg’s areas of interest and their cost benefit ratios are: Tuberculosis:46, Maternal and newborn health:87, Malaria:48, Nutrition:18, Chronic diseases:23, Childhood immunization:101, Education:65, Agricultural R&D:33, e-procurement:125, Land tenure security:21, Trade:95, Skilled migration:20. In total funding all these items would have a financial cost of $US 41 billion and a benefit of 1 trillion dollars.
It’s a remarkable claim but one where the ideas are backed up with serious thought, papers and evaluations by Lomborg and other academics. Even if the claims are wrong the fact that there is a consistent, plausible method behind them is really something. Best Things First carefully describes each intervention and gives more references to the claims made.
Best Things First is well worth a read for anyone interested in how we can make the world a better place. Hopefully it will be read by people who work in international development and who work on aid. It’s a bit of a dry read but it’s is definitely worth a look.
Lomborg starts by comparing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Lomborg’s view the MDGs were reasonably well framed and did actually get progress toward their seven goals to be quicker. The SDGs, with 17 goals and many more targets became poorly defined and were also not well thought through.
In their place Lomborg has assembled scholars to put together a smaller set of goals which have high cost benefit ratios. Lomborg’s areas of interest and their cost benefit ratios are: Tuberculosis:46, Maternal and newborn health:87, Malaria:48, Nutrition:18, Chronic diseases:23, Childhood immunization:101, Education:65, Agricultural R&D:33, e-procurement:125, Land tenure security:21, Trade:95, Skilled migration:20. In total funding all these items would have a financial cost of $US 41 billion and a benefit of 1 trillion dollars.
It’s a remarkable claim but one where the ideas are backed up with serious thought, papers and evaluations by Lomborg and other academics. Even if the claims are wrong the fact that there is a consistent, plausible method behind them is really something. Best Things First carefully describes each intervention and gives more references to the claims made.
Best Things First is well worth a read for anyone interested in how we can make the world a better place. Hopefully it will be read by people who work in international development and who work on aid. It’s a bit of a dry read but it’s is definitely worth a look.
November 15, 2023
I am positive that Bjorn has many detractors for his out of the (typically unrealistic) climate science policy mainstream ideas. I love the simplicity and bang for the buck of these 12 targets to address first in the developing world, whose roots go back to his think tank’s work from after 2000’s Millennium Development Goals days in preparation for the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Shockingly, when the powers that be go from the 8 goals and 18 targets found in the MDG, that showed measured progress to some extent, to the “new and improved” 17 goals and 169 (169!) targets found in the new Sustainable Development Goals…many of which are full of the high-minded, but not life-saving, policies being visited on the western cultures of the 2020s..there will be some issues in making measurable progress.
To me, feel free to go for these 169 goals, but if the “first world: is gonna spend the $211 billion annually that they already are, why not prioritize common sense and efficiency with the first $41 billion (average first decade projections). We all have programs that are important to us that didn’t make this 12 project cut (which looks for a 15/1 return on life-saving investment)….I mean I am big on clean water and sanitation programs, which only gives a 3-4 to 1 return.
Having also just finished Melinda Gates’ book in the last few days, I would love to see something get done.
To me, feel free to go for these 169 goals, but if the “first world: is gonna spend the $211 billion annually that they already are, why not prioritize common sense and efficiency with the first $41 billion (average first decade projections). We all have programs that are important to us that didn’t make this 12 project cut (which looks for a 15/1 return on life-saving investment)….I mean I am big on clean water and sanitation programs, which only gives a 3-4 to 1 return.
Having also just finished Melinda Gates’ book in the last few days, I would love to see something get done.
February 2, 2024
In 1945, the United Nations was born. Its charter promises "to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom". After several decades of unfulfilled UN promises, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were created in September 2000. It contained just 8 goals and 18 specific targets, on poverty and hunger reduction, fighting diseases, access to clean water, and schooling, with a hard deadline of 31st December 2015.
2015 came and went. Not all of the MDG targets were met. But in the 15 years:
- Death of children under five years of age reduced from 10 million a year to 6 million a year
- Most kids were in school
- The fraction of malnourished population in the developing world reduced from 23% to 11%
- Around 113,000 people were lifted out of poverty every day
To be fair, many of these achievements may have happened with or without the MDGs. But introduction of the MDGs seem to have clearly sped up some of the progress.
Then in 2016, following the successes of the MDGs, the UN introduced another set of goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly, it would run for 15 years, this time from 2016-2030. However, the SDGs have 169 targets spread out over 17 goals or themes. At the time the book was written, there has been little progress towards these goals. Based on trends extrapolation, the expected time for the 17 goals to be met ranged from 2034 to never (meaning indicators are trending away from the goal). Things are not looking good.
