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Client Earth
Client Earth
336 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2017
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345 people want to read
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December 5, 2017
‘Client Earth’ is an unusual nonfiction book about environmentalism, not really what I expected. It was written by the man who began the legal organisation Client Earth, James Thorton, and his long term romantic partner, Martin Goodman. They trade off chapters, although Goodman’s are much longer. As far as I can tell, the intended audience for the book is unfamiliar with environmental law and uninterested in its technicalities. Thus the style is anecdotal and journalistic, full of interview quotations. I studied environmental law as part of my undergraduate and masters degrees and thus was hoping for something a bit more substantive. It was undoubtedly interesting to read about the genesis of Client Earth and some of its successes across the world, forcing the implementation of laws to protect fisheries, prevent the development of new coal power stations, and stop logging. However, I would have liked more detail and also found the verging-on-hagiographic style slightly awkward. You can’t please everyone, of course, and making a book accessible in order to reach a wider audience is laudable.
What I found very striking, and concerning, were the repeated scenes in which Thorton went to rich people and begged them for money. This was dressed up more elegantly, but that’s what it amounted to. While Client Earth’s work is undoubtedly valuable, this book really does show what moral compromises it requires. The lawyers working for Client Earth all seem to have previously done a very well paid stint in corporate law, defending the type of organisations they now hold to account. Funding the group requires Thorton to mix with billionaires, flatter their intelligence, and convince them to spend some tiny portion of their wealth on protecting the environment. The book makes clear that this expertise and money is then used to make positive changes that benefit everyone. Personally, I couldn’t do any of this. I don’t think anyone should possess anywhere near a billion dollars in wealth. Those who do are parasites and I don’t know how they live with themselves. If they truly believed in philanthropy, they would give away the vast majority of their money, rather than larking about on yachts feeling smug that they spent a few hundred thousand on an environmental NGO. It isn’t only morally reprehensible that they hoard wealth while so many live in poverty. The super-rich both have a disproportionate personal impact on the environment and prop up the very economic system that is destroying biodiversity, polluting the soil, water, and air, as well as destabilising the climate. They ARE the problem. Likewise, I couldn’t work long hours as a corporate lawyer, even if I thought it would achieve something positive in the long term. To me, making the richest people in the world even richer is not worth getting up in the morning for. I appreciate that those who can do some good, but I’m too angry and lazy for that. I would struggle to be anything other than contemptuous of huge corporations and the super-rich people in control of them.
‘Client Earth’ is certainly worth reading and its message that NGOs are needed to ensure environmental laws get enforced is a valuable one. However I think it goes too far in evangelising this approach to environmentalism. Moreover, how can such organisations function in Trump’s America, where the rule of law is being eroded from the top? And how long can they continue to walk the line between the interests of the super-rich who fund them and the destitute victims of environmental disasters? Perhaps the most revealing moment in the book is when Thornton fails to convince pension fund managers to take climate change into account in their long-term investment decisions. While they may accept it as a risk, they believe there is more profit to be had in letting it happen: disaster capitalism in action. Here the law is clearly not useful and some more significant structural change is required. I wondered about global insurance companies, though. They went unmentioned, but are already taking massive financial hits from the growing frequency of extreme weather events. That’s an economic incentive, though, rather than a legal one.
The chapter on China is also notable in a different way, as Thorton seems remarkably positive about its allegedly burgeoning rule of law and ‘ecological civilisation’ concept. This reminded me of Maonomics: Why Chinese Communists Make Better Capitalists Than We Do and begs the same questions about what Chinese communism really is in the 21st century. I’m not convinced that Westerners can form much of a view on that from a few visits. This chapter also ignored why China has created such a hideous pollution problem over the past thirty odd years: to export goods to the developed world. Europe and America are heavily complicit in China’s carbon and noxious emissions. If China cleans up its industries, the Kuznets curve and past history suggest that they will move somewhere else with less environmental protection, in pursuit of lower costs. Law can only do so much in a neoliberal world. While Client Earth have achieved some impressive successes, I think their confidence that enforcing the law will save the world is a little misplaced. Ultimately, climate change and capitalism conflict on a global level and there is no global court with the standing to arbitrate. On the other hand, 'Client Earth' contains a welcome absence of technological utopianism and 'The Judgement of Paris' is an excellent chapter title.
