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The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Futures from the Frontiers of Climate Science
The environmental emergency is the greatest threat we face. Preventing it will require an unprecedented political and social response. And yet, there is still hope. Academic, physicist, environmental expert and award-winning science communicator Paul Behrens presents a radical analysis of a civilisation on the brink of catastrophe. Setting out the pressing existential threats we face, he writes, in alternating chapters, of what the future could look like at its most pessimistic and hopeful. In lucid and clear-sighted prose, Behrens argues that structural problems need structural solutions, and examines critical areas in which political will is required, including women's education, food and energy security, biodiversity and economics.
344 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2020
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384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 21, 2020
A powerful, vital, life-changing book by an environmental scientist, published by an indie; for which I am breaking my starless ratings rule. This is not just a book about the environment since, as the book makes clear, our environmental problems are "everything problems". A unique and highly satisfying structure uses paired Pessimism and Hope chapters on every aspect of our future: economics, food, energy, population and progress, and climate change - to help make charred-forest-floor-clear where we’re currently headed and what it will take to arrive at a hopeful, better future; reconsidering and conceiving of what true success and thriving looks like on the way. It offers a clarity about what we CAN DO NOW - truly more hopeful now that COVID-19 has troubled growth-capitalism's inertia.
This book is equipment - you need it.
This book is equipment - you need it.
October 18, 2020
One of the best books I've read in a long time. A Must Read.
The book is very well written, there are many facts but it still flows like a story.
The structure of Pessimism and Hope chapters gives the book a balance, where the often grim reality in the Pessimism Chapters is tempered by the Chapters of Hope, with their suggestions for solutions.
I learnt a lot of things that I had not known before. The biggest takeaway was the understanding that we live on a very complex and beautiful planet that needs a lot more nurturing than we are giving it today. The sooner we start fixing it, the less severe will the impacts be on us.
The book is very well written, there are many facts but it still flows like a story.
The structure of Pessimism and Hope chapters gives the book a balance, where the often grim reality in the Pessimism Chapters is tempered by the Chapters of Hope, with their suggestions for solutions.
I learnt a lot of things that I had not known before. The biggest takeaway was the understanding that we live on a very complex and beautiful planet that needs a lot more nurturing than we are giving it today. The sooner we start fixing it, the less severe will the impacts be on us.
September 19, 2020
Paul Behrens has written the perfect book for those of us who feel that climate change is too overwhelming to contemplate, that climate science is too difficult to comprehend, that we have no power to make a difference. In chapters that clearly explain our situation and set out best and worst scenarios, he gives us not only the tools to understand but the incentive to make the changes we so urgently need to make. The Best of Times, The Worst of Times is an engaging, informative, and powerful call for action and hope. It is a book to read, share, and highly recommend.
October 22, 2020
Amazing book, insightful, deeply researched, and with a great flow. This book taught me so much about how the environmental challenges, which are great and urgent, are deeply rooted in and caused by human systems (economic, energy and food). Beyond putting the challenges under the spotlight, the book explains in detail the variety of solutions and opportunities we still have to turn things around. There's hope, and solutions are within reach. I'd recommend this book to everyone that cares for our Planet and is looking for a good basis to convince others on how severe the environmental challenges are and how important it is for everyone to be a driver of change.
February 26, 2025
Accessible and insightful, answering all the questions I had and more. I particularly like the way Behrens broke down contradictions and pitfalls with various initiatives.
April 24, 2024
I liked the optimistic and pessimistic views on every topic, although I’d say that the hopeful chapters were still a bit pessimistic in my opinion. They just highlighted what could be done but honestly it just made me feel like we’d never get there, because so much still had to be done! Nevertheless I liked the book
July 11, 2021
Paul Behrens tells about possible futures as examined by climate scientists, and does so from two different angles; a pessimist, and an optimist viewpoint. This is truly well chosen to get a peek at two extremes of our common possible futures.
