Atmosphere of Hope: Searching for Solutions to the Climate Crisis - Hardcover

Flannery, Tim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802124062 ISBN 13: 9780802124067

Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2015

Synopsis

A decade ago, Tim Flannery’s #1 international bestseller, The Weather Makers, was one of the first books to break the topic of climate change out into the general conversation. Today, Earth’s climate system is fast approaching a crisis. Political leadership has not kept up, and public engagement with the issue of climate change has declined. Opinion is divided between technological optimists and pessimists who feel that catastrophe is inevitable. The publication of this new book is timed for the lead-up to the Climate Change Conference in Paris in December 2015, which aims to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate from all the nations in the world. This book anticipates and will influence the debates.

Time is running out, but catastrophe is not inevitable. Around the world people are now living with the consequences of an altered climate with intensified and more frequent storms, wildfires, droughts and floods. For some it’s already a question of survival. Drawing on the latest science, Flannery gives a snapshot of the trouble we are in and more crucially, proposes a new way forward, including rapidly progressing clean technologies and a third way” of soft geo-engineering. Tim Flannery, with his inimitable style, makes this urgent issue compelling and accessible. This is a must-read for anyone interested in our global future.

About this title

About the Author

Tim Flannery is a scientist, explorer, and conservationist. He has published more than 130 scientific papers and several books, includingThe Weather Makers, Throwim Way Leg, Here on Earth, and Among the Islands. He was named Australian of the Year in 2007, and from 2011 to 2013, he was head of the Australian Climate Change Commission.

Review

Praise for Atmosphere of Hope:

Thoughtful, candid and yes ultimately upbeat, Atmosphere of Hope could not be more timely. It is just the book the world needs right now.” Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction

The book does a remarkably good job of arguing that there is still hope for averting catastrophic climate change . . . [Flannery] fully acknowledges the steep challenges and serious obstacles we face. So when he affirms that a path to averting catastrophic climate change remains in place, we know the conclusion is not reached capriciously . . . Flannery’s exploration of the climate change problem is comprehensive. He covers everything from the underlying basic science to the nitty-gritty details of prospective solutions. The book is at its best when laying out the latter . . . What Flannery provides a convincing defense for the position that a path to averting catastrophic climate change still exists is invaluable.” Los Angeles Review of Books

In his new book, Atmosphere of Hope, best-selling Australian author Tim Flannery counsels cautious optimism by showing how the millions of small actions taken by individuals are driving down oil consumption and points out how new Third Way’ carbon-capture technologies promise to reduce emissions and create massive economic opportunities.”—National Geographic

An informative tour of promising multipronged approaches to one of humanity’s biggest challenges. Flannery’s solution-focused quest is especially timely.” Booklist

Flannery argues for renewed optimism in human capabilities to reverse the destabilizing effects of climate change. For years, the author has been in the forefront of spreading the warning of climate change’s dire consequences to a broad audience . . . A sharp summary of energy potentialities, where the good and the bad reside in human hands, hearts, and minds.” Kirkus Reviews

Certain people rise above the crowd. They choose to use their extraordinary talent and intelligence to make a difference. Scientist, scholar and activist Tim Flannery is one of those rare people . . . Atmosphere of Hope is a brilliant examination of where we are with climate change and where we might be able to go.” National Observer (Vancouver)

Praise for The Weather Makers:

An authoritative, scientifically accurate book on global warming that sparkles with life, clarity and intelligence.” Washington Post

At last, here is a clear and readable account of one of the most important but controversial issues facing everyone in the world today. If you are not already addicted to Tim Flannery's writing, discover him now.” Jared Diamond, author of The World Until Yesterday and Guns, Germs & Steel

Flannery . . . is without question an extraordinary scientist. . .. A passionate explication of human influence on climate change and a call to action. . . . A tour de force.” Science Magazine

Edition details

• Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0802124062
• ISBN 13: 9780802124067
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256