What I found very striking, and concerning, were the repeated scenes in which Thorton went to rich people and begged them for money. This was dressed up more elegantly, but that’s what it amounted to. While Client Earth’s work is undoubtedly valuable, this book really does show what moral compromises it requires. The lawyers working for Client Earth all seem to have previously done a very well paid stint in corporate law, defending the type of organisations they now hold to account. Funding the group requires Thorton to mix with billionaires, flatter their intelligence, and convince them to spend some tiny portion of their wealth on protecting the environment. The book makes clear that this expertise and money is then used to make positive changes that benefit everyone. Personally, I couldn’t do any of this. I don’t think anyone should possess anywhere near a billion dollars in wealth. Those who do are parasites and I don’t know how they live with themselves. If they truly believed in philanthropy, they would give away the vast majority of their money, rather than larking about on yachts feeling smug that they spent a few hundred thousand on an environmental NGO. It isn’t only morally reprehensible that they hoard wealth while so many live in poverty. The super-rich both have a disproportionate personal impact on the environment and prop up the very economic system that is destroying biodiversity, polluting the soil, water, and air, as well as destabilising the climate. They ARE the problem. Likewise, I couldn’t work long hours as a corporate lawyer, even if I thought it would achieve something positive in the long term. To me, making the richest people in the world even richer is not worth getting up in the morning for. I appreciate that those who can do some good, but I’m too angry and lazy for that. I would struggle to be anything other than contemptuous of huge corporations and the super-rich people in control of them.
‘Client Earth’ is certainly worth reading and its message that NGOs are needed to ensure environmental laws get enforced is a valuable one. However I think it goes too far in evangelising this approach to environmentalism. Moreover, how can such organisations function in Trump’s America, where the rule of law is being eroded from the top? And how long can they continue to walk the line between the interests of the super-rich who fund them and the destitute victims of environmental disasters? Perhaps the most revealing moment in the book is when Thornton fails to convince pension fund managers to take climate change into account in their long-term investment decisions. While they may accept it as a risk, they believe there is more profit to be had in letting it happen: disaster capitalism in action. Here the law is clearly not useful and some more significant structural change is required. I wondered about global insurance companies, though. They went unmentioned, but are already taking massive financial hits from the growing frequency of extreme weather events. That’s an economic incentive, though, rather than a legal one.
The chapter on China is also notable in a different way, as Thorton seems remarkably positive about its allegedly burgeoning rule of law and ‘ecological civilisation’ concept. This reminded me of Maonomics: Why Chinese Communists Make Better Capitalists Than We Do and begs the same questions about what Chinese communism really is in the 21st century. I’m not convinced that Westerners can form much of a view on that from a few visits. This chapter also ignored why China has created such a hideous pollution problem over the past thirty odd years: to export goods to the developed world. Europe and America are heavily complicit in China’s carbon and noxious emissions. If China cleans up its industries, the Kuznets curve and past history suggest that they will move somewhere else with less environmental protection, in pursuit of lower costs. Law can only do so much in a neoliberal world. While Client Earth have achieved some impressive successes, I think their confidence that enforcing the law will save the world is a little misplaced. Ultimately, climate change and capitalism conflict on a global level and there is no global court with the standing to arbitrate. On the other hand, 'Client Earth' contains a welcome absence of technological utopianism and 'The Judgement of Paris' is an excellent chapter title.
February 14, 2018
This book took a while to get into. I greatly admire James Thornton and all he has done to hold governments to account on behalf of Planet Earth. However, the majority of the book is written by his partner and I found the first couple of chapters a bit odd and difficult to read as they seemed a bit over the top in pointing out how marvellous James Thornton is.
Get past that and it is an interesting read, going through the processes and thoughts of James as he set about using the law of a country or region to push governments into more responsible behaviour. I particularly found the comparisons between the US and Europe interesting as we often have the blinkered view that Europe has higher standards of environmental protection than the US. This books shows how this is often not the case.
Definitely one to read if only to find out more about the thinking of one of the unsung heroes of this century.
Get past that and it is an interesting read, going through the processes and thoughts of James as he set about using the law of a country or region to push governments into more responsible behaviour. I particularly found the comparisons between the US and Europe interesting as we often have the blinkered view that Europe has higher standards of environmental protection than the US. This books shows how this is often not the case.
Definitely one to read if only to find out more about the thinking of one of the unsung heroes of this century.
Read
April 10, 2019When compassion for life on Earth, or call it fury at the everyday and casual destruction of our stunning biosphere, when these two powers are honed by these exceptional environmental lawyers to a fierce and fine point, change happens, and the world is a better place for it. Humanity's grace and dignity are restored each time a case is successfully brought and won — it is truly a global battle fought between the mindless proponents of tragedy, and the (sometimes extremely) courageous proponents of hope. Read this book.
Emily Young
This excellent book shows how it is possible to use the law to hold politicians to the promises that they make when they sign agreements on environmental and climate change.
