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Storms of My Grandchildren: The Truth About the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity |  | Author: James Hansen
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Category: Book
List Price: $25.00
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Seller: friends-library
Rating:  reviews
Sales Rank: 966
Media: Hardcover
Edition: First Edition
Pages: 320
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.2
ISBN: 1608192008
Dewey Decimal Number: 363.73874
EAN: 9781608192007
ASIN: 1608192008
Publication Date: December 8, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
An urgent and provocative call to action from the world’s leading climate scientist—speaking out here for the first time with the full story of what we need to know about humanity’s last chance to get off the path to a catastrophic global meltdown, and why we don’t know the half of it. In Storms of My Grandchildren, Dr. James Hansen—the nation’s leading scientist on climate issues—speaks out for the first time with the full truth about global warming: The planet is hurtling even more rapidly than previously acknowledged to a climatic point of no return. Although the threat of human-caused climate change is now widely recognized, politicians have failed to connect policy with the science, responding instead with ineffectual remedies dictated by special interests. Hansen shows why President Obama’s solution, cap-and-trade, which Al Gore has signed on to, won’t work; why we must phase out all coal, and why 350 ppm of carbon dioxide is a goal we must achieve if our children and grandchildren are to avoid global meltdown and the storms of the book’s title. This urgent manifesto bucks conventional wisdom (including the Kyoto Protocol) and is sure to stir controversy, but Hansen—whose climate predictions have come to pass again and again, beginning in the 1980s when he first warned Congress about global warming—is the single most credible voice on the subject worldwide. Hansen paints a devastating but all-too-realistic picture of what will happen in the near future, mere years and decades from now, if we follow the course we’re on. But he is also an optimist, showing that there is still time to do what we need to save the planet. Urgent, strong action is needed, and this book, released to coincide with the Copenhagen Conference in December 2009, will be key in setting the agenda going forward to create a groundswell, a tipping point, to save humanity—and our grandchildren—from a dire fate more imminent than we had supposed. Learn more at www.stormsofmygrandchildren.com Dr. James Hansen, perhaps best known for bringing global warming to the world's attention in the 1980s when he first testified before Congress, is an adjunct professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University and at Columbia's Earth Institute, and director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, ABC News Tonight, Anderson Cooper, Charlie Rose; has been interviewed in The New York Times and profiled in the New Yorker; and has written for The Boston Globe, The Nation, The New York Review of Books, and Scientific American. This is his first book. In Storms of My Grandchildren, Dr. James Hansen—the nation's leading scientist on climate issues—speaks out for the first time with the full truth about global warming: The planet is hurtling even more rapidly than previously acknowledged to a climatic point of no return. Although the threat of human-caused climate change is now widely recognized, politicians have failed to connect policy with the science, responding instead with ineffectual remedies dictated by special interests. Hansen shows why President Obama's solution, cap-and-trade, which Al Gore has signed on to, won't work; why we must phase out all coal, and why 350 ppm of carbon dioxide is a goal we must achieve if our children and grandchildren are to avoid global meltdown and the storms of the book's title. This urgent manifesto bucks conventional wisdom (including the Kyoto Protocol) and is sure to stir controversy, but Hansen—whose climate predictions have come to pass again and again, beginning in the 1980s when he first warned Congress about global warming—is the single most credible voice on the subject worldwide.
