With a multitude of books published on the subject of climate change, it is hard for readers to know where to start. However, this publication of Malcolm Prowle’s Global Climate Change removes any such conundrum. As an expert whose advice is sought by government ministers, The World Bank, United Nations, and others, this eleven-chapter guide makes the perfect starting point for those looking for an honest overview of where we are, what is at stake and the radical changes required to turn back the Climate Change tide.
Subtitled ‘A realistic view of the future – we face disaster, and it will be our fault’ this book’s contents are as equally hard hitting and to-the-point. Written to inform and edify readers rather than bamboozle with science and jargonism, Professor Prowle is on a mission to shout from the rooftops that continuing on the current Net Zero 50 pathway is not an option. And the only way forward is a revolutionary reworking of life as we know it. If you are concerned about the fate of our planet, Global Climate Change is the book to read.
Synopsis:
In July 2023, large parts of the world faced record high temperatures, on land and in the sea. Just one more item on a long list of warning signs about what is happening to the climate. Global warming and climate change are now the biggest challenges ever to face humanity.
This book is for the reader who is interested in having a better understanding of the nature and causes of climate change and a consideration of whether the measures being taken by Governments will succeed. The book argues that success is very unlikely and that, in the future, to prevent a catastrophe, more radical and uncomfortable actions will be needed (particularly by governments and people in richer countries).These actions must involve reduced consumption of the Earth’s scare resources and protection of its environment. Unless humanity mends its ways then global temperature rises will become even greater, such that much of the Earth becomes uninhabitable.
“The Earth is in a death spiral. It will take radical action to save us.”
George Monbiot
Organised into eleven chapters, topics covered include:
1. Introduction
2. The planet Earth.
3. What is climate change and what are the causes?
4. Is global warming and climate change a myth? (e.g., climate denial)
5. Climate change – related phenomena (biodiversity, habitat degradation)
6. Dealing with climate change – what is supposed to be happening.
7. What really needs to happen?
8. Climate change and the economy
9. How will countries really respond to climate change?
10. Future scenarios
11. Conclusions
The author says:
“Climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity in its history. Nationally and internationally, governments have been working for decades towards achieving net zero by 2050 to stop global warming, but analysis of available evidence strongly suggests that this aim just will not be achieved, and global temperatures will continue to rise.
“The consequences of further global warming (1.5oC, 2oC or higher) are alarming involving storms, floods, famine, conflict, mass migration etc, and the situation will be much worse in poor countries compared to rich countries.
“Although the UK and other countries have a moral and practical imperative to take climate change actions, the reality is that it will count for little if the top ten polluters (70% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from just ten out of 200 countries) fail to take sufficient actions. It looks unlikely that they will take sufficient actions.
“At some time in the future, governments will need to take more radical actions to curtail global warming. These will involve population control, reduced consumption and new economic models not fixated with GDP growth. It is insufficient just to give people the impression that all they need to do is to switch to an electric car, recycle their plastic bottles and eat a bit more vegan food. The actions really needed are far more radical and would revolutionise our lives and our societies.
“The existence of strong climate denial lobbies in many countries also inhibit progress towards net zero. Many of these lobbies represent vested interests in avoiding climate change mitigation actions (e.g., fossil fuel industries), whilst too much reliance is being placed on the development of technological solutions (nuclear fusion, carbon capture, sodium batteries etc) which may not happen at all or may be too late.”
Garnering significant five-star praise, Amazon readers say:
“This book presents an excellent analysis of the most important problem of our time. After a lucid explanation of the nature, extent and causes of climate change, the author presents a compelling refutation of the claims of climate change sceptics. The book then assesses the actions that are being taken by governments to address climate change in light of the actions that need to be taken to deal with the problem, but for political reasons probably won’t be – and concludes that the prognosis is bleak. This conclusion is well supported by reasoned argument and empirical evidence!” – Matthew
“Malcolm Prowle is the gutsiest guy I know. He now writes from his head and his heart at exactly the same time about climate change. His passion is shot through with astringent realism. He doesn’t do bluster. He takes data, makes it informed then alchemises it into gold -or dross. He spares no party or philosophy. As a scientist and economist who has written and advised extensively on business, improving public services, good governance, and so much other stuff I can’t remember Prowle is here for tackling OUR existential question: does world governance have a real clue about climate change mitigation? Are countries really bovvered?
Prowle is no doomster. He uses his scepticism like a laser to cut through COP weasel words over decades and all the trail of broken promises that globally abound. That said plainly, Prowle, always writing with a very readable style suited to sensible academics, students and all others who care about humankind, can’t help himself from ultimate problem-solving with what he might call ‘possible processes’ to yet save us. Prowle is a brilliant communicator: he preaches a bit but, hey, the likely destruction of Earth and the idiocy of humankind is a pretty teleological matter. Listen to ancient wisdom, might do you some good.
Do buy. Do read. Nobody else could put together such multiple learning with such moral imperative in one powerful polemic.” – T Mackie
“A great book. Extremely timely, given the UK Government’s impending U-turn on key policies like the phase out of gas boilers and combustion engines. Like you, I think achieving the 1.5-degree target is now pretty much impossible, but maybe initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Green Deal might keep temperature increases below 2 degrees.
Governments are crucial actors in terms of shaping the market conditions that will enable businesses, investors, and citizens to make more sustainable choices. However, it is important to bear in mind that fossil fuel industries bear a lot of responsibility for the current situation, and also for funding and promoting climate denial that makes it more difficult to persuade people of the scale of the challenge and the behavioural changes that are necessary to address it.” – Amazon Customer
I became a climate activist 12 years ago, after getting to know a region in Africa that has been totally devastated – barely anything is able to live there today (North Turkana, Kenya)
Hunger, scarcity of water, paralysing heat – and a formerly abundant savannah, stripped of life. When Malcolm says that poorer countries of the global South will be the worst affected, I get what he means
My immediate reaction to this very clear and sober presentation of the most salient facts, is –
how will we get the right people to read this book – Paul, Climate change activist
About the author:
Professor Malcolm Prowle originally, trained as a scientist, but subsequently switched to a career in economics and finance. He gained extensive experience in the public and private sectors and has advised government ministers, ambassadors, senior civil servants, and managers on a variety of policy issues. He has been an adviser to two House of Commons Select Committees and an adviser to three shadow government ministers and has also worked, internationally, in many countries for the World Bank, DfID, UNDP and overseas governments.He has written ten books on various aspects of public policy, and the economics and finance of public services. He has worked on many research and consultancy projects (in the UK and overseas) including some on the environment and sustainability. He was motivated to write this book because of his concern about the lack of honesty and action, by governments, in relation to climate change.