Unsettled by Steven E. Koonin

Unsettled

What Climate Science Tells US, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters

Steven E. Koonin

BenBella Books · Print & ebook · June 11, 2024

In this updated and expanded edition of climate scientist Steven Koonin’s groundbreaking book, go behind the headlines to discover the latest eye-opening data about climate change—with unbiased facts and realistic steps for the future.

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Who it’s for
Koonin examines climate claims, model limits, and difficult energy choices.
Themes
Climate science and uncertainty, Climate policy and energy choices, Public claims about climate change
Genres
Climate Change, Meteorology & Climatology, Energy

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About this book

In this updated and expanded edition of climate scientist Steven Koonin’s groundbreaking book, go behind the headlines to discover the latest eye-opening data about climate change—with unbiased facts and realistic steps for the future. "Greenland’s ice loss is accelerating." "Extreme temperatures are causing more fatalities." "Rapid 'climate action' is essential to avoid a future climate disaster." You've heard all this presented as fact.

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But according to science, all of these statements are profoundly misleading. With the new edition of Unsettled, Steven Koonin draws on decades of experience—including as a top science advisor to the Obama administration—to clear away the fog and explain what science really says (and doesn't say). With a new introduction, this edition now features reflections on an additional three years of eye-opening data, alternatives to unrealistic “net zero” solutions, global energy inequalities, and the energy crisis arising from the war in Ukraine. When it comes to climate change, the media, politicians, and other prominent voices have declared that “the science is settled.” In reality, the climate is changing, but the why and how aren’t as clear as you’ve probably been led to believe. Koonin takes readers behind the headlines, dispels popular myths, and unveils little-known truths: - Despite rising greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures decreased from 1940 to 1970 - Models currently used to predict the future do not accurately describe the climate of the past, and modelers themselves strongly doubt their regional predictions - There is no compelling evidence that hurricanes are becoming more frequent—or that predictions of rapid sea level rise have any validity Unsettled is a reality check buoyed by hope, offering the truth about climate science—what we know, what we don’t, and what it all means for our future.

Climate Claims and Models

Koonin examines climate claims, model limits, and difficult energy choices.

Come here for

  • Reflections on three additional years of climate data
  • Alternatives to unrealistic net-zero solutions

Expect

  • Discussion of global energy inequalities
  • The energy crisis arising from the war in Ukraine

Where it sits

Climate Change93%
Energy39%
Meteorology & Climatology28%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • 21st-Century History
  • Science & Tech Policy
  • Meteorology & Climatology
Authors
Steven E. Koonin
Publisher
BenBella Books
Published
June 11, 2024
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Climate science and uncertainty · Climate policy and energy choices · Public claims about climate change
Reading lane
21st-Century History