num_pages: 269
description: The book explores the central question facing humanity how can we best survive the ten great existential challenges that are now coming together to confront us? Besides describing these challenges from the latest scientific perspectives it also outlines and integrates the solutions both at global and individual level and concludes optimistically. This book brings together in one easy-to-read work the principal issues facing humanity. It is written for the two next generations who will have to deal with the compounding risks they inherit and which flow from overpopulation resource pressures and human nature. The author examines ten intersecting areas of activity (mass extinction resource depletion WMD climate change universal toxicity food crises population and urban expansion pandemic disease dangerous new technologies and self-delusion) which pose manifest risks to civilization and potentially to our species long-term future. This isnt a book just about problems. It is also about solutions. Every chapter concludes with clear conclusions and consensus advice on what needs to be done at global level but it also empowers individuals with what they can do for themselves to make a difference. Unlike other books it offers integrated solutions across the areas of greatest risk. It explains why Homo sapiens is no longer an appropriate name for our species and what should be done about it. 
language: English
title: Surviving the 21st Century: Humanity's Ten Great Challenges and How We Can Overcome Them
publisher: Springer