The three biggest challenges facing the world today, in A. C. Grayling's view, are climate change, technology and justice.

In his timely new book, he asks: can human beings agree on a set of values that will allow us to confront the numerous threats facing the planet, or will we simply continue with our disagreements and antipathies as we collectively approach our possible extinction?

As every day brings new stories about extreme weather events, spyware, lethal autonomous weapons systems, and the health imbalance between the northern and southern hemispheres, Grayling's question - Is Global Agreement on Global Challenges Possible? - becomes ever more urgent.

The solution he proposes is both pragmatic and inspiring.