Here comes the rest of the book. One chapter is dedicated to each of the 12 proposed cost-effective solutions, all of them based on peer-reviewed papers submitted to the Cambridge's Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis (JBCA). Some of the chapters are titled according to the theme (e.g. education, nutrition), some according to the problem (e.g. tubercolosis, malaria), and others according to the solution (childhood immunization, more trade). I might as well list them all the chapters out together with a one-sentence summary:
- Tubercolosis: improve screening and testing, and incentivize patients to seek treatment
- Education: teach according to learning level rather than age
- Maternal and newborn health: increase coverage of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, and increase unmet need for Family Planning services
- More and cheaper food: increase spending for centralized public agricultural R&D, national research systems, improved research efficiency, and private sector investment in developing countries
- Malaria: scale up bed-nets distribution and run campaigns to encourage proper usage
- Reducing corruption: use e-procurement online system
- Nutrition: increase supply of multi-micronutrient pill, and improve healthcare system, education, and training
- Chronic diseases: increase supply of cheap medication, implement tobacco tax and salt reduction programs
- Childhood immunization: increase childhood vaccination to prevent infectious diseases
- More trade: just trade more (internationally)
- Highly skilled migration: enable skilled (physician, STEM, etc) migration, especially from developing countries
- Land tenure security: demarcate and register individually owned land (land would be more productive if there is more secure ownership)
All the papers are listed in their website.
Now to the actual book review - everything before this was more of an overview rather than a review
In the chapters that describe the solutions, it goes something like this:
- Here's the SDG target, and here's how badly we're failing to meet it, because of all these reasons
- But there's a great solution proposed in this peer-reviewed paper
- All it takes is a few billion dollars, and the benefits are in the tens of billions of dollars, so the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) is really high and it's amazing
- All the other stuff that you're probably thinking about have also been considered, I'll not go into too much detail but just trust me on these numbers
- Here's the paper, go check it out if you want
Maybe the book has too many numbers without enough rigor. It was mildly annoying to see paragraph after paragraph of "look at all these big numbers, spend 2 billion and get back 50 billion!" without all the thorough assumptions and caveats behind the calculations. To be fair, the rigor is probably in the papers, but if I were going to read the papers then why do I need the book?
Nevertheless, the book gave me a good overview of what the world's biggest problems are and how they can potentially be solved. Some of the numbers and charts give a good sense of how big (or small) these problems are. I also learned a few new things, like how land ownership is still a big issue in sub-saharan Africa, and for example in Zambia the president technically owns all of the land in the country.
So I think this book is for you if:
- You are not familiar with benefit-cost analysis in global health and development
- You are familiar with benefit-cost analysis in global health and development, but just want to get an idea on some potential solutions to the SDGs
- You just want an overview of the scale of present global problems
But if you want a little more than that, maybe it's best to just read the papers and skip the book.
2015 came and went. Not all of the MDG targets were met. But in the 15 years:
- Death of children under five years of age reduced from 10 million a year to 6 million a year
- Most kids were in school
- The fraction of malnourished population in the developing world reduced from 23% to 11%
- Around 113,000 people were lifted out of poverty every day
To be fair, many of these achievements may have happened with or without the MDGs. But introduction of the MDGs seem to have clearly sped up some of the progress.
Then in 2016, following the successes of the MDGs, the UN introduced another set of goals called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly, it would run for 15 years, this time from 2016-2030. However, the SDGs have 169 targets spread out over 17 goals or themes. At the time the book was written, there has been little progress towards these goals. Based on trends extrapolation, the expected time for the 17 goals to be met ranged from 2034 to never (meaning indicators are trending away from the goal). Things are not looking good.
Here comes the rest of the book. One chapter is dedicated to each of the 12 proposed cost-effective solutions, all of them based on peer-reviewed papers submitted to the Cambridge's Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis (JBCA). Some of the chapters are titled according to the theme (e.g. education, nutrition), some according to the problem (e.g. tubercolosis, malaria), and others according to the solution (childhood immunization, more trade). I might as well list them all the chapters out together with a one-sentence summary:
- Tubercolosis: improve screening and testing, and incentivize patients to seek treatment
- Education: teach according to learning level rather than age
- Maternal and newborn health: increase coverage of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, and increase unmet need for Family Planning services
- More and cheaper food: increase spending for centralized public agricultural R&D, national research systems, improved research efficiency, and private sector investment in developing countries
- Malaria: scale up bed-nets distribution and run campaigns to encourage proper usage
- Reducing corruption: use e-procurement online system
- Nutrition: increase supply of multi-micronutrient pill, and improve healthcare system, education, and training
- Chronic diseases: increase supply of cheap medication, implement tobacco tax and salt reduction programs
- Childhood immunization: increase childhood vaccination to prevent infectious diseases
- More trade: just trade more (internationally)
- Highly skilled migration: enable skilled (physician, STEM, etc) migration, especially from developing countries
- Land tenure security: demarcate and register individually owned land (land would be more productive if there is more secure ownership)
All the papers are listed in their website.
