How to Spend a Trillion Dollars

This audio-friendly summary explores a simple, hopeful idea: many of the world’s toughest problems aren’t mysteries—we often already understand what to do. The deeper challenge is choosing to invest early, wisely, and together, so prevention becomes the norm rather than a last-minute scramble.

Across eight chapters, the narration looks at global health, biodiversity, climate solutions, agriculture, space exploration, and the promise and misunderstandings around artificial intelligence. Along the way, it keeps returning to a steady message: with coordinated resources—from governments, companies, communities, and individuals—humanity can reduce suffering and strengthen the planet that supports all life.

• Listeners who care about climate, health, and long-term human wellbeing and want a big-picture, non-technical overview of major global priorities.
• Anyone curious about how money, policy, science, and personal choices can work together to prevent crises instead of only reacting to them.
• People who feel overwhelmed by global problems and would appreciate a calmer, structured way to think about what helps.

Rowan Hooper is a science writer and editor known for translating complex scientific and global-risk topics into accessible ideas for general audiences, with a focus on practical choices societies can make to improve long-term outcomes.