The End of the Long Summer: Why We Must Remake Our Civilization to Survive on a Volatile Earth

A former environmental journalist, Dumanoski examines how societies are continuing to disregard the inevitability of drastic climate change—even if carbon emission levels dropped to zero overnight—and how world leaders have shown tremendous capacity to put off preparing for the possible eventualities. Fortunately—according to Dumanoski—humanity has reached a seminal moment “when everything is possible,” and the time has arrived for individuals to redefine societal values, to “reconsider not simply the means by which we pursue endless growth, but the wisdom of the goal itself.” Dumanoski recounts relevant scientific and political history to prove her theory that a “tipping point” has been reached. Her theories on the possible consequences of climate change are well reasoned and thought provoking, but her ruminations on the history of human hubris dominate the book and prove so effective that they leave the reader feeling depressed rather than convinced of her optimism. Time alone will determine whether she is an uncannily prescient thinker or an environmentalist Chicken Little. (July 14)