russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

The Future We Choose

summary ofThe Future We ChooseBook by Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac

13 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • How to boost regeneration beyond sustainability
  • What real wealth means beyond material assets
  • Why gender equality drives change
  • The ways personal choices shape our future

first KEY POINT

A decisive decade for the planet

Today, our planet is going through difficult times: from the fiery depths of the Amazon to the icy stretches of the Siberian Arctic, it shows clear signs of distress. How we respond to this call and the path we choose now will determine our future.People all over the world are rising to the challenge. In Washington, a 12-year-old girl and her friends marched with a sign depicting our planet engulfed in flames. Over in London, adults dressed in black and formed human chains, disrupting traffic, while others in Seoul marched with banners proclaiming “CLIMATE STRIKE.” These are just a few examples of the global movement, with millions of young individuals standing up for change inspired by the likes of Greta Thunberg. These widespread demonstrations symbolize a larger truth — time is running out.We must reduce emissions by 50% before 2030 to combat climate change. That's not a lot of time to significantly reverse the damage we've inflicted for centuries. If we miss this window, the likelihood of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 becomes a distant dream.

Today's small choices can have a huge impact tomorrow.

Why is this so urgent? Our once-vibrant ecosystems are fading. Take the Great Barrier Reef as an example. Once a pulsating hub of marine life, it's now eerily silent, closer to a graveyard than a thriving underwater city. Such incidents are happening globally, from melting polar ice caps to shrinking rainforests. The domino effect on global weather patterns, food chains, and overall planetary health is too significant to ignore.Our challenge is to respond with the urgency this situation demands and make informed decisions for a healthier, more sustainable planet. Let's ensure our story is one of resilience, action, and hope. Dive into this summary, and let's journey toward a brighter future!

second KEY POINT

Setting a course for the future

Earth has always been a testament to time's slow and steady march. Think about the ice ages, when massive glaciers spread across continents, each lasting millions of years. Then there's the Holocene epoch, which spanned about 12,000 years and saw relatively consistent temperatures. This stable climate was the perfect setting for humans to thrive. Starting from small tribes of just a few thousand, we grew into farmers, built cities, and now make up a global community of 7.7 billion.The environment was just right, fostering conditions that were conducive to life. However, the past 50 years have seen a dramatic shift. We've compromised the very environmental integrity that allowed us to thrive. The stability of the Holocene could have continued, but our actions have set us on a different trajectory. Human activity has accelerated the once slow and steady changes of geological time, and the consequences are evident.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Driven by mindset, fueled by optimism

second KEY POINT

Embrace a world of endless potential

third KEY POINT

Brave moves for a better tomorrow

fourth KEY POINT

Nurturing a new vision

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Christiana Figueres is a worldwide recognized leader in global climate change. Tom Rivett-Carnac is a political strategist, author, and podcaster.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis about?

The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis, authored by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, discusses the urgent need for climate action and the choices that humanity faces to combat climate change. The book offers insights into potential futures based on different climate scenarios, emphasizing resilience, hope, and the power of collective action.

What are the key takeaways from The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis?

Key takeaways from The Future We Choose include the importance of immediate action to reduce carbon emissions, the need for global collaboration, and the message that optimism can drive change. The authors stress that the decisions made today will profoundly impact future generations, urging readers to engage and advocate for sustainable solutions.

Is The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis worth reading?

Yes, The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis is worth reading for those interested in climate action and sustainability. Its compelling arguments and practical solutions serve as both a wake-up call and a source of inspiration for readers seeking to understand and mitigate climate impacts.

How many pages is The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis and when was it published?

The Future We Choose is 240 pages long and was published on February 4, 2020. This concise format makes it an accessible read for anyone looking to grasp the essentials of climate change advocacy.

Who are the authors of The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis?

The authors of The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis are Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, both recognized leaders in climate diplomacy and advocates for effective climate policies. Their expertise brings a credible and informed perspective on climate challenges and solutions.