William Collins wins Mundy's 'urgent' climate change book in three-way auction

William Collins has triumphed in a three-way auction to publish Financial Times journalist Simon Mundy’s "urgent and practical" book on how climate change will transform global industry, economy and international development.

In her first acquisition for William Collins, Jo Thompson bought UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) to Race for Tomorrow from Sophie Lambert at C&W. It will be published in autumn 2021. 

"Telling real, human stories from every continent," reads the synopsis. "Mundy’s Race for Tomorrow reveals the way that industries and governments are grappling to compete and succeed in the climate crisis – from the innovation of new transport technology to insurance groups preparing for billions claimed in superstorm damages – as well as how communities around the globe are reacting for survival – from wine-makers in Chile to farmers in Bangladesh to mammoth tusk hunters in Siberia."

Thompson said: "I was immediately hooked by Simon’s proposal, which stood out a mile for giving a forward-thinking, practical look at how the climate crisis is going to transform global infrastructure. It’s the biggest story of our times, and Simon is doing the real investigative work to bring together the unexpected stories that aren’t yet on the Western radar, as well as a big-picture vision of how business leaders are adapting for profit. It’s going to be a vital read for anyone interested in the reality of business, economics and international relations over the coming decades."

Mundy added: "I’m delighted to join forces with a publisher that shares my ambition for this book so wholeheartedly. During this journey I have been uncovering an extraordinary range of urgent, compelling human stories within the global race to respond to climate change. William Collins is the ideal partner as I work to share these stories and give a vivid new window on this most vital subject."

Mundy has reported for the Financial Times since 2010, starting out covering South Africa and going on to work as bureau head in Seoul and then Mumbai. He is travelling six continents to discover the diverse stories of our world in climate crisis. This will be his first book.