Sunil Amrith Wins British Academy Prize for “The Burning Earth”

Indian-origin historian Sunil Amrith has won the 2025 British Academy Book Prize for his groundbreaking work, The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years. The prestigious £25,000 award celebrates outstanding non-fiction in the humanities and social sciences, highlighting writing that enhances public understanding of global issues through rigorous scholarship. Amrith’s latest book offers a sweeping narrative that connects empire, environment, and human progress, earning acclaim for its relevance in today’s climate-conscious world.

About the Author: A Global Historian with Indian Roots

• At 46, Sunil Amrith is a leading voice in global environmental and migration history.
• Born in Kenya to South Indian parents, and raised in Singapore, Amrith’s academic journey led him to the University of Cambridge, and now to Yale University, where he serves as Professor of History.
• Previously a recipient of the 2017 MacArthur Fellowship (also known as the “Genius Grant”), Amrith is celebrated for linking historical insights with urgent global challenges like climate change, colonialism, and displacement.

The Burning Earth: A History Through the Ecological Lens

The Burning Earth reimagines global history through the prism of environmental change. Amrith’s research spans five centuries and multiple continents, covering events like,

• The conquest of the Americas and its ecological impact
• British gold mining in South Africa
• The environmental fallout of the World Wars
• Long-term consequences of colonial extraction and industrial development

The British Academy hailed the book for “reframing history through an ecological lens,” offering compelling insights into how human development and environmental degradation have been deeply intertwined throughout modern history.

Why This Win Matters

Amrith’s recognition comes at a time when the climate crisis dominates global policy discussions. His work serves as a powerful reminder that today’s environmental challenges are deeply rooted in the past — particularly in patterns of imperialism, capitalism, and global migration.

This award,

• Reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary historical research
• Encourages public engagement with environmental history
• Showcases Indian-origin scholars leading global academic conversations

About the British Academy Book Prize

• Established in 2013, the British Academy Book Prize celebrates excellence in non-fiction across the humanities and social sciences.
• The prize seeks to promote research-rich writing that connects scholarship with society.
• Past winners include authors like Patrick Wright and Kapka Kassabova, known for their ability to blend deep research with accessible narratives.
• In addition to the £25,000 grand prize, shortlisted authors each receive £1,000.

2025 Shortlist Highlights

This year’s shortlist featured a diverse range of global voices, including,

• William Dalrymple (The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World)
• Lucy Ash (The Baton and The Cross)
• Bronwen Everill (Africonomics)
• Sophie Harman (Sick of It)
• Graeme Lawson (Sound Tracks)

The British Academy praised the list for its global relevance and contribution to public discourse on history, economics, health, and culture.