Hansen paints a devastating but all-too-realistic picture of what will happen in the near future, mere years and decades from now, if we follow the course we’re on. But he is also an optimist, showing that there is still time to do what we need to save the planet. Urgent, strong action is needed, and this book, released to coincide with the Copenhagen Conference in December 2009, will be key in setting the agenda going forward to create a groundswell, a tipping point, to save humanity—and our grandchildren—from a dire fate more imminent than we had supposed. "Hands down the best, most informative, brilliantly written book on general climate science I've ever read" —DailyKos.com
“Here Hansen takes off the gloves … As the author writes, we’re simply out of time. With urgency and authority, Hansen urges readers to speak out—taking to the streets if necessary—to protect the Earth from calamity for the sake of their children and grandchildren.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Rich in invaluable insights into the geopolitics as well as the geophysics of climate change, Hansen’s guaranteed-to-be-controversial manifesto is the most comprehensible, realistic, and courageous call to prevent climate change yet. It belongs in every library.”—Booklist (starred review)
"[Hansen] lays all the cards on the table in this thorough, detailed analysis of the history, science and politics of climate change, a Silent Spring-style warning cry that predicts 'a rough ride' for our grandchildren. Using numerous charts and graphs alongside accessible explanations, Hansen presents copious climate data for a broad audience. After discussing the recent history of global warming science, from the Climate Task Force of 2000 to his up-to-the-minute carbon dioxide limit of 350ppm, Hansen provides recommendations for achieving greenhouse gas reduction, as well as strategies for reducing or eliminating fossil fuel use: 'For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we cannot allow our government to continue to connive with the coal industry in subterfuges that allow dirty-coal use to continue.' The most significant step, he says, would be creating a cost structure that escalates cost as carbon emissions increase. With of-the-moment discussion of topics such as climate vs. weather (addressing in particular the cool U.S. summer of 2009), cap-and-trade vs. fee-and-dividend, and climate change politics as well as activism, this is certain to be as controversial as it is informative. Hansen's message is stirring as well as urgent, and should be required reading for anyone involved in public policy."— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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| Customer Reviews:
 First half of book wanders, second half is excellent July 26, 2010
Nick M. Bentley (Winston Salem, NC USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Mine is not so much a review as it is a note to readers who are mainly interested in understanding the science of climate change. Chapters 8 through the end are where all the important climate information lies. The first half of the book is a sort of random intermingling of personal anecdotes and climate factoids.
But chapters 8 through the end are among the very best things I've read in the lay-literature on climate change.
 Science and Politics Cannot be Divorced July 8, 2010
Scott A. Mandia (Long Island, NY)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Dr. Hansen describes the history and science of global warming and the potential dire consequences of inaction. Hansen also describes how politicians are fooling the masses with their "greenwashing" (talking green but not legislating green), how cap and trade is likely to be ineffective, why new coal plants should be immediately stopped unless they are carbon-free, and why we must use nuclear power as a wedge to buy us time. This book is different in that a well-respected scientist (arguably Dr. Hansen is the most famous climate scientist) has crossed "the line" between science and politics. Hansen shows just how dangerous divorcing politics from science is. It is clear that the science is not convincing the masses so more scientists must become activists. Dr. Hansen is the scientist exception: he states publicly what he says privately. Many scientists are aware of the coming catastrophe that is global warming but few are bold enough to shout this from the rooftops. Kudos to Dr. Hansen. If only the world had more Hansens. Maybe policy-makers would wake up to the reality of climate change.
Calm Asessement July 3, 2010
R. Bono (Pennsylvania)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Among the reviews of existing climate data for the lay person, this book has to be at or near the top. It's a calm and thorough assessment of all the information supporting global warming. Hansen writes in the preface that he writes for his grandchildren, not for self seeking publicity. He is essentially a research climate scientist, who found himself in an ethical dilemma, where he felt he must speak....rather that remain a pure scientist. This is his first book. It has been said that Hansen's clear, careful, and researched statements are ten years ahead of the public media.
For the general reader the science, so presented is not inaccessible. The author has made the effort to make it comprehensible. And there is an interwoven narrative, including his public efforts to get the information into the public process at the highest levels. He is able to mix the science, with the all too real world politics, that frustrates public action....even as the private interest, highly subsidized, fossil fuel groups, continue their campaign of delay and obfuscation.
This is a very serious issue, with serious consequences for the planet, as humanity has known it for the last 10,000 years. Not all the public would welcome such a direct confrontation with the facts of the matter, even if open minded enough to listen at all. This book comes close to being a plea for the public's attention.
And Jim Hansen does share his frustration with the special subtlety of the problem of clearly explaining the issue. One successful example of this effort to speak clearly to the layman, is a metaphor, that the equivalent of two Christmas tree lights...of 1 watt each per square meter...is enough to force catastrophic consequences, over a relatively short time in earth history. In examples like this, his writing shines.
He also concludes even more seriously...i.e., that the earth climate system has the potential to "flip"....into a permanent heating regime that will vastly change the nature and quality of life on this planet for millennia. It's noteworthy that a neophyte writer...with his quiet scientific knowledge...is yet able to convey a sense of understanding and urgency on such a crucial issue for future generations. I think he does an excellent job, and I recommend his book.
