From the coauthor of theNew York TimesbestsellerThe Second Machine Age, a compelling argumentmasterfully researched and brilliantly articulatedthat we have at last learned how to increase human prosperity while treading more lightly on our planet.

Throughout history, the only way for humanity to grow was by degrading the Earth: chopping down forests, fouling the air and water, and endlessly digging out resources. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, the reigning argument has been that taking better care of the planet means radically changing course: reducing our consumption, tightening our belts, learning to share and reuse, restraining growth. Is that argument correct?

Absolutelynot. InMore from Less,McAfee argues that to solve our ecological problems we dont need to make radical changes. Instead, we need to do more of what were already doing: growing technologically sophisticated market-based economies around the world.

How can he possibly make this claim? Because of the evidence. Americaa large, high-tech country that accounts for about 25% of the global economyis now generally usinglessof most resources year after year, even as its economy and population continue to grow. Whats more, the US is polluting the air and water less, emitting fewer greenhouse gases, and replenishing endangered animal populations. And, as McAfee shows, America is not alone. Other countries are also transforming themselves in fundamental ways.

What has made this turnabout possible? One thing, primarily: the collaboration between technology and capitalism, although good governance and public awareness have also been critical. McAfee does warn of issues that havent been solved, like global warming, overfishing, and communities left behind as capitalism and tech progress race forward. But overall,More from Lessis a revelatory, paradigm-shifting account of how weve stumbled into an unexpectedly better balance with natureone that holds out the promise of more abundant and greener centuries ahead.