There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years – Updated Edition

Here is the statement from the back cover of this amazing book: ‘We still have a chance to live better than ever on Planet Earth. But, as humans become ever more powerful, how can we avoid blundering into disaster?’ And this book does its level best to answer that question with positive ideas, suggestions, and examples. Anyone who’s been alive for the past forty years and has avoided burying their head in the sand must know by now that we are in trouble, serious trouble. Greed, selfishness, division, vested interest, and inexcusable ignorance (given the amount of information available) have allowed the destroyers to overwhelm the creators and carers. But this hopeful, constructive, sensible, and brilliantly researched book has re-ignited the optimist in me. There is a chance, small and only briefly available, for us to change things in such a way that we might not only survive but actually render the world a better place in which all of us can live. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Given the current state of the world as it now operates, under rules well past their sell-by dates, ruled as it is by charlatans, narcissists, dictators, and greedy, self-serving opportunists with more money than sense, it is easy to become deeply pessimistic. But we can change things. It is possible. What those people don’t understand is that they will be every bit as susceptible to the irresistible destructive power of the climate emergency that lurks just around the corner as the rest of us. Wealth and power will make absolutely no difference to their chances of survival when the disaster occurs. But we can do something to prevent that disaster. And that is what this book is all about. The suggestions are written in a style that’s accessible, intelligent, and informed, but lacking in the arrogance so often associated with books that give advice. The references and the glossary of research sources give credence to everything the author mentions here. The book is believable simply because it is obviously true. There is a brief introduction to the first edition (I read the updated version). The book then tackles the growing threats and their possible solutions under the following headings: Food, Climate and Environment, Energy, Travel and Transport, Growth Money and Metrics, People and Work, Business and Technology, Values Truth and Trust, Thinking Skills for Today’s World, Protest, Big-Picture Summary, and What Can I Do? Each section gives examples of the causes of our current problems, possible solutions, and sources of information for further reading. The language makes often complex systems and situations readily understood without in any way being patronising. There follows a comprehensive section dealing with Climate Emergency Basics, and another headed Alphabetical Quick Tour. ‘Endnotes’ details the sources for the numbered items in each chapter, and these are extensive. Finally, there is a useful Index. If you are growing increasingly concerned for the future of the planet, please give this book a read. If you are still in the mindset of the denier, please give this book a read. And then see what parts of it you can adopt in your own life, what you can actually do to make a difference and help create a much better future than the one we are currently running full pelt toward. That cliff we will all otherwise plummet down is too steep and high to survive. But, if we can adopt the ideas and suggestions so wisely presented in this book, there’s a real chance we may at least endure and maybe even thrive in a world we can make so much better than that we currently occupy. Mike Berners-Lee is the son of mathematicians and computer scientists and brother of Tim Berners-Lee, the father of the internet.

I enjoyed the read, revealed loads of facts but not in a patronising, over simplified way, nor is it overly complicated. Nice combination of text & charts.

In all fairness, it does say in the introduction that for good reason the content will dive about the subject and having grouped topics under chapter headings such as 'food' or 'transport' it's understandable. However, I am finding this makes extracting a take home message rather difficult and for me it is not working as a guide to actions that would reduce my carbon footprint. I am also going to any that I am finding it to be repetitive like a record that jumps. I have lost count of the number of times the text has suggested I should 'eat less meat'. Message received loud and clear the 1st, 2nd, ... 10th time! Meanwhile, there are also glaring omissions, particularly in respect of one topic, a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions, which does not get a single mention. In summary, I find this to be one person's take on the subject, rather than a comprehensive and objective overview. That said, the information that is included is well presented in clear, accessible tables and figures.

There's a lot of information in this book and having it structured around a whole list of 'frequently asked' questions made it thoroughly digestible and easy to reflect on. I also loved the practical approach throughout i.e. how Berners-Lee explains each question's context and his perspective around the answers he offers. It's definitely thought-provoking reading and a book that I'll be keeping on the bookshelf for revisiting in the future. 5 stars

A must read for anyone interested in ecological affairs, climate change or simply if your looking on how you can be more conscious about your day to day actions. Delivered more than expected, the updates are great and very specific given the recent global crisis

Everybody should read this book. Fighting climate change begins by educating yourself and then others.

Packed with excellent research and meaningful guidance, highly recommended. However if you are downloading to read on Kindle be aware that the graphics are unreasonable. I have tried on two different devices and they are so faint the the information contained is not intelligible which rather spoils an otherwise excellent book.

Our planet Earth is a unique and lovely place that we must cherish. Mike's book helps us take positive action to preserve Planet A.

This, plus their previous book A Burning Question can bring someone pretty far in their understanding of at least the *concern*

Sehr klare, außerordentlich gute Einleitung in das Problem. Veraltete, naive und eklektische beschränkte Darstellung der Handlungsoptionen. Wunschdenken und blinde Flecken zuhauf. Schade.

Super livre pour apprendre les problématiques liées à l'environnement, très bonne approche globale et locale du problème, considération des enjeux économiques et socio politique à plusieurs échelles, vraiment indispensable en 2022. En anglais

There's no "B" option. So, lets just fix what we have got. A good read.

Molto interessante e semplice da comprendere! Offre diversi un diverso punto di vista e tante soluzioni per vivere più armoniosamente con il nostro pianeta...