The pessimist viewpoint serves as a warning, a description of all the bad things already awaiting us because of climate change that cannot be prevented anymore as well as climate change that is likely to happen since we are still not putting a stop to emitting greenhouse gases. Well-researched examples stay with you and give color to the apocalypse that is described. For example, it can already be estimated now that around 2050-2060, the glaciers in the Himalayas will be melting at their highest speed, causing devastating floods and mud slides in the region. After the floods, droughts are bound to happen, since no meltwater is being provided from the mountains anymore, and rivers will shrivel during summer. 2 billion people already now rely to some extent on Hymalaian glacial water, this might have increased by the time the floods and droughts happen.
The optimistic viewpoint, on the other hand, gives the reader hope. Since "hope is a verb with the sleeves rolled up", the writer shows us that if we want, we can change our society's systems, together. Green politics are gaining ground, and discussions around green investments are increasingly seen as part of making the societal system better as a whole. An example that stayed with me on green policies was the following: through investing in the energy transition, emission of polluting particles decrease to such an extent that the consequent lower costs of health care alone are enough to justify the investments. We need this optimistic viewpoint on the future, since it is the only way we are certain to leave our home as a decent one to our future generations.
This book gives you hope, and many stories to tell to people who might still think "we'll be fine". We are left with the urgent feeling of needing to do something about the systemic problems presented. Paul Behrens gives suggestions for solutions in the hope chapters, but also leaves enough room for each one of us to use our own creativity: to roll our sleeves up in our own way, to make that hopeful future happen.
The pessimist viewpoint serves as a warning, a description of all the bad things already awaiting us because of climate change that cannot be prevented anymore as well as climate change that is likely to happen since we are still not putting a stop to emitting greenhouse gases. Well-researched examples stay with you and give color to the apocalypse that is described. For example, it can already be estimated now that around 2050-2060, the glaciers in the Himalayas will be melting at their highest speed, causing devastating floods and mud slides in the region. After the floods, droughts are bound to happen, since no meltwater is being provided from the mountains anymore, and rivers will shrivel during summer. 2 billion people already now rely to some extent on Hymalaian glacial water, this might have increased by the time the floods and droughts happen.
The optimistic viewpoint, on the other hand, gives the reader hope. Since "hope is a verb with the sleeves rolled up", the writer shows us that if we want, we can change our society's systems, together. Green politics are gaining ground, and discussions around green investments are increasingly seen as part of making the societal system better as a whole. An example that stayed with me on green policies was the following: through investing in the energy transition, emission of polluting particles decrease to such an extent that the consequent lower costs of health care alone are enough to justify the investments. We need this optimistic viewpoint on the future, since it is the only way we are certain to leave our home as a decent one to our future generations.
This book gives you hope, and many stories to tell to people who might still think "we'll be fine". We are left with the urgent feeling of needing to do something about the systemic problems presented. Paul Behrens gives suggestions for solutions in the hope chapters, but also leaves enough room for each one of us to use our own creativity: to roll our sleeves up in our own way, to make that hopeful future happen.
October 27, 2020
I found this book so, so helpful. I bought it because I wanted to get a good overview of current science on climate change, but the book provided so much more than that -- from the latest research on food systems to energy grids to social movements and, yes, climate change. The "pessimism" chapters convey how much trouble we're in, but the "optimism" ones show that there ARE things that can be done to prevent the most dire scenarios. (These chapters also remind us how amazing and ingenious and clever humans can be -- despite our less admirable characteristics.) The book is impressively researched -- full of data and useful footnotes -- and also beautifully written. Books that aim to present scientific material to a general audience can sometimes overdo it with hokey, "let's make this real simple for ya" language. But Behrens doesn't condescend over oversimplify -- he takes the reader seriously, and shares a wealth of information in really engaging way. I will be recommending this book to friends and family who want to learn more about the situation we are in, but don't know where to start.
July 31, 2021
This book should be read by everyone. A thought provoking, insightful, sobering account of the detrimental effects society as we know it is having on our planet.
