In September 2018, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, arguing that global warming is a problem that must be solved collectively. It was a powerful, thoughtful and nuanced speech — but she could only go so far. The most pressing facts about climate change are ones that most of us do not want to hear, so politicians dare not utter them. In other words, there are things that Jacinda simply cannot say. Beginning with a clear and concise explanation of global warming and its implications, David Chapman examines some of the difficult truths that our leaders are not able to discuss, from the energy embedded in everything we buy (and throw away) to the paradox of recycling. Underpinning this analysis is the idea that a problem cannot be tackled if it is not properly understood. Dr Chapman shines an illuminating light on the complex issues that threaten our future, and explains why we can no longer choose to ignore them.