This was a fantastic book. Ritchie paints a picture of just how far we've come in our quest for a better world, but she also doesn't shy away from the problems we still face. A lot of numbers, comparisons, and analysis in this book. Highly recommend.

Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie is a hopeful, data-driven exploration of the future of our planet amid climate change and environmental challenges. Ritchie, a researcher and environmental scientist, challenges the prevalent narrative of inevitable doom, instead focusing on the tangible progress humanity has made in addressing global issues like energy, pollution, and conservation. With clear, well-researched arguments, she offers a balanced perspective on the complexities of environmental sustainability while emphasizing that there is still hope and potential for positive change.

Ritchie's book stands out by encouraging action and optimism, presenting facts that counter fatalistic views while acknowledging the work that remains to be done. It's an empowering read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by climate news, offering a refreshing take on what can still be achieved to protect our future.

This was recommended by a person I follow on instagram who works in the environmental field, so I was eager to read it. I liked the optimistic message, and the overall information. I fear that some readers will only read this and presume that they do not have to worry about the climate and environment because of the tone of the book. I do think there was quite a bit of emphasis on the uselessness of recycling, which I think should be attempted, even if it's not perfect. I do like the tone of "start now", and if we all pitch in we can make a difference.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be a responsible citizen of the earth (which should be all of us). Ritchie does an excellent job in laying out facts about our environment in an easy-to-read format (+ lots of graphs).

She also excels in not scaring us away. While it's easy to be pessimistic when we think about climate science, Ritchie reminds us of all the reasons we can be optimistic: for changes we've already made in the past, for changes that are happening now, and for the great potential for changes we can make in the future.

She also helped me see that it's easy for us to focus on the wrong things. For example, instead of working to eliminate plastic straws, she says our efforts to help the climate would be better spent in eating less beef.

This book gives me hope. Together we can save our planet.

My thanks to NetGalley + Little, Brown and Company for the review copy of this book.

I picked this one up because I needed hope. Things are bad but they don't have to stay bad.
It delivered for sure!
I recently lost heat in my house and I decided to use my fireplace.
I did not at all like it. My throat hurt and my house smelled like camping. And the amount of wood I needed to use. I am glad we have technology now to help!
We can do a few things to fix up the planet and we should be fine. Maybe.
Anyway, thanks for hope!

I absolutely loved this book! It is full of so much useful information but it is done in a very readable way. It has so much depressing information about our world in it, but leaves you feeling hopeful that the future can be better. There are things that we can all do in our everyday life that actually do make a difference. It really helps you focus on the things that make the biggest impact instead of the things that make the headlines.

I honestly recommend this book to everyone. If you care about the future of the planet, you should definitely give this a read. I also suggest getting it as a physical copy, as there are many things you will want to highlight or go back to in the future to refresh on.

Data scientist Hannah Ritchie has written the book that may just change the way we look at the environment and the crises many of us have felt will lead to our demise on this planet. Ritchie explains that, while deadly serious, the problems of climate change can be overcome and that in fact, we have already begun to reverse the damage of the past through lowering carbon emissions and deforestation, among other things. She also tells us what we must focus on moving forward to continue this trajectory and maintain a sustainable planet. This book is literally a breath of fresh air.

I’m already recommending this one to friends and colleagues. Ritchie knows her research well: this is a must read for climate activists and those who dread climate change alike.