Big World, Small Planet: Abundance Within Planetary Boundaries

Johan Rockström · Mattias Klum

sept 2015 · Yale University Press

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“A carefully laid-out argument about the ecological limits of our planet—and the challenge these limits pose to our patterns of life and economic growth.”—Daniel C. Esty, coauthor of Green to Gold

Big World, Small Planet probes the urgent predicament of our times: how is it possible to create a positive future for both humanity and Earth? We have entered the Anthropocene—the era of massive human impacts on the planet—and the actions of over seven billion residents threaten to destabilize Earth’s natural systems, with cascading consequences for human societies.

 In this extraordinary book, the authors combine the latest science with compelling storytelling and amazing photography to create a new narrative for humanity’s future. Johan Rockström and Mattias Klum reject the notion that economic growth and human prosperity can only be achieved at the expense of the environment. They contend that we have unprecedented opportunities to navigate a “good Anthropocene.” By embracing a deep mind-shift, humanity can reconnect to Earth, discover universal values, and take on the essential role of planetary steward. With eloquence and profound optimism, Rockström and Klum envision a future of abundance within planetary boundaries—a revolutionary future that is at once necessary, possible, and sustainable for coming generations.

“We are inflicting grave damage on Planet Earth, and if we carry on with ‘business as usual’ we may reach the point of no return—when ecosystems collapse and more and more species become extinct. There is hope if only we can bridge the gap between the clever human brain and the compassionate human heart and act now. Johan Rockström and Mattias Klum lead the way with scientific clarity, powerful storytelling, and inspiring and award-winning photography.”—Dr. Jane Goodall

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Johan Rockström, an internationally recognized scientist and leader on global sustainability, is founding director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre and professor of water systems and global sustainability at Stockholm University. He is the author of several books and more than 100 research publications. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Mattias Klum is a renowned National Geographic photographer and filmmaker who has focused on endangered species, ecosystems, and ethnic minorities around the world. In 2008 he was named a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. He is an Ambassador for IUCN and WWF, as well as a Fellow at National Geographic Society. Stockholm University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2013. Big World, Small Planet is Klum’s thirteenth book.