American journalist Charles C. Mann’s book, The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow’s World — slated for release on January 9th, 2018 — examines two opposing viewpoints about how humanity should handle the large-scale issues facing us in the next century:

The Prophets, he explains, follow William Vogt, a founding environmentalist who believed that in using more than our planet has to give, our prosperity will lead us to ruin. Cut back! was his mantra. Otherwise everyone will lose!

The Wizards are the heirs of Norman Borlaug, whose research, in effect, wrangled the world in service to our species to produce modern high-yield crops that then saved millions from starvation. Innovate! was Borlaug’s cry. Only in that way can everyone win!

Mann delves into these diverging viewpoints to assess the four great challenges humanity faces—food, water, energy, climate change—grounding each in historical context and weighing the options for the future. With our civilization on the line, the author’s insightful analysis is an essential addition to the urgent conversation about how our children will fare on an increasingly crowded Earth.

I discovered this book via Jason Kottke, who offers some additional info about the book and some commentary about why he’s excited to read it. I suggest reading his post before pre-ordering.

Pre-order the book in these formats:

• Kindle ($15)
• iBooks ($15)
• Hardcover ($25)
• Audiobook CD ($50)