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Atmosphere of Hope: Searching for Solutions to the Climate Crisis Hardcover – 6 Oct. 2015
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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.
- ISBN-100802124062
- ISBN-13978-0802124067
- PublisherGrove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press
- Publication date6 Oct. 2015
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions16.51 x 1.91 x 23.5 cm
- Print length256 pages
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Review
Thoughtful, candid andyesultimately 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"
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"
Praise for "The Weather Makers"
An authoritative, scientifically accurate book on global warming that sparkles with life, clarity and intelligence. "Washington Post"
[Flannery] builds a galvanizing, intentionally polarizing case for the urgency of altering our patterns of energy use. "New York Times"
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"
Comprehensive and extremely well-written, "The Weather Makers" has perhaps the best chance of inspiring actual policy change since Rachel Carson s "Silent Spring" . . . Even the most skeptical reader will wonder why, exactly, we are sitting on our hands. "Newsday"
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"
"
Praise for "Atmosphere of Hope"
Thoughtful, candid andyesultimately 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 providesa convincing defense for the position that a path to averting catastrophic climate change still existsis 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"
"
Praise for Atmosphere of Hope
Thoughtful, candid andyesultimately 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 providesa convincing defense for the position that a path to averting catastrophic climate change still existsis 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
"
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
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Product details
- Publisher : Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press (6 Oct. 2015)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0802124062
- ISBN-13 : 978-0802124067
- Dimensions : 16.51 x 1.91 x 23.5 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 2,722,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 1,920 in Global Warming & Ecology
- 2,656 in Ecological Pollution
- 5,113 in Meteorology
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In essence, Flannery’s grounds for hope are based on the availability of the technologies needed to keep below the 2-degree threshold, together with the development of carbon capture approaches that could help in the medium term. The tardiness of our political leadership is gradually being compensated for by the increasing awareness of the issues by the general public, and the sense of urgency among younger people (which has, of course, subsequently increased with Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion).
Overall, 'Atmosphere of hope' is a quick read, providing a good overview of the environmental crisis and a snapshot of the technologies being developed to address it.
The book is heavily polemical, very much Tim Flannery's personal attempt to influence the decision makers. As a scientist and leading environmentalist of long-standing, Flannery is Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne, a member of the Australian Independent Climate Council and chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council; so he's certainly qualified to speak authoritatively on the subject.
This was a bit of a roller-coaster read for me, both in terms of style and content. In the introduction, Flannery lays out his stall. Taking as his starting point his own earlier book, The Weather Makers, he sets out to show how things have developed over the decade since, where his opinions have changed over the years, and what he now thinks are the best ways forward if we want to avoid catastrophic climate change. At this stage, I was concerned I might find the book unreadable. His style is abrasive, self-aggrandizing and arrogant and much of the introduction and early chapters read like a piece of self-advertisement. He mentions his previous book umpteen times, dismissing anyone who has criticised any aspect of it over the years, and spends far too long justifying his then conclusions. In fact, at times there is a sense almost of paranoia – as if he is the victim of a conspiracy of vested interests trying to discredit his work. He is vitriolic about the Abbott government in Australia – still in power when he was writing but now gone. Of course, as the cliché goes, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you...
However, having vented his spleen, Flannery then settles down into a series of well-written chapters where he lays out the current situation very clearly. He starts with a bleak picture of what may happen if temperatures are not contained to the 2°C target – to the Arctic and Antarctic, to forests, wildlife and oceans, and not least to humanity in those parts of the world most sensitive to rising temperatures. It's all stuff we've heard before, but brought up to date with the latest science. Flannery assumes throughout that by this time only those with vested interests in the carbon industries are still denying the link between man's activities and climate change, and so is dismissive and even occasionally virulent about deniers. There is throughout a feeling of urgency – no time left to waste preaching to the unconverted, let's just ignore them and get on with what needs to be done. Fine by me, but this is not a book to win over waverers with charm.
The next few chapters take us through individual aspects of energy production, starting with the dirty ones and moving on to the clean. This was the part of the book that gave me a sense of hope – assuming Flannery's figures are correct, and I see no reason to doubt them, then fossil fuels seem to be losing their overwhelming attractiveness as renewables become both more efficient and cheaper due to economies of scale. We're nowhere near out of the woods, but Flannery made me feel as if perhaps we've spotted the path.
In the final section, Flannery discusses how he believes we should proceed. His position is that, even in the unlikely (but not impossible) event that we reduce fossil fuel use to zero over the next few decades, we will still have the problem of existing CO2 in the atmosphere to deal with. He discusses the difficulties of the task and goes into some detail on some of the schemes that have been put forward. To my unscientific mind, lots of these sound like pie-in-the-sky schemes, or actually poison-in-the-sky, to be more accurate. Flannery himself isn't keen on the kind of geo-engineering scheme that suggests pumping other stuff, like sulphur, into the atmosphere in order to induce cooling, on the grounds that firstly, we can't foresee all the possible implications and secondly, the underlying problem of too much carbon still remains.
He suggests what he calls a 'third way' – a mixture of preparing for climate change by making necessary adaptations at a local level while attempting to remove CO2 from the atmosphere by a variety of schemes, from massive seaweed farms to storing carbon in rocks and plastics, that he feels could be effective without the risks of geo-engineering. To be honest, much of this sounded impractical and a bit like wishful thinking to me, but hey! Most of it was well over my head scientifically and he's an expert, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. It's always been my opinion that it will have to be the scientists who solve this problem in the end, and the role of governments and the people should be to give them the finances and resources they need, while trying to stop any of them accidentally blowing up the galaxy in their enthusiasm.
However, after cheering me up in the earlier chapters, I'm afraid this final section plunged me back into gloom – the sheer scale of the task and the short-termism of so many governments make it all seem pretty overwhelming. I comforted myself with the thought that perhaps Flannery had done this deliberately, so that no-one would be approaching the Paris Conference feeling over-confident. Overall well worth reading – a good introduction for anyone new to the subject and a thorough update for those with a little more knowledge. Let's hope the politicians attending the Conference will pay attention to the science more than the politics for once... the world will be watching. Won't we?
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Grove Atlantic.


