Humans are exploiting nature, consuming too much energy, too many raw materials, and too much land. In short, the current economic and lifestyle practices of humanity, particularly in the West, are not sustainable. Who would disagree with this assessment? The evidence seems overwhelming: species extinction, deforestation, resource scarcity, soil erosion, plastic waste, ecological footprint, and of course, climate change. But how reliable are these indicators? Are there perhaps contrary signs and positive developments? And are all these problems of equal urgency?

This book provides answers: well-founded, comprehensible, and to the point. It demonstrates that reports and headlines on ecological issues in mainstream media are often one-sided, exaggerated, and thus misleading. The book does not downplay the issues but offers differentiation. Using relevant international reports and databases, it presents the overall context where usually only isolated, striking figures are highlighted.

With over 70 graphical representations, the book paints a new picture of the state of the planet and the impacts of human economic activity and consumption. In the end, it presents a clear list of priorities for the actual challenges regarding sustainability – for humanity as a whole and also for the West.