Now to the actual book review - everything before this was more of an overview rather than a review
In the chapters that describe the solutions, it goes something like this:
- Here's the SDG target, and here's how badly we're failing to meet it, because of all these reasons
- But there's a great solution proposed in this peer-reviewed paper
- All it takes is a few billion dollars, and the benefits are in the tens of billions of dollars, so the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) is really high and it's amazing
- All the other stuff that you're probably thinking about have also been considered, I'll not go into too much detail but just trust me on these numbers
- Here's the paper, go check it out if you want
Maybe the book has too many numbers without enough rigor. It was mildly annoying to see paragraph after paragraph of "look at all these big numbers, spend 2 billion and get back 50 billion!" without all the thorough assumptions and caveats behind the calculations. To be fair, the rigor is probably in the papers, but if I were going to read the papers then why do I need the book?
Nevertheless, the book gave me a good overview of what the world's biggest problems are and how they can potentially be solved. Some of the numbers and charts give a good sense of how big (or small) these problems are. I also learned a few new things, like how land ownership is still a big issue in sub-saharan Africa, and for example in Zambia the president technically owns all of the land in the country.
So I think this book is for you if:
- You are not familiar with benefit-cost analysis in global health and development
- You are familiar with benefit-cost analysis in global health and development, but just want to get an idea on some potential solutions to the SDGs
- You just want an overview of the scale of present global problems
But if you want a little more than that, maybe it's best to just read the papers and skip the book.
August 31, 2023
Best Things First
The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals had eight objectives, aimed at reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. The MDGs had mixed success, and in 2015 were replaced by 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with 169 specific targets. As a result, attention is unfocused and many of the original goals have not been achieved. In Best Things First, Lomborg argues that a better approach is to focus on the 12 most efficient solutions to help the world's poorest. These include health care initiatives addressing tuberculosis, malaria, ante-natal health care, child immunisation and chronic disease, but also less obvious measures such as education, skilled migration, and agricultural R&D. Potential policies are ranked using cost-benefit analysis, and in some cases the benefits are 100 times the cost.
Lomborg is to be commended for presenting a coherent and readable summary of 12 new articles published in the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis. The work was a significant undertaking. The list of contributors and helpers runs into five pages. The book is an easy read. There are no equations and minimal jargon. Nicole Kidman gets a mention to illustrate a point about tuberculosis.
The authors of those articles are trying to put a value on the costs and benefits of addressing specific SDGs. However, cost-benefit analysis has its pitfalls, especially when estimating the benefits. One problem is that benefits tend to occur in the distant future, and some measure is needed to compare future benefits with current costs. The various authors use the same discount rate, 8 per cent, for all measures. This seems high, and would tend to discourge long-term investment such as education, but the authors point out that discount rates tend to be higher in developing countries, where uncertainty is much greater. This discount rate effectively rules out climate change mitigation, a favourite of the UN.
A second problem is the value of life. This is important for many health-related measures that prolong or save lives. It is obvious that the value of life various enormously across countries, with the United States spending much more on health care than most poor countries. The apparent value of life seems correlated with per capita income levels. Nonetheless, the authors have used a common value of $128,000 in developing countries. Because saving the life of a child is worth more than the elderly, throughout the book a year of life is judged to be worth $4,300 in all developing countries. While some readers may find this approach a little crass, it is an unavoidable problem that must be addressed. At least the authors lay out their assumptions.
In terms of benefit cost ratios, the most effective measures are child immunisation and maternal and newborn health. Other high-ranking measures include reducing corruption in Government procurement, and removing impediments to trade. In terms of total benefits, the best measures are education, trade and agriculture R&D.
With such significant benefits, one might ponder why such measures have not been implemented already. It difficult to imagine why mosquito nets costing $5 are beyond the reach of people in poor countries, given the benefits are quite visible and easily captured. Likewise, the benefits of not smoking are well known and the effects to limit it, through higher taxes, may seem somewhat paternalistic.
Finally, one might ask whether focusing on the SDGs is misplaced. Data from the Harvard Kennedy School Growth Lab shows that growth in national income per capita is both necessary and sufficient for improvements in human wellbeing, as measured by a range of non-economic indicators. Hence, social progress can't be obtained without national development, and with few exceptions, will follow with it. The correlation is very high. In other words, raise incomes and the SDGs will follow.
Read this book.
The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals had eight objectives, aimed at reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. The MDGs had mixed success, and in 2015 were replaced by 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with 169 specific targets. As a result, attention is unfocused and many of the original goals have not been achieved. In Best Things First, Lomborg argues that a better approach is to focus on the 12 most efficient solutions to help the world's poorest. These include health care initiatives addressing tuberculosis, malaria, ante-natal health care, child immunisation and chronic disease, but also less obvious measures such as education, skilled migration, and agricultural R&D. Potential policies are ranked using cost-benefit analysis, and in some cases the benefits are 100 times the cost.
