‘Client Earth’ book wins Business Book of the Year

A book chronicling the history of ClientEarth’s first ten years has won the Judges’ Choice award at the inaugural Business Book Awards.

Written by founding CEO James Thornton and his husband Martin Goodman, the book charts the journey of the non-profit environmental law group from its inception to the present day.

It was commissioned by ClientEarth’s first grantmakers the McIntosh Foundation.

The authors were touched to learn how Business Book of the Year judges were so inspired by the book they gave this award in the hope that it would get the message to a wider audience.

James said: “The book was both a challenge and a pleasure to write. It took four years of deep contemplation and diligent work to distil ClientEarth’s past work and future potential into its pages. We hope now that readers will find Client Earth a pleasure to read, as well as challenging them to take a positive, hopeful and active approach to protecting our planet and all who sail on her.

“Martin and I are delighted with this award because it’s a testament to the books application. This is not a memoir; it’s a call to action to use the law for the good of all.”

The Business Book Award is the latest in a series of plaudits for the publication. Sir Jonathan Porritt has called Client Earth ‘inspirational’, while the Guardian described “a hopeful book about the environment and a page-turner about the law.”

In his foreword, ClientEarth trustee Brian Eno says: “Once something becomes law, it becomes actionable and enforceable. Shortly afterwards, it becomes common sense. It becomes possible for a small group of people like ClientEarth to use existing legal structures to trigger big changes. The task is pretty daunting, but the rewards are huge.”