Climate Future

the author concedes the need to address climate change as soon as possible to avert far greater costs of future climate heating. * Mary Ellen Harte, Quarterly Review of Biology *
One of the best books ever written about climate change. Pindyck brilliantly lays out how much we don't know, and why we don't know it. He also shows what we need to do, amidst all those question marks. (Hint: Adapt!) Intriguing and wise-and indispensable. * Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard, and author of Averting Catastrophe *
Very different from the many other books that exist on this matter, which are either painting a totally unrealistic happy ecological transition or overly techno-optimistic, Climate Future generates an important new message: Risk management must be a key tool for optimizing our climate policies. * Christian Gollier, Director, Toulouse School of Economics, and co-author of the 4th and 5th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports *
With greatly increasing attention being given to global climate change, there has been an explosion of books and articles, some of which are worthwhile reading. But Robert Pindyck's new book is one that must be read-whether by scholars, policy makers, journalists, or the interested public. It provides a reality check by honestly and methodically assessing what we know and what we don't know about climate change and the possibilities of averting and adapting to it. Pindyck is a world-class economist, at the top of his game, and a leader in the area of energy and environmental economics. His book is solid yet fresh, broad yet deep, and ultimately of tremendous value. * Robert N. Stavins, A. J. Meyer Professor of Energy and Economic Development, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University *
Pindyck (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) describes in detail the impact of changing carbon dioxide levels on Earth's temperature and why greenhouse gases have this effect on the environment. The premise of his argument is to examine what policies at the national and international levels could avert the temperature increase and what potential strategies exist for adapting to the changing climate. Pindyck clearly shows that no single policy or strategy will change the climate trajectory and that a comprehensive approach across all sectors of the economy that includes reducing emissions and energy demand, adopting conservation practices that reduce energy demand, and utilizing different forms of energy is required. * Choice *