We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words: too late; Martin Luther King Jr It;s time to take a new look at how to change the world. Many people taking individual actions ; signing a petition, giving to charity, recycling,; is important. But can it really make the difference needed to combat injustice and control a rapidly changing climate? Who really has the power to change the world? And what can you really do to help? This little book sets out some of the biggest challenges facing the world today and shows you how to use the power you have in the fight for positive change. It invites you to become part of a movement of people who believe that inequality can and should be challenged. Before its too late. The urgency of now is essential reading for development, international politics, economics, and business students, activists and campaigners, and anyone interested in globalisation or development issues. In fact it's for anyone with a questioning mind. The urgency of now is based on analysis and arguments presented in Oxfam Internationals flagship publication,