Peter Wadhams, Professor of Ocean Physics, University of Cambridge
The story of Client Earth – and of its charismatic Founder, James Thornton – is truly inspirational. His only client is our battered, abused planet, and his favoured arsenal is the rule of law in defense of public interest. The hard-fought victories that you’ll hear about are all important, but more important still are the vision, values and gritty dedication of an amazing group of lawyers and campaigners to whom we owe a very great deal.
Jonathon Porritt
This book is an inspiration for those of us trying to build a sustainable future – and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to know how and why we must deploy and enforce the law in the fight against ecological destruction.
Caroline Lucas
Can lawyers save the planet? Musty court rooms may be less romantic than hugging trees and less dramatic than accosting whalers on the high seas, but the answer may be yes. And guess what, lawyers can hug trees and have a lyrical turn of phrase, too.
Fred Pearce
Client Earth have been pioneers in using the tool of environmental legislation to tackle the modern scourge of air pollution. This is the story of how they're doing it.
Ed Miliband
[A] great book about how to save the planet using the long arm of the law.
Coldplay
An inspiring read. It shows how the law is not just within the gift of the authorities to wield. Engaged citizens can do it too.
E&T
A hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law.
The Guardian
The book is inspirational in a hard headed, let's go to work-and-get-real-results sort of way … There's a global vision. It's quietly amazing. One of the more significant books of the year.
Oxford Today
When Ronald Reagan appointed Anne Gorsuch (mother of the newest Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch) to head the EPA, he asked if she was willing to ‘bring it to its knees’. She slashed its budget and, as the New York Times put it, ‘sabotaged the agency’s enforcement effort’. In response, James Thornton, a crusading lawyer, brought private actions to hold polluters to account. In 1982, while the EPA brought 14 cases against industries under the Clean Water Act, Thornton brought sixty.
Frederick Wilmot-Smith
Anyone with an interest in environmental activism and environmental law will take pleasure in this vigorous account of justice in the making.
Kirkus
Emily Young
This excellent book shows how it is possible to use the law to hold politicians to the promises that they make when they sign agreements on environmental and climate change.
Peter Wadhams, Professor of Ocean Physics, University of Cambridge
The story of Client Earth – and of its charismatic Founder, James Thornton – is truly inspirational. His only client is our battered, abused planet, and his favoured arsenal is the rule of law in defense of public interest. The hard-fought victories that you’ll hear about are all important, but more important still are the vision, values and gritty dedication of an amazing group of lawyers and campaigners to whom we owe a very great deal.
Jonathon Porritt
This book is an inspiration for those of us trying to build a sustainable future – and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to know how and why we must deploy and enforce the law in the fight against ecological destruction.
Caroline Lucas
Can lawyers save the planet? Musty court rooms may be less romantic than hugging trees and less dramatic than accosting whalers on the high seas, but the answer may be yes. And guess what, lawyers can hug trees and have a lyrical turn of phrase, too.
Fred Pearce
Client Earth have been pioneers in using the tool of environmental legislation to tackle the modern scourge of air pollution. This is the story of how they're doing it.
Ed Miliband
[A] great book about how to save the planet using the long arm of the law.
Coldplay
An inspiring read. It shows how the law is not just within the gift of the authorities to wield. Engaged citizens can do it too.
E&T
A hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law.
The Guardian
The book is inspirational in a hard headed, let's go to work-and-get-real-results sort of way … There's a global vision. It's quietly amazing. One of the more significant books of the year.
Oxford Today
When Ronald Reagan appointed Anne Gorsuch (mother of the newest Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch) to head the EPA, he asked if she was willing to ‘bring it to its knees’. She slashed its budget and, as the New York Times put it, ‘sabotaged the agency’s enforcement effort’. In response, James Thornton, a crusading lawyer, brought private actions to hold polluters to account. In 1982, while the EPA brought 14 cases against industries under the Clean Water Act, Thornton brought sixty.
Frederick Wilmot-Smith
Anyone with an interest in environmental activism and environmental law will take pleasure in this vigorous account of justice in the making.
Kirkus
July 22, 2017
Some of my best friends over the years have been lawyers – although, come to think of it, not that many – but I have always had a mistrust of the role of the courts in conservation and environmental matters. But over the last few years, in a time when government has no intention of doing good, then I’ve thought that we should use the courts a lot more.
This book, written by the lawyer founder of the public interest law firm Client Earth (Thornton), and an author (Goodman), makes a strong case for the use of the law in protecting the planet.
The foreword by Brian Eno is an eye-opener in itself: well-written, well-argued and inspirational.
Client Earth, the law firm, has had success in recent months over air quality, or distinct and dangerous lack of quality, in the English courts. Some of that story is told in Chapter 5 – An Air that Kills.
