Positives The reviews consistently praise the book for its engaging and accessible writing style, which transforms a potentially dense subject into a compelling narrative. Readers found it to be a highly informative and revelatory investigation into the political history of climate change, particularly focusing on the crucial decade from 1979 to 1989. Many reviewers highlighted the book's ability to captivate them from beginning to end, with its impactful afterword often singled out for its scathing yet true rhetoric. The book is commended for its clear-eyed approach, painting vivid portraits of the key individuals involved and successfully chronicling the early awareness and subsequent missed opportunities regarding global warming without relying on excessive scientific jargon.
Negatives Despite its many strengths, some reviewers noted a significant drawback in the book's lack of formal academic sourcing, expressing frustration over the absence of bibliographies or proofs to substantiate its claims. A few readers felt the narrative focused too narrowly on American political history and government efforts during the specified period, wishing for a broader exploration of the science itself or the contributions of other industries. While acknowledging its impact, some also found the book's often grim conclusions and enraging content to be emotionally taxing, leading to feelings of depression or hopelessness. Additionally, a couple of reviews suggested it might feel too brief on its own or occasionally lack a strong narrative drive.
Conclusion Overall, the book is widely regarded as a vital and essential read, offering a powerful, albeit often disheartening, account of humanity's historical failure to address climate change. It is highly recommended for readers interested in the political origins of environmentalism and how climate change evolved into a polarized issue. The book particularly appeals to those seeking to understand the historical roots of climate denialism and the moral imperative of addressing the ongoing crisis. It serves as both a detailed historical record and a stark warning about future implications, making it a valuable companion to more science-focused climate literature and a crucial read for anyone wanting to grasp the human story behind our current environmental predicament.
