Sunil Amrith’s Landmark Win
Renowned Indian-origin historian Sunil Amrith has been awarded the British Academy Book Prize for his remarkable work The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years. The prestigious £25,000 award celebrates the world’s most outstanding non-fiction writing that deepens global understanding of humanity’s shared challenges.
The announcement was made at a special ceremony held at the British Academy in London, where Amrith’s work was described as a “magisterial account” of the long and often devastating relationship between human civilization and the environment.
The Burning Earth: A Global Environmental History
In The Burning Earth, Amrith offers a sweeping, deeply researched narrative tracing five centuries of humanity’s impact on the planet. The book explores how historical forces such as colonisation, industrialisation, and urban migration have reshaped both societies and ecosystems across continents.
As a Professor of History at Yale University, Amrith draws from decades of research to reveal how human progress has often come at an enormous environmental cost. His account travels across time and geography—from the conquest of the Americas and British gold mining in South Africa to the Black Death and the resource mobilisations of the World Wars.
Through these stories, Amrith shows how the relentless pursuit of power and profit has reshaped Earth’s landscapes and deepened inequality. The book also examines how environmental harm and social injustice have always been deeply connected—making it a vital contribution to understanding today’s climate crisis.
Praise from the Judges
The judging panel called The Burning Earth “vivid in detail and beautifully written.” Chair of the judges noted that the book’s global approach makes it especially powerful, arguing that Amrith demonstrates how human history and environmental change are inseparable.
One judge remarked, “Amrith reminds us that environmental history is not just about nature—it is about humanity itself, our choices, and our shared future.”
Amrith’s Reflections: Hope Through History
Accepting the award via live video link, Amrith—who has South Indian roots and grew up in Singapore—expressed gratitude and reflection. He acknowledged that the book chronicles immense suffering, both human and ecological.
“There’s no doubt it details a great deal of harm and suffering, both human and environmental,” he said. “But it also reminds us that there were always other paths—forgotten ideas, failed movements, and sustainable technologies that could have shaped a different world.”
Amrith concluded with a message of hope, urging readers to rediscover those “paths not taken” as inspiration for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
About the British Academy Book Prize
Established in 2013, the British Academy Book Prize honours exceptional non-fiction works rooted in the humanities and social sciences. It celebrates books that illuminate critical global issues through accessible scholarship.
Sunil Amrith’s win from a highly competitive shortlist reaffirms his reputation as one of the world’s leading historians. His work continues to shed light on the intertwined histories of migration, inequality, and environmental transformation, subjects that are increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing world.
With The Burning Earth, Amrith not only deepens our understanding of how humanity has shaped the planet—but also how history can guide us toward a more hopeful, sustainable path forward.