The case is made here, that the law is what holds human society together, not good will, or our wish to work together, or care for each other, but a set of rules that protect us all from us all. And the authors argue that the environmental health of our air, land and water needs the same sort of approach, and that’s why the book, and the law firm, are called Client Earth.
Let’s just imagine that we continue to have the same ecologically destructive and uncaring bunch of politicians in Westminster after 8 June as we have had since 2010, and with an even bigger majority – our wildlife NGOs are going to look even more irrelevant than they do at the moment. Wildlife NGOs are still appealing to the common sense and better nature of our government to halt environmental degradation and destruction and it just hasn’t worked. We will need tough bright people to take on the government when it fails, as it will, to do what it should. Maybe we should close down the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, and a bunch of others, for the next five years and put the resources saved into legal action? Perhaps we should go back to 1970, and the phrase of another US lawyer and environmentalist, Victor Yannacone, and ‘Sue the Bastards!’.
The law is a strange land – my experience of it has been that a lot of what happens there makes sense but some of it doesn’t at all. And hiring lawyers is expensive and uncomfortable for normal people. Not only does it seem to cost an arm and a leg, but you also seem to do most of the work while the lawyers make ridiculous demands on your time (when you are paying them!). My much-preferred route to save nature is through popular will, through a movement of like-minded people expressing their will and changing the system, but in these times, we may need to pay the equivalent of skilled hit-men to win battles for us.
This book is different from any I’ve read and was thus very stimulating. It is a good read and the messages are put across with true stories that are well told. I recommend it as a thoughtful read. And it may be that it carries messages that are particularly pertinent to our times and our predicament.
This review first appeared on Mark Avery's blog on 14 May 2017 www.markavery.info/blog/
This book, written by the lawyer founder of the public interest law firm Client Earth (Thornton), and an author (Goodman), makes a strong case for the use of the law in protecting the planet.
The foreword by Brian Eno is an eye-opener in itself: well-written, well-argued and inspirational.
Client Earth, the law firm, has had success in recent months over air quality, or distinct and dangerous lack of quality, in the English courts. Some of that story is told in Chapter 5 – An Air that Kills.
The case is made here, that the law is what holds human society together, not good will, or our wish to work together, or care for each other, but a set of rules that protect us all from us all. And the authors argue that the environmental health of our air, land and water needs the same sort of approach, and that’s why the book, and the law firm, are called Client Earth.
Let’s just imagine that we continue to have the same ecologically destructive and uncaring bunch of politicians in Westminster after 8 June as we have had since 2010, and with an even bigger majority – our wildlife NGOs are going to look even more irrelevant than they do at the moment. Wildlife NGOs are still appealing to the common sense and better nature of our government to halt environmental degradation and destruction and it just hasn’t worked. We will need tough bright people to take on the government when it fails, as it will, to do what it should. Maybe we should close down the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, and a bunch of others, for the next five years and put the resources saved into legal action? Perhaps we should go back to 1970, and the phrase of another US lawyer and environmentalist, Victor Yannacone, and ‘Sue the Bastards!’.
The law is a strange land – my experience of it has been that a lot of what happens there makes sense but some of it doesn’t at all. And hiring lawyers is expensive and uncomfortable for normal people. Not only does it seem to cost an arm and a leg, but you also seem to do most of the work while the lawyers make ridiculous demands on your time (when you are paying them!). My much-preferred route to save nature is through popular will, through a movement of like-minded people expressing their will and changing the system, but in these times, we may need to pay the equivalent of skilled hit-men to win battles for us.
This book is different from any I’ve read and was thus very stimulating. It is a good read and the messages are put across with true stories that are well told. I recommend it as a thoughtful read. And it may be that it carries messages that are particularly pertinent to our times and our predicament.
This review first appeared on Mark Avery's blog on 14 May 2017 www.markavery.info/blog/
August 13, 2017
James Thornton believes that only good laws strongly enforced can save our planet. I would not usually read a book about legal issues but this is a fascinating and inspirational analysis of the dangers of air pollution and climate change and what we can still do. The books is interestingly structured: sections of interviews with prominent campaigners by the author Martin Goodman alternate with James's brief and passionate essays about his achievements around the world. The descriptions of his work in China are particularly interesting.
April 26, 2021
This is the story of Client Earth, the charity that brought environmental lawyers into the mainstream in the UK and Europe and beyond.
The USA has a long tradition of activist environmental lawyers, but for many reasons (as explained in this book) this hasn't really been the case in the UK or the rest of Europe.
This book outlines how Client Earth was started by James Thornton, from his early vision
'Earth Day was too too feel good for him, too emotional a response to an urgent need. The earth was in urgent need of practical action, not a group hug.'
