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Not the End of the World

How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet

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Not the End of the World

By: Hannah Ritchie
Narrated by: Hannah Ritchie
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER **
**A FINANCIAL TIMES, GUARDIAN, WAITROSE WEEKEND BEST SUMMER READ**

‘A book for anyone who finds it difficult to believe in a better future’ THE TIMES

Feeling anxious, powerless, or confused about the future of our planet? This book will transform how you see our biggest environmental problems -- and how we can solve them.

A STYLIST BEST NON-FICTION 2024 * A GUARDIAN BIGGEST FICTION AND NON-FICTION FOR 2024 * A WATERSTONES ‘BOOK YOU NEED TO READ IN 2024’ * A GUARDIAN ‘FIVE GREAT READS’

We are bombarded by doomsday headlines that tell us the soil won't be able to support crops, fish will vanish from our oceans, that we should reconsider having children.

But in this bold, radically hopeful book, data scientist Hannah Ritchie argues that if we zoom out, a very different picture emerges. The data shows we've made so much progress on these problems, and so fast, that we could be on track to achieve true sustainability for the first time in history.

Packed with the latest research, practical guidance and enlightening graphics, this book will make you rethink almost everything you've been told about the environment, from the virtues of eating locally and living in the countryside, to the evils of overpopulation, plastic straws and palm oil. It will give you the tools to understand what works, what doesn't and what we urgently need to focus on so we can leave a sustainable planet for future generations.

These problems are big. But they are solvable. We are not doomed. We can build a better future for everyone. Let's turn that opportunity into reality.

'Practical and truly essential' MARGARET ATWOOD * 'Does for the environment what Hans Rosling did for health' BILL GATES * 'Invigorating, inspiring, often surprising' DAVID WALLACE-WELLS * ‘I find it hard to express how much I love this book’ RUTGER BREGMAN * 'An unmissable myth-busting book to save our planet – read it' TIM SPECTOR

©2024 Hannah Ritchie (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Business Development Environment Nature & Ecology Thought-Provoking

What listeners say about Not the End of the World

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Essential listening

Hannah’s delivery is down to earth and authentic. Content is clear and fundamental. Need to figure out how I get everyone I know to read/listen.

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A factual but positive assessment of our ability to address climate issues

Read by the author, this is a well balanced, highly researched review of current climate data. I found it really informative and changed my thinking on a number of issues. My only issue would be the reliance on global trends and data points to paint a positive picture. This is a small quibble though. I enjoyed the authors accent too. I’ll be recommending to my friends.

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Much of what you are told about the environment is wrong and Hannah can set you straight

I have worked on environmental policy for decades and this is the best book on the environment that I have ever read. Hannah Ritchie is passionate about us achieving sustainability and clearly outlines the progress already made, what we need to do now and the myths we need to jettison (eg that plastic, landfills, palm oil and nuclear power are all bad). Read this book, tell your friends about it and give it to the young people in your life.

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Data & facts based decision making!

Great book, makes sense for laymen on what to focus their eco efforts, debunks many eco misconceptions. Thank you for the book and for Our World in Data (which I use in my work in Environmental Science and Policy.
I learned non-environmental facts (population...)
A few tiny remarks:
I would have liked to hear your take on fermented and lab grown food (RethinkX think they are our best solution for reducing adverse agriculture impacts).
We can probably get to marginal electricity cost with PV and wind in 5-10 years, so we can produce 200% or more of the electricity we need today, and use the excess for food production.
What about uncertain climate tipping points? Permafrost methane? Methane hydrates? Ocean currents?
I know it is impossible to cover everything.
Thanks again!

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Comprehensive and timely.

Well organised and presented, with appropriate consideration of social economic and environmental aspects. A timely read.

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A clear headed and sensible discussion, albeit sometimes uncomfortable

I highly recommend this book, it's an effective argument against the sense of environmental futility/nihilism that the headlines often promote.

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I Needed This Book

An excellent, data driven analysis of the most serious environmental issues facing us, delivered with well grounded optimism. The most encouraging book on the subject I have read. Never dry or dull but always popping with energy and colour.
I’m not normally a fan of authors doing their own narration but Hannah’s passion, self deprecating humour and wonderful accent made her a joy to listen to.

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Thank you

Thank you for bringing perspective to the debate, and refocusing the debate to action and empowerment.

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great read, very interesting

a well written argument that both inspires hope and action. Highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know how we can really make a positive environment impact.

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Pragmatic and scientific optimism

The author is inspired by Hans Rosling. A very worthy imitator of his philosophy and scientific approach. Wonderful

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