Credible and Informative! April 29, 2010
Loyd E. Eskildson (Phoenix, AZ.)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Global warming is a complex subject because many factors, man-made and natural, are involved and combined with larger long-term weather patterns, and feedback loops. The involvement of money also complicates the discussion, but in a different manner - it raises the emotional temperature and motivates some to shade the truth. Fortunately we have Dr. James Hansen, and others like him, to help sort things out. Dr. Hansen has headed the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, since 1981, and is also an adjunct professor of environmental sciences at Columbia University. He has 31 scholarly publications, 13 significant articles/op-ed pieces in major newpapers and magazines, 38 presentations (mostly to scholarly and policy groups), and at least two books - since 2004! Awards include 1996 election to the National Academy of Sciences, the 2001 Heinz Award for Research in the Environment, being listed as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People (2006), the American Association for the Advancement of Science's 2006 Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility, sharing the $1 million Dan David prize in 2007 for "achievements having an outstanding scientific, technological, cultural or social impact on our world," the 2008 PNC Bank Award for "distinguished public service," the 2008 "Science Communicator of the Year," the 2009 Carl-Gustav Rossby research medal for outstanding contributions to climate modeling, and this June will receive the Sophie Prize" for his contributions to our understanding of climate change. "Storms of My Grandchildren" is his latest book, expressing both his frustration with political processes to-date (not surprising, given his experience with censorship during the Bush years), and a summary of key points about global warming.
A brief summary of Dr. Hansen's thinking: Continued exploitation of all fossil fuels on Earth threaten the survival of humanity. Burning coal for generating electricity is the #1 contributor and must be stopped by 2020 until means are found to safely sequester the resulting CO2 (drains off about 25% of the energy). (Coal also produces other significant pollutions that affect health, killing an estimated 30,000/year.) 'Cap and trade' proposals will not work. The timetable is shorter than we thought because we are near climate 'tipping points' which occur because of amplifying feedbacks. These feedbacks include the loss of Arctic sea ice and the fact that lower levels are warmer - melting faster, and the release of frozen methane as tundra melts. Another problem with prior timetables is that we previously overestimated the acceptable levels of atmospheric CO2 - at 450 ppm, when it should be 350 ppm. Human effects on our climate have been mitigated about 50% by other air pollutants that block sunlight; however, we now must reduce those harmful pollutants because they have reached levels that kill one million each year. The biggest obstacle to solving global warming is the role of money in politics. Most of what politicians are doing on the climate front is what Hansen calls 'greenwashing' - proposals that sound good, but accomplish far less than advertised, if they do anything at all. Politicians unfortunately believe that if matters look difficult, compromise is an appropriate approach. Unfortunately, nature and the laws of physics cannot compromise.
"Humans have caused atmospheric CO2 to increase from 280 ppm in 1750 to 387 in 2009." The sun is also a contributor - about 5% as much. Of course, these and all other of his assertions are backed up with published, peer-reviewed quantitative research - referenced in his footnotes and other sources.
Those opposing action to mitigate global warming have numerous 'experts' to call on, hoping to either confuse the issue so that no action is taken, or to pursue less demanding (and ineffectual) remedies. MIT Professor Richard Lindzen is probably the most credible. "Storms of My Grandchildren" includes material explaining weaknesses in Lindzen's logic - eg. focusing more on local observations (more in dispute than global observations), and using an analysis that contends global warming is much less (shown as inaccurate by others). In a final 'ad hominem' swipe, Hansen also reports that Lindzen still contests the data linking smoking to cancer.
Other opponents of global warming action claim much higher levels of CO2 previously. Hansen contends that the sun was 2% dimmer 250 million years ago, and thus higher CO2 levels would not have as much impact. (I don't think humans or most animals were even around, either.)
Which nations are most responsible per capita for global warming to date? Surprisingly, Hansen tells us they are the U.K., U.S., and Germany - in that order. This is because of the combined length and intensity of their polluting actions. Today's biggest polluters are China (22%), U.S. (18%), India (5.5%), Russia (5%), and Ships/Aircraft (5%). Some contend that neither China nor India would likely agree to limiting CO2 because of concern that it would damage their economies. Hansen, however, believes otherwise, pointing out that both have much too lose - India would likely end up with 100 million-some Bangladeshi refugees, and China has 300 million within 25 meters of current sea level. In addition, both respect science, and China is particularly concerned about possible weather pattern changes.
Germany today has 25% of the U.S. population and 10% of our energy use - a good model for us. However, he is not big on personal efficiency - government-mandates targeted at major sources are essential.
