Acknowledgments; Notes on units; 1. Introduction; 2. Food; 3. More on climate and environment; 4. Energy; 5. Travel and transport; 6. Growth, money and metrics; 7. People and work; 8. Business and technology; 9. Values, truth and trust; 10. Conclusion: thinking skills for today's world; 11. Big picture summary; 12. What can I do? Summary; Appendix: climate change basics; Alphabetical quick tour; Endnotes; Index.
Big picture of how humanity can thrive in the twenty-first century; a book of realistic hope from a leading environmental author.
Mike Berners-Lee thinks, writes, researches and consults on sustainability and responses to the challenges of the twenty-first century. He is the founder of Small World Consulting (SWC), an associate company of Lancaster University, which works with organisations from small businesses to the biggest tech giants. SWC is a leader in the field of carbon metrics, targets and actions. His previous books include How Bad Are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything (2010) and The Burning Question: We Can't Burn Half the World's Oil, Coal, and Gas. So How Do We Quit? (2013, co-written with Duncan Clark). This book explores the big picture of climate change and the underlying global dynamics, asking what mix of politics, economics, psychology and technology is really required to deal with the problem. Berners-Lee is a professor in the Institute for Social Futures at Lancaster University, where he develops practical tools for thinking about the future, and researches the global food system and carbon metrics.
'… a lively and cogent assessment of what is happening to the
Earth's biosphere and resources. He tells us what we can do if we
want to make a difference, and tread more softly on the planet. All
citizens should be grateful for this information-packed and
wide-ranging primer.' Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal
'This is a massively entertaining compendium of bite-sized facts …
It's also massively important, given the current state of the
planet.' Bill McKibben, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun
to Play Itself Out?
'Who should read There is No Planet B? Everyone. Mike Berners-Lee
has written a far-ranging and truth-telling handbook that is as
readable as it is instructive.' Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker
and author of The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
'This clearly written and organized book is so sensible and useful
that it becomes an unexpected aesthetic pleasure as well as a guide
to action. No matter how much you already know, this book will help
orient you to where we are now on this, the only planet we have (I
can testify that Mars won't do). It would be best if everyone read
it.' Kim Stanley Robinson, author of the Mars trilogy and New York
2140
'A much-needed, critically important, straight-talking handbook for
absolutely everyone on our long-suffering planet. We ignore it at
our peril.' Mark Carwardine, co-author (with Douglas Adams) of Last
Chance to See
'Mike has created a wonderfully abundant buffet-table of knowledge
about sustainability and you can enjoy it all at one sitting or
benefit from visiting for bite-size chunks. Either way, you'll come
away wiser, healthier and also entertained. In our household, we
noticed people couldn't resist picking up a draft copy for a quick
look and dipping in for far longer than they'd expected. Mike
doesn't preach, instead he shares his insights with warmth and wit,
and his book could not be more timely.' David Shukman, BBC Science
Editor
'I absolutely love this book. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by
the scale of the global challenges we face, then read this book.
There Is No Planet B is full of practical guidance, evidence-based
and robust, yet completely accessible, and sets out the difference
any one of us can make. In an increasingly complex and confusing
world, this book stands out as a beacon of common sense, clarity
and - crucially - hope.' Caroline Lucas, Member of Parliament for
Brighton Pavilion
'It asks all the searching and systemic questions I want to ask as
humanity peers over a precipice … and has a bloody good go at
answering them with data, experience and integrity.' Pooran Desai,
Bioregional and Oneplanet.com
'Mike Berners-Lee has a unique ability to communicate vital
information on some of the world's most pressing challenges. In
this highly readable book, he shows how severe our problems are,
but also what we can do to reduce the threats we face.' Chris
Goodall, author of Ten Technologies to Fix Energy and Climate
'What is amazing and unique about this wonderful book is that it
simultaneously addresses the practical every day questions
troubling so many of us in these turbulent times while also
clearing away the fog obscuring our paths into the future. And it
does so in beautifully clear language. This truly is The Handbook
we all need to flourish on our small planet.' Stewart Wallis,
Executive Chair, The Wellbeing Economy Alliance
'… it is intended as a sort of Alexa to tell you how to live in a
more planet-friendly fashion … The book is as jargon-free as
possible to ensure maximum reach, while endnotes hold details for
the technically minded. Amazingly, it manages to make the
complexities of planet-scale economic and environmental
interconnectivity fun: a platter of potential doom, served with a
smiley face and sparkler … There is no Planet B is a rallying cry
for a generation worried that they will inherit a world shorn of
nature's wonders and of the freedoms and opportunities we take for
granted. Buying the book and adopting its key guidelines and
mindset will go a long way to ensuring the planet we hand on may
just be liveable.' Adrian Barnett, New Scientist
'Books about climate change usually make for grim reading. It is
refreshing, then, to come across one that takes a different
approach, presenting itself as a 'handbook' for how humanity can
thrive in dark times … The book is full of lists of what
individuals can do to help the planet (such as eating less beef and
voting for politicians who understand climate change) …
Berners-Lee's greatest contribution is that he tackles this head
on, taking a panoramic approach that runs from geeky facts about
energy efficiency to musings about how to create a more truthful
culture … The central question that the book addresses, though, is
probably the greatest issue of our time: how can we keep living
happily on this planet? As the world continues to warm, it is a
question that will become ever more urgent. Berners-Lee does not
have all the answers, but certainly makes a noble start.' Leslie
Hook, Financial Times
'This is, both organizationally and substantively, every bit what
its author claims it to be, an 'evidence-based practical guide to
the make or break choices we face now'. … All his expertise, in
both subject matter and presentation, is on display in this new
book … the operational handbook on how to move forward. This book
will satisfy the experts, enlighten the concerned (or merely
interested), and motivate the activists.' G. T. Dempsey, Geo Lounge
(www.geolounge.com)
'Fascinating, insightful, important and entertaining. We need books
and thinkers like this to inspire people to act now, not only to
motivate a debate. This book is full of useful insights and advice
on how you and I can make a difference, every day. Climate change
is no longer a distant threat, but a visible reality. With a deep
and wide ranging analysis this book sparks the activist in all of
us.' Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group
'Will resonate most with those who are already deeply focused on
the climate system, the impact people are having on it, and our
path forward.' Paul Higgins, Physics Today
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