Humanity's Moment: A climate scientists' case for hope

Joëlle Gergis
Island Press, £24.03

Dr Gergis wears her heart on her sleeve. She is one of the senior contributors to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and an excellent writer for a general audience. Drawing on her experience in producing the IPCC report, Humanity’s Moment gives us a clear understanding of the impact that climate change is having, and will have, on the planet – from the likely effects of different levels of average temperature rise on physical weather patterns (more frequent and more intense extreme weather events) to the impacts on biological systems and humanity.

In sections that I particularly enjoyed, Dr Gergis talks about tipping points, describing how these will challenge the ways in which humanity is able to cope with the effects of a warming world. I am particularly struck by the consequences for the poorest of the poor, in nations that bear the brunt of the onslaught. Where will they go and how will their displacement affect those nations, including Australia where I live, that are not doing enough to curb their greenhouse gas emissions?

This book makes it abundantly clear that climate change is profoundly personal, as Dr Gergis explains the consequences of being deeply engaged in this area of science on her mental health and wellbeing. Despite suffering from deep bouts of depression, she finds hope in humanity’s opportunity to solve the problems of mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

I commend Dr Gergis for her bravery in sharing her personal journey with those of us who are not so embedded in the field. This a book that should be read by all, old and young, great and small in the political process; it will enlighten and inspire. Thank you, Dr Gergis.

Iain Gordon FRSB