The book is full of examples of how using the law as a tool has secured environmental successes across the world from cleaning up Chesapeake Bay to enforcing the European Union Air Quality Directive, from training judges and lawyers in China in environmental law to helping local community groups in Ghana to use legal approaches to protect forests.
Throughout the book, Thornton (who works for Client Earth) and Goodman (the main author) underline and emphasize that good laws are not enough to protect the earth. The laws need to be effectively enforced if they have any hope of being taken seriously and of having any effect.
The Earth needs lawyers working to protect wildlife, prevent pollution and to catch and punish those who damage the environment - only this way can we hope to defeat the corporate interests that would destroy the earth.
Client Earth focuses both on wildlife and biodiversity and on environmental issues such as climate change and pollution, bringing the two aspects of the current crisis together in a way that is too often overlooked.
Client Earth by James Thornton and Martin Goodman published by Scribe Publications.
The USA has a long tradition of activist environmental lawyers, but for many reasons (as explained in this book) this hasn't really been the case in the UK or the rest of Europe.
This book outlines how Client Earth was started by James Thornton, from his early vision
'Earth Day was too too feel good for him, too emotional a response to an urgent need. The earth was in urgent need of practical action, not a group hug.'
The book is full of examples of how using the law as a tool has secured environmental successes across the world from cleaning up Chesapeake Bay to enforcing the European Union Air Quality Directive, from training judges and lawyers in China in environmental law to helping local community groups in Ghana to use legal approaches to protect forests.
Throughout the book, Thornton (who works for Client Earth) and Goodman (the main author) underline and emphasize that good laws are not enough to protect the earth. The laws need to be effectively enforced if they have any hope of being taken seriously and of having any effect.
The Earth needs lawyers working to protect wildlife, prevent pollution and to catch and punish those who damage the environment - only this way can we hope to defeat the corporate interests that would destroy the earth.
Client Earth focuses both on wildlife and biodiversity and on environmental issues such as climate change and pollution, bringing the two aspects of the current crisis together in a way that is too often overlooked.
Client Earth by James Thornton and Martin Goodman published by Scribe Publications.
January 14, 2018
Are you interested in environment issues? But felt that helpless and that everything is going to shit due to the overload of environmental bad news, read in the media? I know I have and reading Client Earth gave me hope. This book explores not only the history of this law firms work, but also how, if you wished, you could go something about enforcing laws, created to protect our shared environment. Corporations have got away with to much for to long by lazy administrations, in USA, Europe and Australia. It also explores what China is doing to clean up its act. An encouraging and exciting read.
December 7, 2023
I found this to be an exceptionally bold, brave and inspiring account of how the law can be used to try and fight for a better world. Well done Client Earth - it's an upside down world that needs lawyers to try and stop its destruction, and ascribes more rights to corporations than pristine ecosystems and the people who live in them.
January 2, 2024
This book manages to sing praises for being a lawyer for Earth. This will be a shining example of "meaningful work" for me. You get a front row seat view into how to change the system from the inside. It's a long process, but you see the sustainable fishing, the green air quality zones in large European cities, the prevention of creating new coal power plants, China building an "ecological civilization". So you can't help, but be hopeful for the future.
You know how the cover of the book is usually filled with meaningless review-oneliners which really is just a marketdroid-speak, not a review. But in this case I really like the quote from The Guardian: "A hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law." I mean, really! I would not have guessed a book about law to be such a fascinating read. Well, seems year 2024 is about to be an interesting reading year.
This book introduces one of these heavy lifters over the decades of which I knew nothing about. I'm very grateful for their continued pressure from the side of law all over the world. From inside the system. This is the story of ClientEarth.
There are multiple year spanning campaigns, but also you get a fun description of the actual scientific studies that for example measured the horrible diesel exhausts of Oxford Street vs nice greenery of the Hyde Park in London. Comparative study with healthy lungs vs people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - no significant difference, the diesel was toxic and unhealthy for both. Not surprising, but these studies needed to be performed to stop the toxic old industry.
I think not enough attention is brought on the fact that fossil fuel vehicles are causing actual health problems and actually killing people. A King's College survey of 2010 estimated 9500 annual deaths from air pollution occur in London. 2014 survey estimated 60,000 deaths annually from Particulate Matter and NO2 in the inner cities of Britain.
It was eye opening to read about the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive existing for years, but the governments just simply ignored it. Really. There was an actual law, but the entire country just ignored it. Well, multiple countries in EU. When a citizen ignores a law, they are a criminal. The Courts will fine them or put them into jail. But who sues the government? That is the important work NGOs and organizations like ClientEarth need to push.