What irreversible consequences we will face up to should we not pull the blanket from our eyes, the already deep set damage we need to acknowledge, but more importantly the hope and drive to keeping faith in a world more harmonious and better looked after with the right balance of team work, positive action and foresight.
I feel better educated, terrified and at the same time hopeful of a more positive outcome after reading this, it will cause true ripples read by enough people who don't shy away from educating themselves about the most important subject of our lives.
What irreversible consequences we will face up to should we not pull the blanket from our eyes, the already deep set damage we need to acknowledge, but more importantly the hope and drive to keeping faith in a world more harmonious and better looked after with the right balance of team work, positive action and foresight.
I feel better educated, terrified and at the same time hopeful of a more positive outcome after reading this, it will cause true ripples read by enough people who don't shy away from educating themselves about the most important subject of our lives.
September 18, 2022
Depressing book. Cannot help that the future is most likely to play out according to the pessimistic scenarios. Well researched book definitely worth the read…
November 25, 2020
Paul Behrens has written in the simplest terms possible, a book that we need in order to wake up to the crisis of climate breakdown. The most important book you will read, but read it soon, heed it sooner and act as fast as is humanly possible..
March 4, 2022
I don't normally write reviews, but I was so impressed with this book I thought I'd share my thoughts. I've read many books across the pop. climate science canon, and must say this is one of the most well presented collections of the action required in the incomprehensiblly complex climate emergency I've read. It presents a range of issues with with pessimism and hope sections for each topic which leaves you alarmed and mildly optimistic simultaneously. For anyone considering reading this book I'd say go for it, each section is well laid out and digestible for all levels of climate issues knowledge and would be an amazingly solid overview to the topic if you don't normally read this genre, it should be required reading for politicians...!
December 15, 2023
Interesting book but if you listen to it then only listen to 15 min at a time. Otherwise all the information and startling stats will get lost
December 13, 2020
In the simplest terms: Go read this book!
Paul Behrens has managed to write a book concerning the current state of the climate crisis in an engaging and easily accessible manner without sparing you the details and facts you need.
Due to the overwhelming nature of this crisis, I tend to shift my focus often on the negatives. And while we must realize the dim reality of where we are currently headed, it is arguably equally important to also see the real possibilities of positive change. Paul Behrens lays out these various paths with great storytelling, breaking down the different aspects to this crisis while simultaneously shedding light on the connections between them. Effectively, this allows you to choose what you want to focus on - the Best or the Worst - and most importantly, what will motivate you to ACT!
I can tuly recommend this book to anyone - especially, as a great basis to start learning more about our current situation and where we might be going.
Paul Behrens has managed to write a book concerning the current state of the climate crisis in an engaging and easily accessible manner without sparing you the details and facts you need.
Due to the overwhelming nature of this crisis, I tend to shift my focus often on the negatives. And while we must realize the dim reality of where we are currently headed, it is arguably equally important to also see the real possibilities of positive change. Paul Behrens lays out these various paths with great storytelling, breaking down the different aspects to this crisis while simultaneously shedding light on the connections between them. Effectively, this allows you to choose what you want to focus on - the Best or the Worst - and most importantly, what will motivate you to ACT!
I can tuly recommend this book to anyone - especially, as a great basis to start learning more about our current situation and where we might be going.
February 20, 2024
Insanely helpful in times of information overkill! This book managed to achieve what many similar(ish) books failed to do for me: Give me a better understanding of what’s actually important, what’s worth focusing on (and what‘s not), both in terms of information seeking and in terms of action. Considering that time is running out this is just so very important. Every chapter (food, economics, energy etc.) touches upon the most pressing problems and potential solutions, making them easy to understand without overysimplifying their complexity. And it does so within a well-structured, interesting and relatable narrative. The book doesn’t only tell the story of climate change, but also the human story of hope and despair, based on facts and reality, but with a personal touch. And even though many of the scenarios feel quite bleak (because they are / will be), the book doesn’t leave the slightest doubt that it’s worth doing what we can to help turning the „best of times“ into reality.
