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Big World, Small Planet: Abundance within Planetary Boundaries
A profoundly original vision of an attainable future that ensures human prosperity by safeguarding our threatened planet
“If you have time to read one book on this subject, I highly recommend the new Big World, Small Planet , by Johan Rockström , director of the Stockholm Resilience Center, and Mattias Klum, whose stunning photographs of ecosystem disruptions reinforce the urgency of the moment.”—Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times
Big World, Small Planet probes the urgent predicament of our 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 more than 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.
“If you have time to read one book on this subject, I highly recommend the new Big World, Small Planet , by Johan Rockström , director of the Stockholm Resilience Center, and Mattias Klum, whose stunning photographs of ecosystem disruptions reinforce the urgency of the moment.”—Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times
Big World, Small Planet probes the urgent predicament of our 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 more than 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.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
Johan Rockström
21 books39 followersJohan Rockström is a Swedish professor who served as executive director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University. Rockström is internationally recognized on global sustainability issues. In 2009, he led the team which developed the Planetary Boundaries framework, a proposed precondition for facilitating human development at a time when the planet is undergoing rapid change.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 18, 2021
Living in the Global South, despite the Philippines being one of those at the forefront, bearing the brunt of the planet's warming (manifesting as super typhoons, severe flooding, drought, aggravating air quality) the subject is not seen as worth fussing about yet.
The local bureaucrats barely, if at all, bring this to the media let alone promote tangible actions addressing it. A few may hear about its gravity if they turn to international news. Many here would say it's the progressive states' predicament now because they have less burden to worry about. Why bother treading the far road when the bridge going there is yet to be laid.
What this resource asserts is: caring for our planet should equally be seen as caring for our well-being, and caring now, not as 'burden-sharing.' Our disparate economic statuses implies that those ahead should fix their old ways to transition to the sustainable while those who are to get there should build their foundations based on the available sustainable methods. Actions should spring from both ends, the system and society. Both top-down, and bottom-up to harness growth. Growth is not the notion of acting with infinite resources, that's false and passé and has to go. Growth is living within safe operating space i.e. the planetary boundaries.
The triple zero formula that humanity is to apply:
1. zero-carbon emissions
2. zero rate of species loss
3. zero expansion of agricultural land
From the high-level or general view of my journey to climate crisis understanding, this reference took me a level lower to know the actions that are considered sustainable. Way to go.
The local bureaucrats barely, if at all, bring this to the media let alone promote tangible actions addressing it. A few may hear about its gravity if they turn to international news. Many here would say it's the progressive states' predicament now because they have less burden to worry about. Why bother treading the far road when the bridge going there is yet to be laid.
What this resource asserts is: caring for our planet should equally be seen as caring for our well-being, and caring now, not as 'burden-sharing.' Our disparate economic statuses implies that those ahead should fix their old ways to transition to the sustainable while those who are to get there should build their foundations based on the available sustainable methods. Actions should spring from both ends, the system and society. Both top-down, and bottom-up to harness growth. Growth is not the notion of acting with infinite resources, that's false and passé and has to go. Growth is living within safe operating space i.e. the planetary boundaries.
The triple zero formula that humanity is to apply:
1. zero-carbon emissions
2. zero rate of species loss
3. zero expansion of agricultural land
From the high-level or general view of my journey to climate crisis understanding, this reference took me a level lower to know the actions that are considered sustainable. Way to go.
May 20, 2019
I was looking for a book which can grasp the wide scale of environmental issues which we are currently facing, along with actionable advices and current policy settings. As my academic background is from a different area, most of the information about the ongoing environmental changes were served to me in bits of journal articles and speeches. I wanted to find a way from this "sustainability mishmash". Even though I can't challenge the scientific facts of the book (however, it was peer-reviewed many times) I would recommend it to anyone having similar questions. The same way as it was recommended to me.
Clear, easy-to read and understand scientific text is supported with breath-taking photograpa. It also opened a whole new worlds for me, so definitely also a perfect book as a beginning of digging deeper into sub-topics.
Clear, easy-to read and understand scientific text is supported with breath-taking photograpa. It also opened a whole new worlds for me, so definitely also a perfect book as a beginning of digging deeper into sub-topics.
