We have never had so much information at our fingertips and yet most of us don't know how the world really works. This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check - because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts.

In this ambitious and thought-provoking book we see, for example, that globalization isn't inevitable and that our societies have been steadily increasing their dependence on fossil fuels, making their complete and rapid elimination unlikely. Vaclav Smil is neither a pessimist nor an optimist, he is a scientist; he is the world-leading expert on energy and an astonishing polymath. This is his magnum opus and is a continuation of his quest to make facts matter. Drawing on the latest science, including his own fascinating research, and tackling sources of misinformation head on - from Yuval Noah Harari to Noam Chomsky - ultimately Smil answers the most profound question of our age: are we irrevocably doomed or is a brighter utopia ahead?

Generation Dread offers an impassioned perspective on maintaining mental well-being amid the growing concerns of climate change. Climate and environment-related fears, often leading to eco-anxiety, are becoming more prevalent globally. Britt Wray combines scientific understanding with emotional insight to demonstrate that such intense emotions are a natural reaction to the world's current state.

Connecting with our climate emotions is essential for becoming an active steward of the planet, Wray argues. Recognizing and valuing eco-anxiety is the first step to overcoming the widespread denial that has contributed to the current ecological crisis. With the climate situation deteriorating, the need for compassion and care is becoming more critical than ever.

Wray's book intertwines perspectives from climate-aware therapists, discussions on race and privilege, innovative ideas for mental health, and creative coping mechanisms. Generation Dread highlights the importance of learning from the past, our emotions, and one another to not only survive but thrive in our ever-changing environment.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - From the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz presents a far-seeing guide to the powerful economic forces that will shape the decades ahead. The economic ground is shifting, with increased volatility and widespread concern about financial futures. In this urgent and accessible guide, Poloz examines the crises and opportunities that lie ahead.

He identifies tectonic forces such as an aging workforce, mounting debt, rising income inequality, and technological advances that are disrupting employment, alongside climate change driving a transition to a lower-carbon economy. These forces have profound implications across various aspects of life, including work, housing, investment, government and central bank policy, and corporate roles in society. The pandemic has intensified many of these issues.

Poloz draws parallels with past economic crises, from the Victorian Depression to the 2008 downturn, to forecast the potential challenges and opportunities in the future. He suggests that the upcoming upheaval, unlike natural disasters, could provide chances for renewal and growth. This book is filled with insights for employers, investors, policymakers, and families, making it an essential resource for navigating the uncertain times ahead.