Sunil Amrith Wins British Academy Prize for ‘The Burning Earth’

Indian-origin historian Sunil Amrith has received the prestigious British Academy Book Prize for 2025, awarded for his recent publication, ‘The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years’. The ceremony took place at the British Academy in London, where Amrith’s work was selected from a shortlist of six outstanding titles.

Amrith’s book examines the complex interplay between human history and environmental change over the last five centuries, providing critical insights into the ongoing climate crisis. The award, which comes with a prize of £25,000, recognizes exemplary non-fiction works that enhance public understanding of the world.

Exploring Environmental Transformation

A professor of History at Yale University, Amrith brings a unique global perspective to his research. Born in Kenya to South Indian parents and educated in Singapore and Cambridge, he intricately connects centuries of human experience with environmental shifts. His work vividly illustrates how factors like colonization, industrialization, and evolving settlement patterns have contributed to the current climate challenges.

The judges praised ‘The Burning Earth’ as an essential read. Professor Rebecca Earle, chair of the judging panel, described it as a “magisterial account” that captures the deep connections between human actions and environmental transformations. Earle emphasized Amrith’s scholarship, noting, “He reveals the impact of the environment on human history, as well as our impact on the environment. In fact, as he shows, it’s not really possible to separate these two.”

Inspiration for a Sustainable Future

In his acceptance speech, Amrith acknowledged that his book highlights significant human and environmental suffering. However, he expressed hope that readers would find inspiration for a more sustainable way of living. He urged them to explore alternative paths and forgotten ideas that could lead to a more harmonious future.

“I’ve sometimes been asked whether ‘The Burning Earth’ is a bleak book. There’s no doubt it details a great deal of harm and suffering, both human and environmental, and it shows that the two were almost always interlinked,” Amrith stated. “However, I hope readers will take away a sense of the many paths not taken and find inspiration for a more hopeful and sustainable way of living.”

The British Academy recognized Amrith’s extensive research, which illustrates how changing human settlement patterns have exacerbated climate issues. His award underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling pressing global challenges like climate change.

Established in 2013, the British Academy Book Prize honors exceptional non-fiction writing in the humanities and social sciences. Amrith’s achievement not only highlights his contribution to environmental history but also marks a significant moment for scholars addressing the intricate connections between humanity and the environment.