The Planet Doesn't Give a Damn

Written by Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth, this book demonstrates that if approached strategically, climate action is a way to tackle these challenges hand in hand: modernising our economy, strengthening our energy security and restoring confidence in Europe’s climate future. The Planet Doesn’t Give a Damn is a call for strategic realism. We are standing at a historic turning point. Economic stagnation, geopolitical instability, and growing public skepticism about climate policy reinforce one another, creating a dangerous cycle of hesitation and vulnerability. The book demonstrates that, approached strategically, climate action is a way to tackle these challenges hand in hand: modernizing our economy, strengthening our security, and restoring confidence in Europe’s climate future. The book offers more than a description of climate change or policy analysis. It shares the reflections behind major decisions, dilemmas that rarely make it into official statements, and encounters with remarkable individuals, businesses, and institutions already shaping a cleaner, more competitive Europe. It is both an insider’s account and a testament to the people proving progress is possible. In an accessible style, it explains how climate change works, why change can feel uncomfortable from a psychological and geopolitical perspective, why the transition to clean energy is vital, and how Europe can set the standard for future industries. Using everyday examples and personal stories, Wopke Hoekstra translates complex technical and geopolitical issues into relatable content anyone can understand.