Early Life and Education
Gregg Easterbrook was born in Buffalo, New York. He attended the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism in 1974. He later pursued graduate studies as a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College, Oxford University.Career
Easterbrook's career spans several decades in journalism and non-fiction writing.Journalism
He began his career writing for The Washington Monthly and later became a contributing editor for The Atlantic and The New Republic. His articles have also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Science, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report, among other publications.From 1996 to 2013, Easterbrook wrote the popular "Tuesday Morning Quarterback" (TMQ) column for ESPN.com. The column, which typically ran during the NFL season, mixed insightful football analysis with broader commentary on current events, economics, and social issues, often drawing connections between sports and the wider world.
Environmental Writing and "Ecomodernism"
Easterbrook is particularly well-known for his work on environmentalism. He is often associated with "environmental pragmatism" or "ecomodernism," a viewpoint that emphasizes human ingenuity, technological solutions, and economic development as means to address environmental challenges. His 1995 book, A Moment on the Earth: The Coming Age of Environmental Optimism, was a seminal work in this field, arguing that many environmental trends are improving and that human actions, guided by science and reason, can lead to a more sustainable future. While controversial among some traditional environmentalists, his work has influenced discussions about the future of environmental policy.Economics and Social Commentary
Beyond environmentalism, Easterbrook has explored themes of progress, prosperity, and societal well-being. His 2003 book, The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse, examined the paradox of increasing material wealth and quality of life in Western societies alongside persistent feelings of unhappiness and anxiety. He posits that focusing on gratitude and community rather than material acquisition can enhance well-being.Selected Bibliography
- This Great Argument: The Rise of Environmentalism from Thoreau to the Present (1993)
- A Moment on the Earth: The Coming Age of Environmental Optimism (1995)
- The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse (2003)
- The Specter of "Environmental Catastrophe" in a Time of Global Warming (2007, essay)
- The Climate Swerve: Reflections on Global Warming and the Future of Humanity (2018)
- It's Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear (2018)
Themes and Viewpoints
Easterbrook's writing frequently emphasizes:- Optimism and Progress: He often highlights areas where human society has made significant progress, particularly in environmental protection, public health, and economic development.
- Technological Solutions: A strong proponent of using scientific and technological innovation to solve problems, rather than relying solely on regulation or lifestyle changes.
- Challenging Conventional Wisdom: He frequently takes contrarian positions against established narratives, whether in environmentalism, economics, or sports analysis.
- Nuance and Complexity: His work often delves into the complexities of issues, avoiding simplistic black-and-white explanations.