You know how the cover of the book is usually filled with meaningless review-oneliners which really is just a marketdroid-speak, not a review. But in this case I really like the quote from The Guardian: "A hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law." I mean, really! I would not have guessed a book about law to be such a fascinating read. Well, seems year 2024 is about to be an interesting reading year.
This book introduces one of these heavy lifters over the decades of which I knew nothing about. I'm very grateful for their continued pressure from the side of law all over the world. From inside the system. This is the story of ClientEarth.
There are multiple year spanning campaigns, but also you get a fun description of the actual scientific studies that for example measured the horrible diesel exhausts of Oxford Street vs nice greenery of the Hyde Park in London. Comparative study with healthy lungs vs people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - no significant difference, the diesel was toxic and unhealthy for both. Not surprising, but these studies needed to be performed to stop the toxic old industry.
The new breed of air pollution is more insidious: it streams invisibly from diesel exhaust as the toxic gas nitrogen dioxide, which boosts levels of ground level ozone or it is spewed as fine particulate matter.
I think not enough attention is brought on the fact that fossil fuel vehicles are causing actual health problems and actually killing people. A King's College survey of 2010 estimated 9500 annual deaths from air pollution occur in London. 2014 survey estimated 60,000 deaths annually from Particulate Matter and NO2 in the inner cities of Britain.
Fresh evidence links air pollution to new onset type 2 diabetes in adults, obesity, and dementia. It stunts neural development in children and blocks their lungs from growing to full capacity and so leaves them prone to asthma. The European Commission has estimated the total annual health related external costs of air pollution to be in the range of €330-940 billion.
It was eye opening to read about the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive existing for years, but the governments just simply ignored it. Really. There was an actual law, but the entire country just ignored it. Well, multiple countries in EU. When a citizen ignores a law, they are a criminal. The Courts will fine them or put them into jail. But who sues the government? That is the important work NGOs and organizations like ClientEarth need to push.
As Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, James Hansen told the US Congress that humans' release of greenhouse gases had triggered a process of long term planetary warming. He 'noted that global warming enhanced both extremes of the water cycle, meaning stronger droughts and forest fires, on the one hand, but also heavier rains and floots'. That speech of June 23, 1988 can be etched into the calendar of human civilization as an epochal date: from that moment, humans were no longer simply liable for global warming; they were complicit. Some might act out of denial, but no one could act from ignorance anymore.
Evidence continued to amass. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its first report in 1990, to reveal an overwhelming scientific consensus around similar findings. 'It is hard not to find the prime villain of the piece,' writes Dieter Helm in The Carbon Crunch. 'It is the burning of fossil fuels - almost everyone knows this. What is less appreciated is that all fossil fuels are not equally bad and, of these, coal bears the lion's share of responsibility. Coal is worse than oil, and much worse than gas.'
The play was to stop a major wave of coal. At the turn of 2007 to 2008, we had to take on 112 new proposed coal plants across Europe. At the time, there were 20 already under construction. It's a real threat. ClientEarth was instrumental in the UK and other parts of Europe, especially Poland. In the end, only three of those projects, maybe four, have broken ground.
December 27, 2018
The career of James Thornton is a remarkable one and learning about it in-depth was the highlight of this book. Discovering the development of the unprecedented legal work accomplished by ClientEarth was also fascinating and inspiring, particularly to an aspiring legal practitioner. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the intersection between environment and law, in particular those considering these issues within a European backdrop.
The substance of the book merits 5 *s. However, I'll admit I was a little put off by the penmanship of Martin Goodman - Thornton's partner - who regrettably spills an unnecessary amount of ink on frivolous details, namely his "fancy shoes" or what fine-dining him and his guests are indulging in. This seemed to detract from the virtue of the story. Indeed, such emphasis on material values came across as strongly at odds with the overriding message of championing sustainability... Hence, 4 *s.
Regardless, both Goodman and Thornton should be strongly commended in their work and passion, and I will eagerly be following ClientEarth's next moves.
The substance of the book merits 5 *s. However, I'll admit I was a little put off by the penmanship of Martin Goodman - Thornton's partner - who regrettably spills an unnecessary amount of ink on frivolous details, namely his "fancy shoes" or what fine-dining him and his guests are indulging in. This seemed to detract from the virtue of the story. Indeed, such emphasis on material values came across as strongly at odds with the overriding message of championing sustainability... Hence, 4 *s.
Regardless, both Goodman and Thornton should be strongly commended in their work and passion, and I will eagerly be following ClientEarth's next moves.
