Tom Rivett-Carnac

The Future We Choose

1. IDEA 1

   Two futures lie ahead

   Figueres and Rivett-Carnac, who helped negotiate the 2015 Paris climate agreement, describe two possible worlds in 2050. In one, humanity failed to cut emissions; in the other, it succeeded and built a healthier world.

2. IDEA 2

   Optimism is a choice

   The authors argue for stubborn optimism, a deliberate decision to believe in a good outcome and act to achieve it. In their view, a hopeful mindset keeps people from giving up and gives them energy to keep working on solutions.

3. IDEA 3

   Abundance replaces scarcity

   The authors describe a mindset of endless abundance, the idea that cooperation can create enough for everyone. In their view, a mindset of scarcity breeds competition and fear, while a mindset of abundance makes sharing and teamwork easier.

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