November 12, 2023
was actually not that hard to understand,
didn't finish it but for the sake of maybe reaching my damned reading goal
didn't finish it but for the sake of maybe reaching my damned reading goal
September 27, 2018
A very good overview of the concept of Planetary Boundaries from one of its key figures and main authors of the original papers, this book by Rockström clearly outlines the current sustainability crisis we are in and in the final part of the book makes a solid case for global scale solutions. As I am quite familiar with the concept of PB already, the book did not present many entirely new concepts to me, but I appreciated some in-depth considerations on global resilience, tipping points, and some details about planetary boundaries that I was not aware of (especially on agriculture and biodiversity).
The solutions part should have been more detailed, but that's a common shortcoming of a book that talks about global sustainability: how to describe solutions to give the reader an idea that they are feasible (he managed) but without repeating what has been said in many other books (did not manage) or falling short on nuances, for instance by ignoring structural roadblocks such as the incentives to global sustainability built into our economic system and our democratic institutions?
It would be *great* to integrate a book like this with approaches that go much more in detail on how to scale such solutions into different systems. Read it along with Donut Economics by Raworth, Prosperity without Growth by Jackson, The Value of Everything by Mazzucato, or any recent publication by Karl-Henrik Robert -the latter gives a framework for working strategically towards sustainability that you can scale at different levels. When you read a book like Rockström's in fact, you may feel inspired to change things at your municipality, at your corporation, or NGO. But the question becomes "where do I start?" Where will you apply these insights at a local, organizational level? For that, I highly recommend scalable approaches such as the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development created by Robert et al. http://www.alliance-ssd.org/framework...
overall, 4/5, definitely worth the time and attention to read it
The solutions part should have been more detailed, but that's a common shortcoming of a book that talks about global sustainability: how to describe solutions to give the reader an idea that they are feasible (he managed) but without repeating what has been said in many other books (did not manage) or falling short on nuances, for instance by ignoring structural roadblocks such as the incentives to global sustainability built into our economic system and our democratic institutions?
It would be *great* to integrate a book like this with approaches that go much more in detail on how to scale such solutions into different systems. Read it along with Donut Economics by Raworth, Prosperity without Growth by Jackson, The Value of Everything by Mazzucato, or any recent publication by Karl-Henrik Robert -the latter gives a framework for working strategically towards sustainability that you can scale at different levels. When you read a book like Rockström's in fact, you may feel inspired to change things at your municipality, at your corporation, or NGO. But the question becomes "where do I start?" Where will you apply these insights at a local, organizational level? For that, I highly recommend scalable approaches such as the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development created by Robert et al. http://www.alliance-ssd.org/framework...
overall, 4/5, definitely worth the time and attention to read it
May 15, 2022
Big World, Small Planet. The name pretty neatly sums up the whole idea of the book: we have become a society too “Big” (harmful, wasteful) for this small, fragile world we share — so the authors have helped identify and quantify Planetary Boundaries to help humanity get back in line with a more sustainable way of living.
The idea is surprisingly economics-oriented, in the hopes of actually reaching the people with the largest impact on the environment today (policymakers, businesspeople, etc). I’ve read criticism of the concept of putting dollar figures on nature, but I actually liked its application here. Speaking the only language that unites all of humanity will enable us to better see the downsides to ruining our environment — the the very clear upsides to protecting it.
The book itself is slightly outdated now, having been written in 2014, and so I actually found it a bit too optimistic given the negative developments of the intervening 8 years. However, this book was recently adapted into Documentary form on Netflix, and this Netflix version seems to accommodate those negative developments slightly better.
If you don’t have time for the book (I read it in just 3 days tho), watch the Netflix version! It’s really helpful for framing a more concrete mental image of climate change / other environmental crises, which almost always get overlooked and under mentioned, and what we can do about them.
The idea is surprisingly economics-oriented, in the hopes of actually reaching the people with the largest impact on the environment today (policymakers, businesspeople, etc). I’ve read criticism of the concept of putting dollar figures on nature, but I actually liked its application here. Speaking the only language that unites all of humanity will enable us to better see the downsides to ruining our environment — the the very clear upsides to protecting it.
The book itself is slightly outdated now, having been written in 2014, and so I actually found it a bit too optimistic given the negative developments of the intervening 8 years. However, this book was recently adapted into Documentary form on Netflix, and this Netflix version seems to accommodate those negative developments slightly better.
If you don’t have time for the book (I read it in just 3 days tho), watch the Netflix version! It’s really helpful for framing a more concrete mental image of climate change / other environmental crises, which almost always get overlooked and under mentioned, and what we can do about them.
November 12, 2022
5* for the research on planetary boundaries. It's an incredible synthesis of what we understand about the the earth's tipping points, and it paints a very stark, concerning and urgent picture.