April 28, 2018
This book was a great education on an alternative (to me) strategy for protecting the environment that keeps us alive. Wonderfully written history of the Client Earth work where lawyers trained in environmental law ensure that such laws are properly enforced (often embarassing governments into fulfulling their proper role) or ensuring that laws are written that will protect the environment. Client Earth takes on governments and big business and seems to win big time. This book outlines a far more optimistic straegy than those pursued by the 'green movement'. There are many lessons there. ‘We sign such international treaties, it’s what one does to be neighbourly, they represent a jolly good ideal, and then we go home and forget about it.'
February 3, 2025
DNF (got over half way, 170 pages in): I love to follow the work of Client Earth and so I enjoyed reading about James Thornton’s work in America and how this lead him to create Client Earth and his move to Europe.
However, I unfortunately found the book’s pacing to be confusing. The topics do not seem to be organised in the best way imo, and the switching of dialogues each chapter did not work for me as it interrupted the flow.
I also felt that it was not as concise as it could have been, and the topics discussed change often. I would have liked fewer anecdotes and more detailed stories. Maybe I’ll read it again in future and rank it higher, but for now I’m setting it down.
However, I unfortunately found the book’s pacing to be confusing. The topics do not seem to be organised in the best way imo, and the switching of dialogues each chapter did not work for me as it interrupted the flow.
I also felt that it was not as concise as it could have been, and the topics discussed change often. I would have liked fewer anecdotes and more detailed stories. Maybe I’ll read it again in future and rank it higher, but for now I’m setting it down.
May 21, 2020
I hadn’t heard of ClientEarth until my sister bought me this book, but it is a truly unique organisation and its history and mission are compellingly outlined in this book.
Focussing on the ‘enforcement deficit’ (whereby excellent laws are passed, but not effectively enforced) the book details how the law can be a hugely effective tool for instigating real change to protect the environment.
Overall a really good read, but I have to say that I enjoyed James Thornton’s chapters slightly more and I was disappointed that his writing was not more present in the book.
Focussing on the ‘enforcement deficit’ (whereby excellent laws are passed, but not effectively enforced) the book details how the law can be a hugely effective tool for instigating real change to protect the environment.
Overall a really good read, but I have to say that I enjoyed James Thornton’s chapters slightly more and I was disappointed that his writing was not more present in the book.
November 13, 2025
Well-meaning, but too self-congratulatory and naive; and maybe a little cynical, or at best misguided, in its motivations. Despite this, parts of this are sufficiently interesting, if not particularly revelatory, which make this just about worth a read.
Quite possibly I'm not the intended audience. For a young or aspiring lawyer considering practising more typical or corporate law paths, this may be more eye-opening and inspiring. For others who are already well informed on or active in environmental issues or activism, this is non-essential.
Quite possibly I'm not the intended audience. For a young or aspiring lawyer considering practising more typical or corporate law paths, this may be more eye-opening and inspiring. For others who are already well informed on or active in environmental issues or activism, this is non-essential.
January 29, 2018
After seeing a talk by James and Martin I ran to buy this book, inspired by the amazing work Client Earth has accomplished. Unfortunately reading the book was nowhere near as thrilling as hearing stories directly from them.
The book feels disjointed, sometimes chronologically confusing and other times just a bit slow. Probably interesting for readers who want to learn more about the ins and outs of environmental law and already have some legal background. I enjoyed reading about the beginnings of Client Earth but was hoping this book would be more of a call to arms for similar initiatives.
The book feels disjointed, sometimes chronologically confusing and other times just a bit slow. Probably interesting for readers who want to learn more about the ins and outs of environmental law and already have some legal background. I enjoyed reading about the beginnings of Client Earth but was hoping this book would be more of a call to arms for similar initiatives.
July 2, 2018
Given that there is not a lot written about environmental law, this is an important book. The authors give an insight into its function and barriers around the world, a perspective that few people would have. It is a little slow to begin with, but my interest deepened as the book progressed. Strongly recommend this to those who are cynical about our progress towards sustainability. There are people working hard in this area, and making headway.
March 13, 2019
An engaging exploration of how we can use the law in the environmental movement to hold companies and governments to the standards that we need them to hold. It follows James Thornton's journey from fighting water pollution from pig farms in America, through to coal power stations in Poland and logging in Africa.
August 9, 2025
How can this man, the author, justify to be a charity and have paid himself £232,000 as salary. A charity getting money from others. So disappointing learning about this. It is a scandal. I don't find this book inspirational. It is a business.
January 2, 2018
Odd book. I liked the idea, and I think the work they are doing is important - but what a weird bunch of people.
September 1, 2020
Inspiring
Do you want to know more abour Client Earth, its creation and great work? This is great place to start.