"Storms of My Grandchildren" expresses Hansen's frustration with 'environmentalists' that blindly oppose nuclear power. Their reasons include worry about radiation release (he cites data claiming the Three Mile Island incident released so little radiation that its impact on those living nearby is undetectable), and accumulating nuclear waste. As for the latter point, Hansen contends that new 'fast neutron' reactors cooled by sodium consume 99% of their fuel, compared to 1% in 'slow neutron' reactors cooled by water. Further, fast-reactor residue is less radioactive and has much shorter half-lives, and could use existing nuclear bomb fuels for the next 1,000 years. (No more mining or refining needed; after the 1,000 the reactors could refine uranium from seawater.)
Cap and trade proposals dominate the efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. Hansen has no use for them, saying that planned offsets undo over 50% of the needed reductions and will result in an expensive overhead to administer, as well as fraud. Further, once emissions fall below the target, the economic rationale for further reducing pollution would disappear. He proposes a much simpler 'fee and dividend' approach wherein all energy sources are taxed at the source, and those taxes divided up equally among all citizens. When the fee reaches $115/ton of CO2 the cost of gasoline would increase $1/gallon. Those using less carbon-fuels would come out ahead.
Surprisingly, Hansen says little about storms in the future, other than to point out that storms have become much more severe in recent years. (A 10% increase in wind speed translates into 30% more storm power.) However, he also adds that continuing 'business as usual' will result in an ice-free planet and sea levels rising almost 250 feet. Almost half the CO2 in the atmosphere ends up retained in the ocean. Rising temperatures will release some of that and melt more of the sea-floor methane hydrates.
Bottom Line: The 'good news' about "Storms of My Grandchildren" is that his credibility is rock-solid - one doesn't have to wonder whose pocket he's in, or how many inadvertent errors he's endorsed. (There have been numerous and sometimes blatant errors on both sides.) The 'bad news' is that Hansen's book is made unnecessarily difficult to follow by being structured around his prior experiences working with politicians. Hansen also overly focuses on coal, despite his data showing the amount of CO2 from oil sources to be nearly equivalent. Finally, I wish he had given methane more coverage - it's contribution is supposedly nearly that of CO2, animal and rice agriculture's contribution, and tundra and ocean 'tipping' points. However, the good about "Storms of My Grandchildren" substantially outweighs its weaker points. Ignore Dr. Hansen's predictions at your grandchildren's peril.
Must Read On The Greatest Crisis Facing The World April 26, 2010
Euguanie Fudala
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Where to begin? I have read Storms of My Grandchildren and am reading it again. I also found Robert Fraser's excellent summary to be very helpful. However, I disagree with Mr. Fraser on one point. The flaws in the book--and after all this was not written by someone whose main occupation is writing--are minor enough that I rate this superb book at least 5 stars. It is indeed the most important book on the climate crisis written to date for the general public because of the brilliancy of the science, the policy analysis and because the author is himself a primary source for so many other people's--including other scientists'--information.
I've been active on climate issues for the past 20 years. In the past 5 years it has become my primary focus. I've read about every affordable book I could. (Amazon has been invaluable.) But for depth of commitment, grasp of what is at stake, and sheer brilliance no other author can match James Hansen.
Hansen is straight on about carbon tax/fee and dividend vs. cap and trade. He has taken a lot of flack for this and of course some make a point that he is not an economist. But the fact is that a majority of economists polled by The Wall Street Journal during Feb. 2-7, 2007, agreed that "a tax on fossil fuels would be the most economically sound way to encourage alternatives." (WSJ, Is It Time for a New Tax on Energy?, Feb. 8, 2007).
As for those who say Dr. Hansen is self-pitying and self-serving--nothing could be further from the truth. I just recently met him myself and, like others who have, found him to be very courteous and unassuming. In fact he has more humility than many self-important academic or policy types with a tenth of his accomplishments. What is mistaken for condescension is a warm, dry wit. Most people really don't like to read hard science.
There is also the fact that this is a man who works 80 hours a week even into his sixties.
Another glimpse into James Hansen is his very moving account of what happened the night of Bush's re-election. He felt such a great responsibility towards the country that he and his wife gave up a quiet night at his home in Pennsylvania and made a late night drive to NYC so he could be at his office the next morning to answer any questions about the implications of the election. On the way as they were going around a curve a deer suddenly appeared in front of their vehicle and he of course could not stop in time. Hansen relates: "We slammed into the deer, whose body was hurtled down the road. We sat stunned for several seconds. The deer lay motionless, apparently dead. Then, at age sixty-three, for the first time since childhood, I burst into tears. I am not sure if I was crying for the deer, the nation or the planet."
Climate change is, as Hansen has said, the "moral issue" of our time and "will be the most urgent fight of our lives. It is our last chance."
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