2* for the analysis of what we do about it. Okay, Rockström is a scientist, you could argue that it's not his job. But the second half of the book was so full of generalizations about "shifting our mindset" and absent any analysis of power and questions of distribution. The emphasis here is on culture rather than politics, on corporate responsibility rather than regulation. There's this sort of naive assumption that once everyone understands the scope of the problem, they'll just magically do the right thing.
Overall: 3.5* rounded down. The book is a tad outdated at this point. But if you want to understand the science and methods behind planetary boundaries, what better way than to read one of the scientists who helped develop them?
2* for the analysis of what we do about it. Okay, Rockström is a scientist, you could argue that it's not his job. But the second half of the book was so full of generalizations about "shifting our mindset" and absent any analysis of power and questions of distribution. The emphasis here is on culture rather than politics, on corporate responsibility rather than regulation. There's this sort of naive assumption that once everyone understands the scope of the problem, they'll just magically do the right thing.
Overall: 3.5* rounded down. The book is a tad outdated at this point. But if you want to understand the science and methods behind planetary boundaries, what better way than to read one of the scientists who helped develop them?
October 29, 2016
by combining great photos – the first one being Earthrise – up to date Science and great examples that truly empower the reader, this 200-page book is a must read for any family. It should be in the reading list of every sustainability minded person, and for that matter, in our schools. I read it in a weekend.
Grade: 9/10. If only it had featured even more solutions. But I guess the authors wanted to stay within 200 pages.
Grade: 9/10. If only it had featured even more solutions. But I guess the authors wanted to stay within 200 pages.
February 16, 2021
An excellent read. That rarest of things, a truly readable yet truly accurate science book. Blending cutting edge (at least when written) science and economic theory with accessible anecdotes and photos, this book can be read by anyone at all.
If you know anyone who needs to thing differently about our use of the planet's resources then give them this book to read.
If you know anyone who needs to thing differently about our use of the planet's resources then give them this book to read.
February 23, 2021
While I enjoyed the topic and I had a tough time following it. I felt it was sharing plenty of vague statements about how we should go about solving our climate issues rather than explaining actual solutions. Don’t get me wrong, I agree with the message but, I wish it was presented more clearly. Hell even my review is vague. Not sure how to explain this more. Haha
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January 10, 2022
XXXXX
This book makes you realize that it’s not material growth without limits. Nor is it limits to growth. But it’s growth within limits!!
XXXXX
“Making the transition to a thriving world within a safe and just operating space has become not only necessary, but also possible and desirable.
Based on the latest science, we’ve defined planetary boundaries that serve as possible guides for action and as incentives for exponential technologies.
People all over the world, we believe, share a universal wish to cherish the natural world. All we need to do to achieve a safe and prosperous future is to become dedicated stewards to the remaining beauty on Earth.”
The above quote (in italics) comes from the afterword of this clear, powerful book by Johan Rockstrom and Mattias Klum. Rockstrom is the Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) and a Professor in Water Systems and Global Sustainability at Stockholm University (in Sweden). He is an internationally recognized scientist, advisor, and author on global sustainability issues. Klum is a Swedish environmental freelance photographer and filmmaker. He is a Senior Fellow at the SRC and a Fellow at the National Geographic Society.
This book combines stunning photography with recent insights from sustainability science to argue that the tools to do what’s required to fix Planet Earth’s environmental crisis already exist.
At the heart of this book is the science of planetary boundaries which is fast-becoming an established approach to human prosperity in the Anthropocene. (The Anthropocene is the era of massive human impacts on Earth.)
As well, this book promotes a long-term mind-shift: How to reconnect our human societies—and what we value in life—with the beauty of nature and the resilience of Planet Earth.
Besides the beautiful coloured photos, peppered throughout this book are visual aids in the form of diagrams, graphs, and tables (all in colour). They aid in the understanding of the well-written main narrative tremendously.
Finally, the only problem I had is that there is no index. I was surprised by this omission. This book presents a wealth (and I mean a wealth!!) of critical information but there’s no easy access to it.
In conclusion, this book effectively drives home the idea that, yes, there can be “abundance within planetary boundaries!!”
(2015; preface; our ten key messages; 3 sections or 9 chapters; afterword; main narrative 195 pages; further information on the photographs; references; about the authors; acknowledgements)
XXXXX
This book makes you realize that it’s not material growth without limits. Nor is it limits to growth. But it’s growth within limits!!
