Planet in Peril: Humanity's Four Greatest Challenges and How We Can Overcome Them

by Michael D. Bess

Written by an award-winning historian of science and technology, Planet in Peril describes the top four mega-dangers facing humankind – climate change, nukes, pandemics, and artificial intelligence. It outlines the solutions that have been tried, and analyzes why they have thus far fallen short. These four existential dangers present a special kind of challenge that urgently requires planet-level responses, yet today's international institutions have so far failed to meet this need. The book lays out a realistic pathway for gradually modifying the United Nations over the coming century so that it can become more effective at coordinating global solutions to humanity's problems. Neither optimistic nor pessimistic, but pragmatic and constructive, the book explores how to move past ideological polarization and global political fragmentation. Unafraid to take intellectual risks, Planet in Peril sketches a plausible roadmap toward a safer, more democratic future for us all.

452 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa Konet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book brought up some great necessary points to combat global warming and conservation efforts but it was definitely speculative and more like a suggestion of how to act, and not something that is actually happening. Maybe it is a request to world governments to work together because were are all inhabitant on the planet.

Recommended and definitely thought provoking but it is advice to action.

Thanks to Netgalley, Michael D Bess and Columbia University Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available.

[George Doster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thoughtful description of the largest problems that we collectively face, and well developed solutions to protecting ourselves from these dangers. Planet in Peril is very well written and enjoyable to read. It's left me with a lot to think about.

[Jack Schulman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the 4 major threats we will face in the upcoming century— climate change, AI, biotechnology, and nuclear weapons. Bess is neither cynical nor overly optimistic about the future, rather he lays out the problems and his proposed path forward to avoid catastrophe. Fascinating read