Do you want to know more abour Client Earth, its creation and great work? This is great place to start.
December 14, 2024
wonderful book
July 28, 2025
boring and overly self-congratulatory
Read
April 10, 2019The story of ClientEarth– and of its charismatic Founder, James Thornton – is truly inspirational. His only client is our battered, abused planet, and his favoured arsenal is the rule of law in defense of public interest. The hard-fought victories that you’ll hear about are all important, but more important still are the vision, values and gritty dedication of an amazing group of lawyers and campaigners to whom we owe a very great deal.
Jonathan Porrit
Client Earth provides a tantalizing glimpse of how a variety of strategies can converge to create a global environmental effort.
Nature
Humanity's grace and dignity are restored each time a case is successfully brought and won … by these exceptional environmental lawyers.
This excellent book shows how it is possible to use the law to hold politicians to the promises that they make when they sign agreements on environmental and climate change.
Peter Wadhams, Professor of Ocean Physics, University of Cambridge
This book is an inspiration for those of us trying to build a sustainable future – and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to know how and why we must deploy and enforce the law in the fight against ecological destruction.
Caroline Lucas
Can lawyers save the planet? Musty court rooms may be less romantic than hugging trees and less dramatic than accosting whalers on the high seas, but the answer may be yes. And guess what, lawyers can hug trees and have a lyrical turn of phrase, too.
Fred Pearce
ClientEarth have been pioneers in using the tool of environmental legislation to tackle the modern scourge of air pollution. This is the story of how they're doing it.
Ed Miliband
[A] great book about how to save the planet using the long arm of the law.
Coldplay
An inspiring read. It shows how the law is not just within the gift of the authorities to wield. Engaged citizens can do it too.
E&T
A hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law.
The Guardian
The book is inspirational in a hard headed, let’s go to work-and-get-real-results sort of way … There’s a global vision. It's quietly amazing. One of the more significant books of the year.
Oxford Today
When Ronald Reagan appointed Anne Gorsuch (mother of the newest Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch) to head the EPA, he asked if she was willing to ‘bring it to its knees’. She slashed its budget and, as the New York Times put it, ‘sabotaged the agency’s enforcement effort’. In response, James Thornton, a crusading lawyer, brought private actions to hold polluters to account. In 1982, while the EPA brought 14 cases against industries under the Clean Water Act, Thornton brought sixty.
Frederick Wilmot-Smith
Anyone with an interest in environmental activism and environmental law will take pleasure in this vigorous account of justice in the making.
Kirkus
Jonathan Porrit
Client Earth provides a tantalizing glimpse of how a variety of strategies can converge to create a global environmental effort.
Nature
Humanity's grace and dignity are restored each time a case is successfully brought and won … by these exceptional environmental lawyers.
This excellent book shows how it is possible to use the law to hold politicians to the promises that they make when they sign agreements on environmental and climate change.
Peter Wadhams, Professor of Ocean Physics, University of Cambridge
This book is an inspiration for those of us trying to build a sustainable future – and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to know how and why we must deploy and enforce the law in the fight against ecological destruction.
Caroline Lucas
Can lawyers save the planet? Musty court rooms may be less romantic than hugging trees and less dramatic than accosting whalers on the high seas, but the answer may be yes. And guess what, lawyers can hug trees and have a lyrical turn of phrase, too.
Fred Pearce
ClientEarth have been pioneers in using the tool of environmental legislation to tackle the modern scourge of air pollution. This is the story of how they're doing it.
Ed Miliband
[A] great book about how to save the planet using the long arm of the law.
Coldplay
An inspiring read. It shows how the law is not just within the gift of the authorities to wield. Engaged citizens can do it too.
E&T
A hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law.
The Guardian
The book is inspirational in a hard headed, let’s go to work-and-get-real-results sort of way … There’s a global vision. It's quietly amazing. One of the more significant books of the year.
Oxford Today
When Ronald Reagan appointed Anne Gorsuch (mother of the newest Supreme Court justice, Neil Gorsuch) to head the EPA, he asked if she was willing to ‘bring it to its knees’. She slashed its budget and, as the New York Times put it, ‘sabotaged the agency’s enforcement effort’. In response, James Thornton, a crusading lawyer, brought private actions to hold polluters to account. In 1982, while the EPA brought 14 cases against industries under the Clean Water Act, Thornton brought sixty.
Frederick Wilmot-Smith
Anyone with an interest in environmental activism and environmental law will take pleasure in this vigorous account of justice in the making.
Kirkus
June 17, 2020
A great insight into the use of environmental law in the public interest to hold governments and businesses to account, based around the work of the organisation Client Earth who quite literally use the law to protect their client ‘the Earth’.
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