XXXXX
“Making the transition to a thriving world within a safe and just operating space has become not only necessary, but also possible and desirable.
Based on the latest science, we’ve defined planetary boundaries that serve as possible guides for action and as incentives for exponential technologies.
People all over the world, we believe, share a universal wish to cherish the natural world. All we need to do to achieve a safe and prosperous future is to become dedicated stewards to the remaining beauty on Earth.”
The above quote (in italics) comes from the afterword of this clear, powerful book by Johan Rockstrom and Mattias Klum. Rockstrom is the Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) and a Professor in Water Systems and Global Sustainability at Stockholm University (in Sweden). He is an internationally recognized scientist, advisor, and author on global sustainability issues. Klum is a Swedish environmental freelance photographer and filmmaker. He is a Senior Fellow at the SRC and a Fellow at the National Geographic Society.
This book combines stunning photography with recent insights from sustainability science to argue that the tools to do what’s required to fix Planet Earth’s environmental crisis already exist.
At the heart of this book is the science of planetary boundaries which is fast-becoming an established approach to human prosperity in the Anthropocene. (The Anthropocene is the era of massive human impacts on Earth.)
As well, this book promotes a long-term mind-shift: How to reconnect our human societies—and what we value in life—with the beauty of nature and the resilience of Planet Earth.
Besides the beautiful coloured photos, peppered throughout this book are visual aids in the form of diagrams, graphs, and tables (all in colour). They aid in the understanding of the well-written main narrative tremendously.
Finally, the only problem I had is that there is no index. I was surprised by this omission. This book presents a wealth (and I mean a wealth!!) of critical information but there’s no easy access to it.
In conclusion, this book effectively drives home the idea that, yes, there can be “abundance within planetary boundaries!!”
(2015; preface; our ten key messages; 3 sections or 9 chapters; afterword; main narrative 195 pages; further information on the photographs; references; about the authors; acknowledgements)
XXXXX
August 2, 2015
This read was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Big World, Small Planet combines important scientific fact with extraordinary photography in a way I've rarely seen before.
Used as we are to receiving this type of information only through shallow news and television specials, I can safely say this book is way more accessible and poignant than anything I've ever seen on the subject.
Suffice to say, throughout these last few days I'd constantly turn to my peers, or family (or actually any stranger that was nearby, as it happened at work) to tell them a something or show a picture that I came across while reading this, convinced without even really noticing, that the information I shared was as necessary to them as it became to me.
And now I have a colleague telling me the next time I say "OH! I read that..." he's gonna take my kindle away ):
Big World, Small Planet combines important scientific fact with extraordinary photography in a way I've rarely seen before.
Used as we are to receiving this type of information only through shallow news and television specials, I can safely say this book is way more accessible and poignant than anything I've ever seen on the subject.
Suffice to say, throughout these last few days I'd constantly turn to my peers, or family (or actually any stranger that was nearby, as it happened at work) to tell them a something or show a picture that I came across while reading this, convinced without even really noticing, that the information I shared was as necessary to them as it became to me.
And now I have a colleague telling me the next time I say "OH! I read that..." he's gonna take my kindle away ):
September 9, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is hard to accept that the effect human beings have on this planet is stronger than the effect of erosion or a volcanic explosion! But in this well-written, highly researched book, this is presented along with many other intelligent observations. The science of our effects on our planet are flawless, as are any resolution to our destruction of our home. These effects may be reversible, or they may not be, but their existence will be the lives of future populations for many, many years. In some ways a difficult read, but to inform seems to be its purpose.
It is hard to accept that the effect human beings have on this planet is stronger than the effect of erosion or a volcanic explosion! But in this well-written, highly researched book, this is presented along with many other intelligent observations. The science of our effects on our planet are flawless, as are any resolution to our destruction of our home. These effects may be reversible, or they may not be, but their existence will be the lives of future populations for many, many years. In some ways a difficult read, but to inform seems to be its purpose.
February 9, 2016
Working harder for biodiversity!
We make an attempt to encompass the earth but who can really do that? Lots of solutions to problems with the environment are universal maybe, who can tell. Economy and ecology go togther or else, thats what I've always thought. That seems to be what the book wants to say. Better late than never.
We make an attempt to encompass the earth but who can really do that? Lots of solutions to problems with the environment are universal maybe, who can tell. Economy and ecology go togther or else, thats what I've always thought. That seems to be what the book wants to say. Better late than never.
January 23, 2016
A must read. While heavy in the sciences, it's an easy read about developing a long-term sustainability plan for the earth.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews