Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist’s Guide to Global Warming (Vintage)
Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist’s Guide to Global Warming (Vintage) – Review
I’ve widely read this and also slogged through Lomborg’s massive last book, as well as some interesting originally published studies he’s been actively involved in. His geometric approach unfortunately cherry-picks from the originally published science, and as stated in the Publisher’s Weekly review, dangerously assumes a linear progression of global warming where the realities are much more complex and further threatening. The realities in the Arctic are right immediately proving this linear approach deeply flawed. Scientific American originally published a complete breakdown of The Skeptical Environmentalist that was harshly critical of his approach– well worth simply reading. Much of it applies to this even more simplistic new “for the masses” version, “Cool It”. The issue is not Lomborg himself, or an attempt to snuff out an alternative view (to the great difference of the originally published science), it is that he is too often just plain wrong in how he analyzes what is newly established, peer-reviewed research. Lomborg makes some very fine points about the need to focus resource on other important issues, particularly in aiding the third world, and for the need at this late date to think critically about slowly adapting to inevitable warming impacts. He does not say do nothing on the climate, he says take some important steps, but also forcefully take on other problems. I just wish his fan base gave further attention to this significant element of his story, rather than currently using his work as a reason to reject the general consensus on climate science… but I’m not currently holding my breath on a union of the policy of climate change skepticism and support for massive alien aide. The major concern of those who actively advocate for the environment is that Lomborg is a smiling face providing to cloud the picture and slow the world’s response to a great threat. This response has still not gotten off the successfully launching pad after 20 years of debate and low action. Sadly, for all the angst, Lomborg’s thoughts on emissions taxes, caps, and third world assistance are probably radically to the eventually left of what US leaders are likely to simply put in action in the next few years.