The Anti-Catastrophe League

The pioneers and visionaries on a quest to save the world

By: Tom Ough

'Consummate and thorough' – The Times

'Darkly entertaining' – The Spectator

A superbly written work of narrative non-fiction by an exciting new talent, The Anti-Catastrophe League is a brilliant study of the people and their teams who are trying to save the world.

Our species has a unique genius for self-imperilment. The ancient dangers – asteroids, super-volcanoes and worse – still stalk us, but the most pressing time-bombs are of our own making. Our knack for self-imperilment, though, is one side of a coin: for we are also developing a knack for ambitious solutions.

The Anti-Catastrophe League, informed by the author’s experience of working in the field of what is known as existential risk, tells the story of a species that is working out how to defuse several bombs at once. From ancient risks to very modern apocalypses, the book charts the imminent dangers to the human race, and introduces readers to the groups of scientists, eccentrics, diplomats and visionaries who are trying to prevent doom.

The Anti-Catastrophe League is a fascinating story of the end of the world – and what we can do about it.

©2025 Tom Ough (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

The best book I have read this year

A fascinating collection of stories, narrated engagingly and with humor. The future of humanity is a serious topic, but Tom Ough manages to keep things fun as he tours the different threats we face as a species and the amazing people trying to help us avoid them. So many gems in here, and so many captivating areas to learn about. The best book I have read this year, highly recommended.