November 6, 2020
Fresh, relevant and a good representation of how science should and can be translated in a accessible manner. On a topic that is clouded by cognitive dissonance and poor human imagination of it's enormity. This book dilutes the information in a compartmentalized and both pessistic and optimistic outlook. From population to energy, from food to climate. These topics needs to enter the mainstream of casual conversation, carrying a dreading and realistic message, taking into account human capacity to change their true world vision. This book provides good tools (and some interest sources!) to do so, especially to people just warming up to the topic. Thanks to Paul Behrens for performing excellent scientific research, but refraining from the often too many abbreviations and technical jargon seen in scientific writing.
December 20, 2020
Beautifully written and deeply researched, this book should be on the desks and shelves of those interested in acquiring a deeper understanding of the broad web of challenges defining the environmental catastrophe humanity is currently facing. Behrens takes you down two paths that experts and society are anxiously walking. Why to despair and why we should hope. Showing how the complex network of social, technical, economic and political aspects, is embedded in this crisis.
The book doesn't merely present us with the opposite stances, rather, it engages you in reevaluating the biases you may have. However, always allowing the reader to weigh the new information against the previous and upcoming one. Most importantly, making the two narratives come into a unified tale of two directions humanity may follow.
The book doesn't merely present us with the opposite stances, rather, it engages you in reevaluating the biases you may have. However, always allowing the reader to weigh the new information against the previous and upcoming one. Most importantly, making the two narratives come into a unified tale of two directions humanity may follow.
January 10, 2023
An excellent, rich, well-written and thoroughly researched overview of our past, present and future on this planet. Highly recommended as a broad introduction to the topic, but also filled with comparative calculations and illustrative examples that clarify the magnitudes, speeds and scopes that so often remain opaque in technical language. The form of contrasting pessimism with optimism, although sometimes blurred, is brilliant in the way that you think ‘why didn’t I think of that?’. This should go on the mandatory reading list for students, scholars and citizens of the planet alike.
If there is one extremely minor annoyance it was the formatting of the Notes section (in the paperback) - without chapter headings printed on each page, finding the right citation often took some page turning.
If there is one extremely minor annoyance it was the formatting of the Notes section (in the paperback) - without chapter headings printed on each page, finding the right citation often took some page turning.
December 23, 2020
A must-read. I'll be sharing this with others, and really really pressure them to read it. I might be a bit biased (I already agreed with most of what was being said in this book, and the author is one of my former teachers), but I don't think that that impacted this five star rating.
The book takes a comprehensive look at climate change, as comprehensive as possible in a single book of course, but nuanced and clearly very well researched.
Different topics are discussed from a pessimistic perspective without being (unreasonably) alarmist, as well as from a hopeful perspective without being overly naive.
Well written, filled to the brim with fascinating facts and figures and spurring me to more action. Very good.
The book takes a comprehensive look at climate change, as comprehensive as possible in a single book of course, but nuanced and clearly very well researched.
Different topics are discussed from a pessimistic perspective without being (unreasonably) alarmist, as well as from a hopeful perspective without being overly naive.
Well written, filled to the brim with fascinating facts and figures and spurring me to more action. Very good.
November 12, 2020
This book has had a huge impact on me. I started reading expecting a heavy textbook style but instead found myself totally absorbed. The stark reality of climate change and depletion of natural resources is spelled out quite simply. It is structured with pairs of chapters on each key topic giving a pessimistic followed by a more hopeful perspective. This format works very well with the serious nature of the subject matter enhanced and lightened with touches of dry humour. The depth of research is evident but the communication style is straight forward. I was educated, entertained engaged and enlightened.