Lomborg is to be commended for presenting a coherent and readable summary of 12 new articles published in the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis. The work was a significant undertaking. The list of contributors and helpers runs into five pages. The book is an easy read. There are no equations and minimal jargon. Nicole Kidman gets a mention to illustrate a point about tuberculosis.
The authors of those articles are trying to put a value on the costs and benefits of addressing specific SDGs. However, cost-benefit analysis has its pitfalls, especially when estimating the benefits. One problem is that benefits tend to occur in the distant future, and some measure is needed to compare future benefits with current costs. The various authors use the same discount rate, 8 per cent, for all measures. This seems high, and would tend to discourge long-term investment such as education, but the authors point out that discount rates tend to be higher in developing countries, where uncertainty is much greater. This discount rate effectively rules out climate change mitigation, a favourite of the UN.
A second problem is the value of life. This is important for many health-related measures that prolong or save lives. It is obvious that the value of life various enormously across countries, with the United States spending much more on health care than most poor countries. The apparent value of life seems correlated with per capita income levels. Nonetheless, the authors have used a common value of $128,000 in developing countries. Because saving the life of a child is worth more than the elderly, throughout the book a year of life is judged to be worth $4,300 in all developing countries. While some readers may find this approach a little crass, it is an unavoidable problem that must be addressed. At least the authors lay out their assumptions.
In terms of benefit cost ratios, the most effective measures are child immunisation and maternal and newborn health. Other high-ranking measures include reducing corruption in Government procurement, and removing impediments to trade. In terms of total benefits, the best measures are education, trade and agriculture R&D.
With such significant benefits, one might ponder why such measures have not been implemented already. It difficult to imagine why mosquito nets costing $5 are beyond the reach of people in poor countries, given the benefits are quite visible and easily captured. Likewise, the benefits of not smoking are well known and the effects to limit it, through higher taxes, may seem somewhat paternalistic.
Finally, one might ask whether focusing on the SDGs is misplaced. Data from the Harvard Kennedy School Growth Lab shows that growth in national income per capita is both necessary and sufficient for improvements in human wellbeing, as measured by a range of non-economic indicators. Hence, social progress can't be obtained without national development, and with few exceptions, will follow with it. The correlation is very high. In other words, raise incomes and the SDGs will follow.
Read this book.
August 18, 2024
“The cost is $35 billion a year. Spent on the 12 best solutions, it could make the world’s poor incredibly much better off. The benefits include saving 4.2 million lives each year and generating $1.1 trillion more for the world’s poor,” emphasises Bjorn Lomborg (the author).
This book is highly accessible—easy to read and understand. It critically examines the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed for 2030, providing well-considered benefit-cost analyses on the most effective interventions that should be prioritised, hence the book’s title "Best Things First". The analysis focuses on interventions with an estimated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) greater than 15, meaning that for every $1 spent, there are $15 or more in benefits. The author draws on 20 years of research, incorporating discussions and input from over a hundred of the world’s leading economists. The book presents 12 peer-reviewed studies in clear, accessible language, offering insights on how to improve the world in the most effective way possible. These include addressing tuberculosis, malaria, and chronic disease, combating malnutrition, improving education, boosting trade, implementing e-procurement, and securing land tenure. These initiatives, achievable at a relatively low cost, have the potential to greatly enhance global well-being.
The authors claims are bold, but they are supported by rigorous analysis, research papers, and evaluations from both him and other respected academics. Even if some of the claims might be questioned, the consistent and plausible methodology behind them are undeniably impressive. In Best Things First, each proposed intervention is meticulously detailed, with ample references provided to substantiate the assertions made. While some chapters offer clearer, real-world examples, some lean too heavily on theoretical models, which may leave some readers wanting more concrete evidence. However, the author makes a genuine effort to address the political implications and limitations of these interventions.
Governments and philanthropists should look to prioritise these 12 most impactful actions to make a significant difference in the world.
This is a thought provoking must-read for economists, development and policy professionals, and anyone interested in advancing the well-being of the world’s most disadvantaged populations.
This book is highly accessible—easy to read and understand. It critically examines the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed for 2030, providing well-considered benefit-cost analyses on the most effective interventions that should be prioritised, hence the book’s title "Best Things First". The analysis focuses on interventions with an estimated benefit-cost ratio (BCR) greater than 15, meaning that for every $1 spent, there are $15 or more in benefits. The author draws on 20 years of research, incorporating discussions and input from over a hundred of the world’s leading economists. The book presents 12 peer-reviewed studies in clear, accessible language, offering insights on how to improve the world in the most effective way possible. These include addressing tuberculosis, malaria, and chronic disease, combating malnutrition, improving education, boosting trade, implementing e-procurement, and securing land tenure. These initiatives, achievable at a relatively low cost, have the potential to greatly enhance global well-being.
The authors claims are bold, but they are supported by rigorous analysis, research papers, and evaluations from both him and other respected academics. Even if some of the claims might be questioned, the consistent and plausible methodology behind them are undeniably impressive. In Best Things First, each proposed intervention is meticulously detailed, with ample references provided to substantiate the assertions made. While some chapters offer clearer, real-world examples, some lean too heavily on theoretical models, which may leave some readers wanting more concrete evidence. However, the author makes a genuine effort to address the political implications and limitations of these interventions.
Governments and philanthropists should look to prioritise these 12 most impactful actions to make a significant difference in the world.
This is a thought provoking must-read for economists, development and policy professionals, and anyone interested in advancing the well-being of the world’s most disadvantaged populations.
January 17, 2024
The author has long tried to help people recognize that we should consider global policies that have the highest benefit/cost ratio. This is eminently reasonable in a world with limited resources and unlimited problems to try and solve.
The latest book's thesis is that studies by his institute, including those of Nobel Laureates, have used the best tools available, some of which they created, to analyze and propose 12 policies that provide the most "bang for the buck." Many of the goals are widely supported, such as improving vaccination rates, nutrition support to young children and conquering chronic diseases in poorer nations. Others are less obviously popular including improving global free trade, immigration and land tenure rights.
Unfortunately, to me the book has two fatal flaws. First, he constantly refers primarily to his own institute's work as a primary source and the analysis is sometimes numbingly financially detailed. The second is that as noble as the goals are, and the ostensible logic, there is little analysis as to how to convince those in power to consider these policies. There are always vested interests in maintaining the status quo, and often in poorer countries these include rulers who rule dictatorially and benefit from exploiting their people.
Worth a read for those interested in the possible most effective policies to improve global well-being, and willing to dive eventually into those primary sources.
The latest book's thesis is that studies by his institute, including those of Nobel Laureates, have used the best tools available, some of which they created, to analyze and propose 12 policies that provide the most "bang for the buck." Many of the goals are widely supported, such as improving vaccination rates, nutrition support to young children and conquering chronic diseases in poorer nations. Others are less obviously popular including improving global free trade, immigration and land tenure rights.
Unfortunately, to me the book has two fatal flaws. First, he constantly refers primarily to his own institute's work as a primary source and the analysis is sometimes numbingly financially detailed. The second is that as noble as the goals are, and the ostensible logic, there is little analysis as to how to convince those in power to consider these policies. There are always vested interests in maintaining the status quo, and often in poorer countries these include rulers who rule dictatorially and benefit from exploiting their people.
Worth a read for those interested in the possible most effective policies to improve global well-being, and willing to dive eventually into those primary sources.
August 25, 2025
Time moves on, and this recently-timely book is in danger of being outdated.
Time was, when "the good guys" were oh-so-earnest and erudite (and somewhat smug), and thus incapable of competing for eyes and ears against the "selfish" populists. This book was a bright attempt to even out the communication mismatch; it takes some powerful arguments and ideas, ways to really make a difference in this world, and lays them out simply and clearly. It's not clogged with references or academic jargon. If you want to delve deeper, you are directed to the underlying academic papers. Here, you just get 12 powerful actions to improve the lot of the least well-off, presented in summary.
Sadly, the world seems to care less now than even two years ago, in 2023, when this was first published. And public opinion seems swayed by ever-yet-more mindless trivia and knee-jerk xenophobia. Should someone produce a cartoon version of this book, an animated, video, high-impact, low-concentration-span effort to influence the influencers and the influenceables?
Or should we just be happy to have had a peek at the pitch that a bunch of economists made to Bill Gates and gang, in a time when we didn't need to have it explained why other poeple's lives matter too?
Time was, when "the good guys" were oh-so-earnest and erudite (and somewhat smug), and thus incapable of competing for eyes and ears against the "selfish" populists. This book was a bright attempt to even out the communication mismatch; it takes some powerful arguments and ideas, ways to really make a difference in this world, and lays them out simply and clearly. It's not clogged with references or academic jargon. If you want to delve deeper, you are directed to the underlying academic papers. Here, you just get 12 powerful actions to improve the lot of the least well-off, presented in summary.
Sadly, the world seems to care less now than even two years ago, in 2023, when this was first published. And public opinion seems swayed by ever-yet-more mindless trivia and knee-jerk xenophobia. Should someone produce a cartoon version of this book, an animated, video, high-impact, low-concentration-span effort to influence the influencers and the influenceables?
Or should we just be happy to have had a peek at the pitch that a bunch of economists made to Bill Gates and gang, in a time when we didn't need to have it explained why other poeple's lives matter too?
June 10, 2025
This is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about the current state of the humanitarian efforts in the world today. Lomborg’s writing is succinct and approachable. His logic is easy to follow, and he does a wonderful job breaking down complicated issues into digestible chapters.
What I appreciate most about his work is his transparency. He is open about certain strategies and their downsides. He gives multiple perspectives in each chapter, and it is clear that Lomborg’s only agenda is to help as many people around the world as possible, while focusing on the most attainable goals—rather than making empty promises that sound good in the moment. Every chapter ends with peer reviewed research and data, and he encourages the reader to explore on their own.
Lastly, this book is useful for learning about issues that many of us in the developed world don’t even realize are issues. Before reading this book I did not realize that land ownership (or the lack thereof) was such an issue. Knowing more about the current state of the world has helped transform my perspective on humanity and the work we still need to do.
What I appreciate most about his work is his transparency. He is open about certain strategies and their downsides. He gives multiple perspectives in each chapter, and it is clear that Lomborg’s only agenda is to help as many people around the world as possible, while focusing on the most attainable goals—rather than making empty promises that sound good in the moment. Every chapter ends with peer reviewed research and data, and he encourages the reader to explore on their own.
Lastly, this book is useful for learning about issues that many of us in the developed world don’t even realize are issues. Before reading this book I did not realize that land ownership (or the lack thereof) was such an issue. Knowing more about the current state of the world has helped transform my perspective on humanity and the work we still need to do.
January 6, 2025
12 research papers - one per chapter - explained in layman's terms. This was a really interesting way to consume research I would have never touched otherwise.
The best bits for me were the historical lessons at the beginnings of every chapter: here's were we started, here's where we are right now. I hadn't truly appreciated how far humans have advanced in so short a time.
Unfortunately this was not really the focus of the book. The focus of the book was to highlight the results of modelling research done by the Copenhagen institute, and this mostly took the form of "if we spend x, we obtain y phenomenal returns "* ad nauseum. This book could have been a blog post with some tables, and it would have been just as informative.
I'm not really equipped to evaluate how reliable the results presented in this book are. I will say it gave me a new (and more economic) appreciation of trade, immigration, and immunization.
The best bits for me were the historical lessons at the beginnings of every chapter: here's were we started, here's where we are right now. I hadn't truly appreciated how far humans have advanced in so short a time.
Unfortunately this was not really the focus of the book. The focus of the book was to highlight the results of modelling research done by the Copenhagen institute, and this mostly took the form of "if we spend x, we obtain y phenomenal returns "* ad nauseum. This book could have been a blog post with some tables, and it would have been just as informative.
I'm not really equipped to evaluate how reliable the results presented in this book are. I will say it gave me a new (and more economic) appreciation of trade, immigration, and immunization.
November 29, 2025
This is not a casual, pick-up-and-read kind of book. It demands that the reader already has some interest in questioning government policies, global social trends, and development priorities—along with a bit of background knowledge. Even with that preparation, parts of the content are dense and challenging to digest.
That said, the depth of research across education, public health, nutrition, and other key areas is genuinely impressive and highly relevant to nearly every country. The authors make a compelling case that real progress comes from focusing on practical, evidence-based “little things” that actually work, rather than pouring money into vague, bloated, or politically driven mega-goals.
I also appreciated the sharp, unflinching critique of the United Nations and similar institutions. The “let’s do all the good at once” approach, while well-intentioned, often turns into bureaucracy that hinders more than it helps.
One mild criticism: a few claims feel under-supported in the text itself. For instance, the assertion (paraphrased) that “women benefit more from land ownership than men” is presented without clear comparative evidence or explanation of the underlying mechanism. Presumably the supporting data exists in the cited academic papers, but it would have been helpful to see at least a brief summary in the book.
Overall, if you want to understand how to save and improve lives efficiently—rather than just feel good about spending money—this is an excellent and thought-provoking starting point. Highly recommended for anyone serious about effective altruism and global development.
That said, the depth of research across education, public health, nutrition, and other key areas is genuinely impressive and highly relevant to nearly every country. The authors make a compelling case that real progress comes from focusing on practical, evidence-based “little things” that actually work, rather than pouring money into vague, bloated, or politically driven mega-goals.
I also appreciated the sharp, unflinching critique of the United Nations and similar institutions. The “let’s do all the good at once” approach, while well-intentioned, often turns into bureaucracy that hinders more than it helps.
One mild criticism: a few claims feel under-supported in the text itself. For instance, the assertion (paraphrased) that “women benefit more from land ownership than men” is presented without clear comparative evidence or explanation of the underlying mechanism. Presumably the supporting data exists in the cited academic papers, but it would have been helpful to see at least a brief summary in the book.
Overall, if you want to understand how to save and improve lives efficiently—rather than just feel good about spending money—this is an excellent and thought-provoking starting point. Highly recommended for anyone serious about effective altruism and global development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
Great ideas. Dry writing.
