Publisher's Weekly Review
Pielke (The Honest Broker) presents a smart and hard-nosed analysis of the politics and science of climate change and proposes "a commonsense approach to climate policy." According to Pielke, the "iron law of climate policy" dictates that whenever "environmental and economic objectives are placed in opposition to each other," economics always wins. "Climate policies must be made compatible with economic growth as a precondition for their success," he writes, and because the world will need more energy in the future, an "oblique" approach supporting "causes," such as developing affordable alternative energy sources rather than "consequences," such as controversial schemes like cap-and-trade, is more likely to succeed. Although some may protest on principle the suggestion that we accept the inevitability of energy growth, Pielke's focus on adaptation to climate change refreshingly sidesteps the unending debate over the reality of anthropogenic climate change, and opens up the possibility for effective action that places "human dignity and democratic ideals at the center of climate policies." (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Pielke's area of expertise is the crossroads where environmental studies and politics meet, and clearly he is very frustrated by how the hard cold facts of science have become subservient to the whims of political fortune. In carefully crafted chapters that rely heavily on widely acknowledged truths, he examines everything from carbon dioxide emissions to the recent climategate controversy. Pielke excels in pointing out the minutiae the climate discussion finds itself repeatedly bogged down in, compared to the larger issues of global warming, regardless of the cause, which are irrefutable. From Kyoto to Copenhagen, Gore to George W. Bush to Obama, he addresses the changing political winds, the myths used to justify weak political will, and the irrevocable relationship between environmental policy and the economy. For navigating a treacherous field with grace and aplomb, Pielke deserves much praise. Whether readers will feel reassured or not after reading his measured words and patient call for a broad-based climate policy will depend on future political response. Copious endnotes and sourcing material included.--Mondor, Colleen Copyright 2010 Booklist
Choice Review
Pielke (Center for Science and Technology Research, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder; The Honest Broker, CH, Dec'07, 45-1997) delves into the climate discussion as an informed contributor on environmental policy. He provides a road map on the intersection of politics and science by dissecting the debate and providing diagnoses. The author explains in nine engaging chapters certain steps to be taken, such as expanding energy access while increasing energy security through technological innovation. Pielke summarizes by saying that removing politicization and fear factors will ultimately lead to a path of decarbonization that benefits society and the world as a whole. The inclusion of extensive chapter notes (25 pages) for further reading and a useful ten-page index demonstrate the thoughtful research that went into the writing of this much-needed book. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general audiences. J. H. Hunter William Marsh Rice University
Library Journal Review
Pielke, an environmentalist, policy analyst, and son of a noted meteorologist, clearly has a distinct, insider's understanding of the highly charged global-warming issue. Here, he sets out to "clarify the climate debate in a way that anyone who can use a bit of addition, multiplication, and common sense can make sense of." The discussions have become so polarized as an issue of policy vs. science that the actual concerns have gotten lost. The numerous recent books on the topic only add to the debate. Pielke is unusual, as he neatly separates the science of climate change from the rhetoric, bringing the issue back to the realm of rational discussion. Assuming that readers have a working knowledge of climate science, he handles the technical aspects in a general way. It is not until the end that he briefly discusses specifics of how climate change could actually impact the future. VERDICT Overall, an excellent primer for getting past the politically charged debate clouding the issues. Recommended for readers confused by the deluge of conflicting climate information and willing to revisit the quandary and make their own assessments.-Marianne Stowell Bracke, Purdue Univ. Libs., West Lafayette, IN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.