by Michael Mann (Author)
The ongoing assault on climate science in the United States has never been more aggressive, more blatant, or more widely publicized than in the case of the Hockey Stick graph-a clear and compelling visual presentation of scientific data, put together by MichaelE. Mann and his colleagues, demonstrating that global temperatures have risen in conjunction with the increase in industrialization and the use of fossil fuels. Here was an easy-to-understand graph that, in a glance, posed a threat to major corporate energy interests and those who do their political bidding. The stakes were simply too high to ignore the Hockey Stick-and so began a relentless attack on a body of science and on the investigators whose work formed its scientific basis. The Hockey Stick achieved prominence in a 2001 UN report on climate change and quickly became a central icon in the climate wars. The real issue has never been the graph's data but rather its implied threat to those who oppose governmental regulation and other restraints to protect the environment and planet. Mann, lead author of the original paper in which the Hockey Stick first appeared, shares the story of the science and politics behind this controversy. He reveals key figures in the oil and energy industries and the media frontgroups who do their bidding in sometimes slick, sometimes bare-knuckled ways. Mann concludes with the real story of the 2009 Climategate scandal, in which climate scientists' emails were hacked. This is essential reading for all who care about our planet's health and our own well-being.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 384
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 01 Mar 2012
ISBN 10: 023115254X
ISBN 13: 9780231152549
Book Overview: Very few people have sounded more important alarms about our climate future, and very few people have paid a higher price for doing so. Michael Mann is a hero, and this book is a remarkable account of the science and politics of the defining issue of our time. -- Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet A brilliant and courageous climatologist, Michael E. Mann knows what it's like to be viciously attacked by the well-funded deniers of scientific evidence and how critical it is to respond. In this gripping, personal, front-lines account of climate politics, he eloquently conveys the importance of both doing great science and communicating its societal implications to a wider public. -- Paul R. Ehrlich, coauthor of The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment Michael E. Mann has been the most important, resilient, and outspoken warrior in the climate battle, responding to threats and persecution with courage and resolve every step of the way. Anyone who cares about the climate issue must read his fascinating-and enraging-story. -- Chris Mooney, author of Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future Michael E. Mann presents his conviction that climate change is real and potentially deadly. A truly readable book on a topic that will remain evergreen. -- James Lovelock, author of The Revenge of Gaia: Earth's Climate Crisis and the Fate of Humanity A must read to appreciate the endless disinformation campaign by climate change deniers at the highest levels of government and corporate America and the chilling yet serious implications of the crusade to discredit distinguished scientists like Michael E. Mann. -- Sherwood Boehlert, Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives 1983- 2007 and former chairman of the House Science Committee As one of the nation's leading climate researchers, no one has felt the brunt of the attacks from politicians and the fossil fuel industry more than Michael E. Mann. This is his personal account from the center of the maelstrom, documenting the lies and distortions about his work and his heroic efforts to stand up for scientific truth. -- Henry Waxman, Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee If you don't believe our climate is changing, read this book. Dr. Mann will change your mind. For us, it's a war of words. Preserve the Earth, and pass the ammunition. -- Bill Nye the Science Guy (c)