That's the whole review in a nutshell. One of the best books I've ever read about how to tackle actual, real-life world problems. Each problem (hunger, maternal care, malaria, etc.) is covered in a stand-alone chapter and a systematic approach. Each one is well-researched, with both the problem and the potential solution presented in a no-nonsense, logical manner.
Unfortunately, the chapters increasingly read like the high-level research papers they're based on. That means that by the time you hit the chapters on "More Trade," " Land-Tenure Security," and "Highly Skilled Migration," you're pretty much solutioned-out.
Policy wonks and fans of pragmatic government will find much here to interest them. Unfortunately, it's the subject matter, rather than the writing, that will need to hold that interest.
That's the whole review in a nutshell. One of the best books I've ever read about how to tackle actual, real-life world problems. Each problem (hunger, maternal care, malaria, etc.) is covered in a stand-alone chapter and a systematic approach. Each one is well-researched, with both the problem and the potential solution presented in a no-nonsense, logical manner.
Unfortunately, the chapters increasingly read like the high-level research papers they're based on. That means that by the time you hit the chapters on "More Trade," " Land-Tenure Security," and "Highly Skilled Migration," you're pretty much solutioned-out.
Policy wonks and fans of pragmatic government will find much here to interest them. Unfortunately, it's the subject matter, rather than the writing, that will need to hold that interest.
May 25, 2024
Lomborg has a well-established reputation for a rational approach to improving the world, as opposed to alarmism. Best Things First identifies the "twelve most efficient solutions for the world's poorest and our global Sustainable Development Goals." This is a book for those who want each dollar spent on making the world a better place to have the highest possible impact in terms of saving / improving human life.
Lomborg and his team of experts at Copenhagen Consensus have identified the most promising development objectives to focus on. Spoiler: the climate is not one of them. While he does not deny anthropogenic climate change, he simply recognizes that it is much cheaper to adapt to a changing climate than to attempt to control it. This is a sobering, helpful book for those who care deeply about saving the world without any preconceived biases.
Lomborg and his team of experts at Copenhagen Consensus have identified the most promising development objectives to focus on. Spoiler: the climate is not one of them. While he does not deny anthropogenic climate change, he simply recognizes that it is much cheaper to adapt to a changing climate than to attempt to control it. This is a sobering, helpful book for those who care deeply about saving the world without any preconceived biases.
February 13, 2025
Another great book by Lomborg. This book takes 12 ideas to make the world a better place and, using pretty sophisticated economic analysis, shows enormous benefits compared to the costs. There is a chapter for each idea, which all summarize detailed research reports written by teams of economists and experts. The subjects include reducing or eliminating tuberculosis and malaria, improving education, increasing international trade, improving land rights in third world countries, permitting immigration of high value individuals and other topics. It’s a very interesting summary and food for thought. I hope some government leaders took the time to read this; they might learn a thing or two.
January 29, 2026
this book was most engaging when describing the history of a particular phenomena (malaria) or the appendix which described how a dollar value was calculated for the worth of a life
the bulk of it (summarizations of research papers) is not particularly worthwhile. you read numbers and see charts but the concepts are so macro and complex (e.g., allowing global skilled migration more openly) that any #s applied to them seem like shaky estimates at best and not facts to be relied upon - which is an issue since this books selects it's top ideas based on a cost/benefit ratio applied to all concepts
the bulk of it (summarizations of research papers) is not particularly worthwhile. you read numbers and see charts but the concepts are so macro and complex (e.g., allowing global skilled migration more openly) that any #s applied to them seem like shaky estimates at best and not facts to be relied upon - which is an issue since this books selects it's top ideas based on a cost/benefit ratio applied to all concepts
May 29, 2023
It is a series of papers edited by the brilliant Bjorn Lomborg. They present the most rational arguments and analyse them to address the world's most pressing issues. The authors are not only driven by their compassion and ideals. They know how to use the limited resources quite efficiently. In this sense, it is the opposite of "What We Owe the Future" by Macaskill.
Further resources are given at the end of each chapter. This book overall is a good starting point to focus on specific topics that are vitally important for the world's problems.
Further resources are given at the end of each chapter. This book overall is a good starting point to focus on specific topics that are vitally important for the world's problems.
November 13, 2025
Great read for a development economics or human rights background with financial thought competencies as the book is based on cost benefit analysis, but it nicely ties into reflections on SDG progress. It felt a bit like a good subsequent read after „the age of sustainabile development“ by Jeffrey Sachs with a few more critical reflections. What I struggled with is deriving action from these broad and far-away examples but the 12 cases presented were fairly tangible and easily relatable for sustainability professionals with social focus.
Read
February 3, 2024Hard to absorb so many stats & numbers but interesting premise.heavy on stats but the idea of focusing efforts instead of the shotgun approach I think has a lot of validity to it. Also, I thought he presentation was thorough, surprising and well though out.