April 20, 2021
By far the most articulate, relatable and relevant book on climate science I've read for our present day. Reading about climate science often leaves me feeling helpless and overwhelmed, like I don't know where to start or what is truly going on, but this book poses several good comparisons (big and small) between its optimistic and pessimistic chapters. I feel more equipped to question certain choices, socioeconomic realities, societal norms and other areas that I hadn't previously considered, all which have an effect on climate change.
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE who is alive today and can read or listen to the Audiobook.
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE who is alive today and can read or listen to the Audiobook.
January 13, 2023
This is by far the best book on climate change out there. Not only is it deeply researched and well written, it does not suffer from an overly optimistic or pessimistic view that you find in too many other books on the topic. It acknowledges that we're in deep trouble, that not 'everything will be fine' eventually. Yet it provides the perfect perspective that anyone working in the field of climate or is concerned about the future needs to stay hopeful, energized, and grounded in today's reality.
September 10, 2024
Possibly the most important climate change book I've yet read, and I've read a few!
Read it now to truly understand the peril that humanity faces - but also that in many ways we are also responding to the challenge.
There is still hope to avoid the worst of the effects of climate change, assuming we wake up to the existential crisis that we face and act quickly enough...
I first came across it as an audio version via my library's BorrowBox account.
(Check that you buy the Updated 2022 COVID/COP26 version)
Read it now to truly understand the peril that humanity faces - but also that in many ways we are also responding to the challenge.
There is still hope to avoid the worst of the effects of climate change, assuming we wake up to the existential crisis that we face and act quickly enough...
I first came across it as an audio version via my library's BorrowBox account.
(Check that you buy the Updated 2022 COVID/COP26 version)
January 29, 2021
Indrukwekkend (en alarmerend) boek. Beschrijft aan de hand van vijf thema’s de veranderingen die er nodig zijn om weer/meer in evenwicht met de aarde te leven. Telkens een pessimistisch hoofdstuk en een optimistisch hoofdstuk (al klinkt daar ook wel het nodige pessimisme in door). Thema’s zijn: populatie ontwikkeling, energie, voedsel, klimaat en economie. Met vervolgens de epiloog of we bijna aan eind van leven op aarde zijn of dat erotisch nog ‘ontsnappingsmogelijkheden zijn.
Noodzaak om echt stappen te zetten spat van de bladzijden af!
Noodzaak om echt stappen te zetten spat van de bladzijden af!
May 21, 2021
Behrens manages to create an artful mix of clear scientific information with wonderful writing, providing the reader with an indepth understanding of the crossroads we stand on. An amazing range of research has gone into this, allowing a cohesive view of the major challenges we face to create a sustainable future. Well worth a read, whether you're already highly knowledgable on the topic or if you're just trying to understand the basics.
September 27, 2021
This book is wonderfully researched, written and communciated! I had yet to read a book that applies things taught in science communication classes as well as is done in The Best of Times, The Worst of Times, particularly in the way the book is structured with dual pessimism-hope chapters. Paul Behrens is not afraid to tell the truth as it is, but he complements this grim truth with hopeful chapters on the change that's needed and possible for humanity to thrive.
February 22, 2023
Time for if is over we can read in this book full of no surprises. If is a word with two directions. If everyone was listening (Supertramp) and the poëm If (Kipling). So if can be a good thing also.
We read both sides now and still some how (J. Mitchel).
The picture is far from complete but the author claims it is. So try to fill up the blanks for yourself.
We read both sides now and still some how (J. Mitchel).
The picture is far from complete but the author claims it is. So try to fill up the blanks for yourself.
September 13, 2021
Concise presentation of the current situation, how we got here, and some thoughts for addressing the issues involved. Lots of citing sources. Very readable. One of the better overviews that I have read.
May 20, 2024
Good content and facts, but this book is just preaching to the choir. Unfortunately it is not engaging for those not already convinced and misses the trick of telling a story that could actually bring new people to this important cause.
January 4, 2021
One of the few books I've read that captures the complexity and challenge that we are facing in slowing down climate change, while still being understandable and readible for a big audience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews