The New Global Possible: Seven Reasons to Feel Optimistic about the Planet

An optimistic survey of the newest developments in the fight against climate change, from the experts leading the charge.

The leaders of World Resources Institute present their evidence on how the world is on the brink of a sustainability revolution, thanks to a convergence of progress in seven key areas. World Resources Institute has been on the cutting edge of global sustainability for four decades, supplying think tanks, policymakers, and countries with the best environmental data and solutions-oriented practices. Drawing from that wealth of experience, they show why it is time to be truly optimistic about attaining a low-carbon, sustainable future. With WRI leaders Ani Dasgupta and James Harmon as guides, readers will discover how seven critical developments have converged to support an unprecedented shift toward hope in the battle against climate change and environmental injustice. And while this book advocates for optimism, it also demands a commitment to relentless progress across all seven points through a global collaboration between governments, businesses, and citizens. The New Global Possible puts forth a map to a better future, one where we can achieve low-carbon emissions and safeguard our resources while cultivating economically vibrant businesses, cities, and countries.

Aniruddha (Ani) Dasgupta is president and CEO of World Resources Organization, where he works to advance the institute’s global vision to improve the lives of all people and ensure that nature can thrive. Dasgupta is a widely recognized leader in the fields of sustainable cities, urban design, and poverty alleviation. Prior to joining WRI, Dasgupta served as director of knowledge and learning at the World Bank, where he provided leadership in the Bank’s knowledge services for development. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and has two sons. James A. Harmon is chair of World Resources Organization and chairman of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund, a private corporation seeded by US government funds to promote the development of the Egyptian private sector. Nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the US Senate in June 1997, he was the chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for the four years that ended June 2001. Prior to that he was chairman and CEO of the investment bank Schroder Wertheim (1986-1996). He lives in Weston, Connecticut.