I typically keep 3-4 books, of different kind of non-fiction going at same time so I can fit my mood. Hence the long read time. If you read without trying to memorize and numbers, it can be a fairly quick read.
I typically keep 3-4 books, of different kind of non-fiction going at same time so I can fit my mood. Hence the long read time. If you read without trying to memorize and numbers, it can be a fairly quick read.
August 6, 2024
Interesting discussion! I would love to see a more efficiency-based approach to the world's problems implemented. My only critique is that the author does not sufficiently take into account the cultural barriers to the proposed plans. I think some of them could be implemented without much cultural friction, but some of them are going to be problematic from a cultural perspective, especially the proposal of increased global migration. I'd be interested to read a rebuttal.
November 3, 2024
4.6 ⭐️
Pros--The book presents a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the investments necessary to advance progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first two chapters raise awareness about the current state-of-the-art in achieving SDGs, offering insights into both successes and challenges faced globally. Then, it outlines actionable strategies that can be implemented to enhance efforts toward meeting these goals, all based on CBA. For those unfamiliar with the methodology, this book provides a clear introduction and serves as an excellent reference point for effectively utilizing such frameworks.
Cons-- One significant drawback is the absence of a concluding chapter, which leaves readers in a "so what?" situation. Additionally, while the author establishes a cut-off point of 15 for cost-benefit ratios to determine which investments are worthwhile, this criterion is presented without sufficient explanation.
Pros--The book presents a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the investments necessary to advance progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first two chapters raise awareness about the current state-of-the-art in achieving SDGs, offering insights into both successes and challenges faced globally. Then, it outlines actionable strategies that can be implemented to enhance efforts toward meeting these goals, all based on CBA. For those unfamiliar with the methodology, this book provides a clear introduction and serves as an excellent reference point for effectively utilizing such frameworks.
Cons-- One significant drawback is the absence of a concluding chapter, which leaves readers in a "so what?" situation. Additionally, while the author establishes a cut-off point of 15 for cost-benefit ratios to determine which investments are worthwhile, this criterion is presented without sufficient explanation.
September 17, 2025
Interesting points! I think I would have much preferred this book if I had read it as a physical copy. I listened to the audiobook, which made it difficult to remember statistics, numbers and amounts of money. And sorry to say, but the reader was extremely monotonous and sounded like he was bored of the topic, so it wasn't very motivating to listen to. Lomborg has good ideas and the science seems sound. Hoping decision-makers take at least some of these to heart!
November 5, 2023
This book is (presumably by design) very reassuring to a certain type of reader/policymaker: it purports to demonstrate that the world is not as complex as people may say it is; climate change is not actually a major problem; good development policy does not require systems thinking or policy coherence, stakeholder engagement or even an understanding of other cultures; one can simply ascribe a monetary value to every element of an issue, do some fairly simple maths, and arrive at twelve one-size-fits-all solutions. And, it is heavily implied, anyone who disagrees with the priorities or questions the methodology is either unrealistic or elitist. The author is rather combative in general; he is keen to tell readers why his policies are good, but just as keen to explain why other policies are bad. The SDG bashing throughout the book is partly based on misrepresentation of the SDGs, and even where Lomborg has a point, he goes on and on about it until it all gets very tiring.
Lomborg plays around with numbers in this book - cherry-picking, making strange assumptions, sweeping generalisations - as much as he did in his previous ones - and as a result, his results are thoroughly unreliable (though that is not to say that some of his proposed policies may not be worth pursuing). As Tom Burke wrote in the Guardian in 2004 about Lomborg's work: “The reality is that applying cost-benefit analysis to questions such as these is junk economics. Junk economics done by Nobel laureates is simply distinguished junk economics."
Lomborg plays around with numbers in this book - cherry-picking, making strange assumptions, sweeping generalisations - as much as he did in his previous ones - and as a result, his results are thoroughly unreliable (though that is not to say that some of his proposed policies may not be worth pursuing). As Tom Burke wrote in the Guardian in 2004 about Lomborg's work: “The reality is that applying cost-benefit analysis to questions such as these is junk economics. Junk economics done by Nobel laureates is simply distinguished junk economics."
March 31, 2024
Well organized - clear intent to position the Sustainable Development Goals as both complex, too ambitious and fraught with dysfunction, this book cherry picks the easiest 10-12 goals, explaining why they make the list, how to make an immediate impact, and what that impact will be (a bit hand-wavy). An easy, important read.
January 8, 2026
Me parece un libro “técnico” pero a la vez práctico. El autor nos proporciona una serie de fórmulas básicas para entender cuanto es el retorno de inversión por cada dólar invertido en políticas públicas. El libro nos concientiza sobre la importancia de hacer primero lo más importante, y por ende, darnos los mejores resultados.
Un libro obligatorio para nuestros dirigentes del país.
Un libro obligatorio para nuestros dirigentes del país.
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