Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future

Synopsis

Behind every object we touch lies a hidden network of resources that shape our lives. In Material World, Ed Conway traces the stories of six essential substances — sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium — to reveal how they underpin modern civilisation. Blending history, science, and reportage, Conway uncovers the human and environmental cost of our dependence on these materials, offering a fresh perspective on the world we’ve built and the choices that lie ahead.