It is predicted that Earth's population will reach 10 billion in the next 40 years. Can the Earth support a population that large in the face of four great challenges: food, water, energy, and climate change? Answers to these questions tend to split into two competing scientific world views: Wizards and Prophets. Prophets are environmentalists who argue we need to reduce our ecological footprint. Wizards argue we can use technological innovations to wrangle the world in service of our species. Mann explores both sides of the debate while also delving into the history of a champion for each cause, William Vogt and Norman Borlaug. Part thrilling biography and part captivating science journalism, this book will challenge your ideas of how we solve the world's crises and ensure a livable planet for future generations, while also providing us a much needed sense of hope.

Prior to reading The Wizard and the Prophet, I believed that I had a thorough understanding of the causes and challenges of climate change, along with the solutions needed to alleviate the concerns. I was stuck in the Prophet way of thinking, believing that humans need to reduce our consumption of natural resources in order to slow climate change. This book provided me a new lens looking into more innovative solutions and convinced me that cutting back is not the only way to reach a healthier planet. While I can't say that I am fully a Wizard, I certainly see the benefit of blending together the "reduce" mindset with newer innovations that allow for society to grow and thrive in other ways. Most importantly, I think that this book provided me more hope for the future of the Earth. By accepting that innovative technologies can be useful tools in the fight to save the planet, the future of humanity is much more promising.