Rethinking Our World

Rethinking Our World by David Shaw and Maja Gopel is a compelling exploration into the profound social and environmental transformations required for a sustainable future. As global crises intensify, the book delves deep into the root causes of these challenges, offering a critical yet optimistic perspective on how we can collectively navigate towards a better, more equitable world.

This thought-provoking work does not merely present the stark realities of our times but unravels the intricate connections between our societal actions and the resulting environmental degradation. Maja Gopel, co-founder of the Scientists for Future initiative and a prominent voice in sustainable development, leverages her extensive expertise to highlight how our continuous actions, driven by long-standing principles and beliefs, have systematically led us to this precarious juncture.

Instead of viewing the current environmental crisis in isolation, Rethinking Our World frames it as part of a broader social crisis. Gopel articulates that the dual challenge we face demands a fundamental reassessment of our goals and priorities. It’s a call to action to reshape our economic systems, prioritise fairness in wealth distribution, and harmonise our societal values with ecological sustainability.

The book is laden with surprising and illuminating examples that vividly illustrate the necessity and possibility of departing from established norms. Gopel's narrative invites readers to envision and actively participate in shaping a future that balances human prosperity with planetary health.

"After so much fake information born of post-factual hoaxes, this level-headedly argued book by economist Maja Gopel for a reform of our economic system is an insanely soothing read. Maja Gopel's pleasantly unagitated written book helps to understand this new reality."
-Denis Scheck, ARD broadcasting service

"Maja Gopel's book is a successful attempt to pack human history from the evolution of Homo Sapiens to Greta Thunberg, economic theory from Adam Smith to Thomas Piketty, environmental research and system criticism into a concise space in an entertaining read - and she does it well."
-Jessica von Blazekovic, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

"Her findings are precise, her book comes at the right time - a time when the consequences of climate change are just as unmistakable as the half-heartedness of politics. It is a forcefully presented plea for future-oriented thinking, 'an invitation' that one wishes many would accept."
-Ralph Gerstenberg, Deutschlandfunk Kultur