Wizard and the Prophet: Science and the Future of Our Planet

Charles Mann's book explores the conflicting visions of two groundbreaking scientists, Norman Borlaug and William Vogt, on the future of our planet. Vogt believed that prosperity would bring us to ruin, while Borlaug's research led to the development of modern high-yield crops that have saved millions from starvation. Mann's book is essential reading for anyone interested in how we got here and in the future of our species.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 640 pages
\n Publication date: 10 January 2019
\n Publisher: Pan Macmillan
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In his captivating book, Charles Mann delves into the profound question of whether the Earth's finite carrying capacity necessitates a halt to economic growth. This thought-provoking inquiry forms the central theme of Mann's insightful work.

As the population of our planet is projected to reach ten billion in just forty years, the urgent need to address the question of whether our world can sustain such a vast number of people arises. What kind of world will emerge in the face of this unprecedented challenge?

In this unique, original, and profoundly important book, Charles C. Mann sheds light on the four critical challenges we face today: food, water, energy, and climate change. Through an exploration of the crucial work and far-reaching influence of two lesser-known twentieth-century scientists, Norman Borlaug and William Vogt, Mann illuminates the intricate connections between these challenges and their potential solutions.

Vogt, known as the Prophet, held a visionary belief that surpassing the Earth's capacity to provide resources would ultimately lead to our downfall. He believed that our pursuit of prosperity, driven by our excessive use of more than what the planet can offer, would ultimately bring about our ruin. On the other hand, Borlaug's groundbreaking research in the 1950s resulted in the development of modern high-yield crops, which have saved millions from starvation. His contributions laid the foundation for sustainable agricultural practices and have had a lasting impact on global food security.

Mann's captivating narrative spans across continents, oceans, and time periods, from the past to the present and into the future. Through the stories of these scientists and their profound influence on contemporary debates, Mann weaves a narrative that is both brilliant in concept and wryly observant. The Wizard and the Prophet is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding our past and shaping our future. It resonates with readers who have delved into the works of authors such as Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens or Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel, as it provides a comprehensive perspective on the forces that have shaped our world and the challenges we must overcome to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our species.

\n Weight: 434g\n
Dimension: 131 x 196 x 40 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781509884186\n \n