Through powerful images and the latest scientific insights on global sustainability, centre director Johan Rockström and photographer Mattias Klum not only diagnose the problems, but also look at the opportunities and evidence supporting that transitions to a sustainable future are possible. Photo: M. Klum

The Human Quest

A reminder of what is at stake

New book integrates latest scientific insights with stunning images of nature

In a new book co-authored by centre director Johan Rockström and Natural Geographic photographer and centre senior fellow Mattias Klum, science truly meets beauty and emotion.

"The Human Quest showcases world-class photography to remind us just what is at stake. The authors demonstrate that with collective action, humankind can still bend the curves of negative environmental change toward a resilient and prosperous future—but there's no time left to waste," says President Bill Clinton in his foreword.

An inspiration and a guide
The book serves as an inspiration and guide for action as humankind faces a turning point in our history and the state of the Earth.

"Over the past 50 years, our unsustainable ways of living have begun to put massive pressure on the planetary processes that support our well-being and economic development. The Human Quest tells how by integrating the latest scientific insights with the power of images," says centre director Johan Rockström.

Launched during the High level dialogue on global sustainability at Rio+20, the book will also be available as an enhanced e-book with additional video clips by Mattias Klum.

Read more about the book at www.thehumanquest.org.

Published: 2012-07-02

About the authors

Related info

Johan Rockström is the Executive Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre. He led the recent scientific development of the new Planetary Boundaries framework and chairs the visioning process on global environmental change of the International Council for Science (ICSU).

Mattias Klum is a senior research fellow at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. A renown photographer, he has published numerous articles and cover images for National Geographic magazine. In addition to his position as a senior research fellow at the centre, Klum is also a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a member of the Board of Trustees at WWF Sweden.

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