This book is more or less a companion volume to Sustaining Resources for Tomorrow, which I reviewed for Leonardo (June 2020) [1]. The two books, by the same editors, are essential reading for all those interested in the immediate and long-term future of our planet.
There are 13 chapters; all are well written and interesting. They may be read in any order to suit the reader’s specific interests. As with the companion book, the main thing that impressed me is the lack of hysterical, one-sided, fanatical hype that often accompanies the arguments on either side of the sustainable future debate. This book is in some sections a little complex, especially in the statistical analysis and specialized scientific areas; however, it presents clear factual discussions that appear unbiased. This is of the greatest importance because the stakes are so high—what we do now will either allow survival or bring...