Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet

by Hannah Ritchie

‘The world is much better; the world is still awful; the world can do much better.’

As the Native American proverb goes: ‘Take only what you need and leave the land as you found it.’

Kenyan proverb: ‘Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.’

Having thought I was living through humanity’s most tragic period, I now believe I’m living through its best. There has never been a better time to be alive.

So, the production of an electric vehicle does actually emit more carbon than a petrol car. But once we start driving them, the tables quickly turn.

I’ve asked many economists what we need to do to tackle climate change. Every single one has given me the same answer: put a price on carbon. It is, perhaps, the only thing that economists agree on.

Some will argue that focusing on adaptation is a distraction to reducing emissions. That’s not true.

But for many foods the plastic is there for a reason: it keeps our food safe and fresh, and it stops us from throwing it in the bin, which makes a much bigger difference.