This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate
by Naomi Klein
- First published 2013
- 483 pages
- English
Forget what you think you know about global warming. Naomi Klein argues that the climate crisis is not merely an environmental issue but a direct consequence of deregulated capitalism and its pursuit of endless growth. This book presents the case that the actions necessary to reduce emissions fundamentally conflict with the reigning economic ideology, which prioritizes exploitation of resources over ecological health.
Klein examines the forces preventing meaningful climate action, from climate change deniers to the powerful fossil fuel industry and the limitations of some mainstream environmental initiatives. She contends that confronting climate change offers a profound opportunity to transform our failing economic system, address gaping inequalities, reimagine democracies, and rebuild local economies, leading to a more just and sustainable world. This Changes Everything is a call to recognize the existential challenge of our era as a catalyst for fundamental societal change.
Klein examines the forces preventing meaningful climate action, from climate change deniers to the powerful fossil fuel industry and the limitations of some mainstream environmental initiatives. She contends that confronting climate change offers a profound opportunity to transform our failing economic system, address gaping inequalities, reimagine democracies, and rebuild local economies, leading to a more just and sustainable world. This Changes Everything is a call to recognize the existential challenge of our era as a catalyst for fundamental societal change.
What readers say
4.15
28K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Reviewers widely praise Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything as an essential and powerful book for understanding the critical challenges of the 21st century. Many commend her engaging and accessible journalistic style, which effectively illuminates complex structural analyses and often censored stories of struggle. The book is lauded for its thorough research and innovative approach, connecting climate change directly to the unchecked power of corporations, wealth inequality, and the prevailing neoliberal economic system. Readers found it to be a compelling call to action, eye-opening in its articulation of why a fundamental restructuring of the global economy is necessary to tackle the climate crisis. It inspires a demand for change, offering hope and potential pathways through grassroots movements, indigenous leadership, and community-based initiatives that prioritize regeneration over extractivism. The book is seen as timely, crucial, and a generous compilation of information, encouraging readers to question the greed-driven consequences of current economic models and recognize the collective power to forge a sustainable future.
Despite its strengths, the book faces several criticisms. Some reviewers found its length and dense presentation challenging, leading to a sense of depression or overwhelming despair. It is often described as "preaching to the choir," unlikely to sway those already skeptical of climate change or critical of its proposed solutions. Klein’s radical stance on wealth redistribution and her suggestion of reverting to a 1970s lifestyle are contentious, with some critics interpreting her proposals as totalitarian or impractical without clear political implementation. Concerns were raised about the book's objectivity, with accusations of filtering information through a specific ideological lens and misrepresenting scientific data on extreme weather. Reviewers also noted that the book is light on the pure science of climate change, focuses heavily on Western examples, and at times repeats its points without sufficient expansion on crucial topics like the food system or militarism. Furthermore, some felt the critique of capitalism was not deep enough, or that it offered vague solutions without concrete economic alternatives, leading to confusion about its ultimate message.
Ultimately, This Changes Everything is regarded as an exceptionally important and impactful book, delivering a potent message that resonates deeply with many readers. It successfully reframes the climate crisis not merely as an environmental issue, but as a profound conflict between our current economic paradigm and the planet's ability to sustain life, necessitating deep societal transformation. The book’s strength lies in highlighting the potential of collective action and resistance, offering a hopeful, albeit challenging, vision for the future. This book is highly recommended for readers who are already concerned about climate change and are open to exploring radical, systemic critiques of capitalism and its alternatives. It will particularly appeal to environmentalists, activists, and those interested in the intricate economic and political dimensions of the climate crisis, providing inspiration for collective engagement and a renewed sense of purpose.
Despite its strengths, the book faces several criticisms. Some reviewers found its length and dense presentation challenging, leading to a sense of depression or overwhelming despair. It is often described as "preaching to the choir," unlikely to sway those already skeptical of climate change or critical of its proposed solutions. Klein’s radical stance on wealth redistribution and her suggestion of reverting to a 1970s lifestyle are contentious, with some critics interpreting her proposals as totalitarian or impractical without clear political implementation. Concerns were raised about the book's objectivity, with accusations of filtering information through a specific ideological lens and misrepresenting scientific data on extreme weather. Reviewers also noted that the book is light on the pure science of climate change, focuses heavily on Western examples, and at times repeats its points without sufficient expansion on crucial topics like the food system or militarism. Furthermore, some felt the critique of capitalism was not deep enough, or that it offered vague solutions without concrete economic alternatives, leading to confusion about its ultimate message.
Ultimately, This Changes Everything is regarded as an exceptionally important and impactful book, delivering a potent message that resonates deeply with many readers. It successfully reframes the climate crisis not merely as an environmental issue, but as a profound conflict between our current economic paradigm and the planet's ability to sustain life, necessitating deep societal transformation. The book’s strength lies in highlighting the potential of collective action and resistance, offering a hopeful, albeit challenging, vision for the future. This book is highly recommended for readers who are already concerned about climate change and are open to exploring radical, systemic critiques of capitalism and its alternatives. It will particularly appeal to environmentalists, activists, and those interested in the intricate economic and political dimensions of the climate crisis, providing inspiration for collective engagement and a renewed sense of purpose.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Penguin, 2014
- ISBN
- 9780141971803
- Language
- English
Original edition Esto lo cambia todo Originally published in 2013 · Spanish · Ediciones Paidós
