The Growth Story of the 21st Century: The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action

by Nicholas Stern

The world stands at a crossroads. The next decade will determine whether we avoid climate, biodiversity, and economic catastrophe - or unlock a new era of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth. The Growth Story of the 21st Century challenges the outdated idea that we must choose between climate action and development. Instead, it presents a compelling case for a transformation that delivers both prosperity and a healthier planet.

Drawing on economics, finance, policy, politics, and behavioural science, Nicholas Stern explores why this transformation is essential, what it entails, and how we can achieve it. He revisits the insights of the Stern Review two decades on and sets out a new research agenda for economics and the social sciences.

This is a story of optimism - about how rapid technological advances, including digitisation and AI, can drive change at scale. But it does not shy away from the immense challenges ahead. With clear and practical strategies for national and international action, this book is a call to leaders, businesses, and individuals the future is in our hands, and delay is the riskiest option of all.

Genres: Climate Change, Nonfiction

865 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the UK Government Economic Service, and a former Chief Economist of the World Bank.

Reviews

[Max]

I had high hopes for this. Ultimately, I think it could have undergone some major editing to be shortened. It felt like every second paragraph started with a platitude along the lines of "investment in climate action is essential if we are to realise the growth story across the world". And in some sections, where a more in depth analysis was warranted, the details were skipped over.

[Colin]

Climate change and biodiversity problems are all pervasive and if not dealt with will result in catastrophe, if we are not already there. This book explains what can be done about it. There are challenges. But, this is a story of optimism. The discussion in this book is not straightforward, it's complicated, but worth sticking with.