Follow David Boyd on his Cross-Canada Whistle-stop Tour!

David R. Boyd is a lawyer, professor, and leading expert on environmental law and policy. He is also the award-winning author of seven books and more than 100 articles. He lives on Pender Island, BC. From September 15th to November 25th, he'll be travelling from coast to coast to talk about his new book, The Optimistic Environmentalist. 

The Optimistic Environmentalist: Progressing Towards a Greener Future

A hopeful, inspiring, and honest take on the environment

Yes, the world faces substantial environmental challenges — climate change, pollution, and extinction. But the surprisingly good news is that we have solutions to these problems. In the past 50 years, a remarkable number of environmental problems have been solved, while substantial progress is ongoing on others.

The Optimistic Environmentalist chronicles these remarkable success stories. Endangered species — from bald eagles to gray whales — pulled back from the precipice of extinction. Thousands of new parks, protecting billions of hectares of land and water. The salvation of the ozone layer, vital to life on Earth. The exponential growth of renewable energy powered by wind, water, and sun. The race to be the greenest city in the world. Remarkable strides in cleaning up the air we breathe and the water we drink. The banning of dozens of the world’s most toxic chemicals. A circular economy where waste is a thing of the past. Past successes pave the way for even greater achievements in the future.

Providing a powerful antidote to environmental despair, this book inspires optimism, leading readers to take action and exemplifying how change can happen. A bright green future is not only possible, it’s within our grasp.



“Is there hope for the future? Yes, as David Boyd brilliantly demonstrates, because of the energy and commitment of people who know the problems and take action to solve them. And because of the power of the human brain for good when it is in harmony with the human heart.” — Jane Goodall, PHD, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Institute of Peace

“David Boyd delivers an inspiring antidote to environmental despair, demonstrating that we are capable of remarkable achievements when we act together.” — David Suzuki, award-winning scientist, environmentalist, and broadcaster

“Far from intimidating, his vision is electrifying and inspiring. . . This solidly researched and informative book is also a pleasure to read, especially in a world where bad news often drowns out the good.” — Publishers Weekly

“Boyd presents all this information well, and it’s a refreshing perspective. Environmentalists, students, and interested readers will find this accessible book a morale booster and a spur to become part of this great transition.” — Library Journal

“In The Optimistic Environmentalist, Boyd inspires hopefulness, particularly for young people.” — BC BookWorld

“A surprising, uplifting, and inspiring book. Boyd has assembled a dazzling array of success stories guaranteed to brighten your outlook about the future of this beautiful blue-green planet.” — Maude Barlow, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and author of Blue Future: Protecting Water for People and the Planet Forever

“Boyd, one of the real leaders of the Canadian environmental movement, provides an uplifting view of our collective accomplishments and the path forward.” — Tom Heinztman, co-founder of Bullfrog Power

“Boyd has a remarkable ability to educate and inspire the reader on the critical environmental issue of our time — while at the same time creating a page-turner of a book. Pick this up, read it, and lend it to a friend!” — Paul Richardson, CEO of Renewal Funds 

Whistle-stop Tour Itinerary