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Madlands: A Journey to Change the Mind of a Climate Sceptic
An idealistic 20-something environmentalist versus a retired right-wing finance minister: this is the story of Anna Rose’s whirlwind journey around the world with climate skeptic Nick Minchin. From a remote Hawaiian volcano to a cosmic ray laboratory in Geneva, Anna rolls out the biggest names in science to try and change Nick’s mind. As it examines what’s happening to the Earth's climate, this book offers opposing points of view as Anna and Nick challenge each other’s opinions, leading them to confront closely held assumptions and to question human responsibilities as citizens living in uncertain times.
- GenresNonfictionScience
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 20, 2014
This is the story of a young Australian environmental advocate, Anna Rose, taking on a former government official, Nick Minchin, who is a frank skeptic about human-induced climate change. They travel the world, interacting with partisans of varied persuasions, working hard to change each other’s mind. The project will be boiled down into an hour of “reality” television to lay these disputes before a mass audience.
Though it’s written from the viewpoint of the ‘believer’, if you will (a co-founder of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition), it is a surprisingly vigorous and even-handed treatment of the issues at stake — and the implications. Each has lined up speakers for their side of the debate(s), and they draw them out in truly challenging ways. I must say that, no matter where you stand on these controversies, any reader would soon concede that these characters have taken on much more than the average, well-informed citizen would agree to wrestle with.
The introductory chapter covers the genesis of the project, pros and cons of agreeing to it, and how Anna prepared for the struggle ahead. I was startled to discover that one wild-card interlocutor, selected by the producers, surprised both her and Nick when the time came for them all to meet. Anyone with limited time would do well to read chapter 1 (10 pages), the set-up, and then chapters 8 and 9 (38 pgs) for two of the most provocative encounters, with Richard Muller, skeptical investigator turned ‘believer’, and Naomi Oreskes, science historian who has dissected the denialist movement.
Chapter 10 (10 pgs) follows as a pause for reflection that is well worth taking in, as the ground has subtly but decisively shifted; this is the heart of the whole journey. Then chapter 11 (20 pgs) details their meeting with one of the most outspoken and controversial skeptics. You may skip to the end if you must see how it all comes out. In fact, if you read very much of this book, I predict you won’t be able to stop until you’ve finished.
Anna Rose has produced a very well-written exploration of what it means to grapple clearly with a scientific-turned-political rat’s nest of issues, never forgetting that, to a 95% certainty, the welfare of future generations and a livable planet are at stake. Highly recommended.
Though it’s written from the viewpoint of the ‘believer’, if you will (a co-founder of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition), it is a surprisingly vigorous and even-handed treatment of the issues at stake — and the implications. Each has lined up speakers for their side of the debate(s), and they draw them out in truly challenging ways. I must say that, no matter where you stand on these controversies, any reader would soon concede that these characters have taken on much more than the average, well-informed citizen would agree to wrestle with.
The introductory chapter covers the genesis of the project, pros and cons of agreeing to it, and how Anna prepared for the struggle ahead. I was startled to discover that one wild-card interlocutor, selected by the producers, surprised both her and Nick when the time came for them all to meet. Anyone with limited time would do well to read chapter 1 (10 pages), the set-up, and then chapters 8 and 9 (38 pgs) for two of the most provocative encounters, with Richard Muller, skeptical investigator turned ‘believer’, and Naomi Oreskes, science historian who has dissected the denialist movement.
Chapter 10 (10 pgs) follows as a pause for reflection that is well worth taking in, as the ground has subtly but decisively shifted; this is the heart of the whole journey. Then chapter 11 (20 pgs) details their meeting with one of the most outspoken and controversial skeptics. You may skip to the end if you must see how it all comes out. In fact, if you read very much of this book, I predict you won’t be able to stop until you’ve finished.
Anna Rose has produced a very well-written exploration of what it means to grapple clearly with a scientific-turned-political rat’s nest of issues, never forgetting that, to a 95% certainty, the welfare of future generations and a livable planet are at stake. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2018
Madlands is a behind the scenes look at the ABC documentary – I Can Change Your Mind on Climate Change. To produce the program, climate change campaigner Anna Rose and climate sceptic and Liberal Party powerbroker, Nick Minchin lived in each other’s pockets for four weeks. They travelled from a parched farm in NSW to a climate station in Hawaii to the Barrier Reef. The premise of the program was that each of the protagonists would get the chance to try to change each other’s minds by introducing them to experts in their field. This is Anna’s account of that journey.
Anna Rose has been an environmental campaigner since the age of fourteen. She has always been driven, she says, by a sense that she can make a difference.
While I already had an interest in climate change, I found this book an eye-opening window into the world of the climate sceptic. If over 97% of scientists are convinced and countries like Tuvalu and Bangladesh are feeling the effects of rising sea levels, how is it that many people are so apathetic?
Well written, engaging, and filled with the author’s passion and urgency, I found Madlands a page turner. Driven by a sense that time is running out, Anna Rose spent her honeymoon in Byron Bay writing this book. As she says, ‘The best time to act was yesterday, but the second best is today.’
Anna Rose has been an environmental campaigner since the age of fourteen. She has always been driven, she says, by a sense that she can make a difference.
While I already had an interest in climate change, I found this book an eye-opening window into the world of the climate sceptic. If over 97% of scientists are convinced and countries like Tuvalu and Bangladesh are feeling the effects of rising sea levels, how is it that many people are so apathetic?
Well written, engaging, and filled with the author’s passion and urgency, I found Madlands a page turner. Driven by a sense that time is running out, Anna Rose spent her honeymoon in Byron Bay writing this book. As she says, ‘The best time to act was yesterday, but the second best is today.’
October 1, 2014
Very good. Fascinating insight into the world of climate deniers, with particular relevance for Australians, who are suffering under a denialist PM. Interesting insight that denial is driven not by lack of belief in the science, but for the most part, clashing ideologies - truly accepting climate change has truly awful implications for the free-market fundamentalists, and many would almost rather do anything than accept that their ideology is the problem. I hadn't really grasped that, and it was a huge wake up call for me.
The book is well written, and distils many complex ideas and concepts into readable and understandable form. My only issue with the book is that Anna Rose comes across as slightly earnest & naive (certainly, the older right wing politicians will be quick to dismiss her as such) and her many references to her Youth Action, while impressive, tend to give the impression of a bright and precocious teenager. That is a bit unfair, as she is so much more than that (and at LEAST in her late 20s...) - and I'm sure she will appeal hugely to a younger audience or one not that familiar with the science of climate change. A good intro / primer for something like Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything".
The book is well written, and distils many complex ideas and concepts into readable and understandable form. My only issue with the book is that Anna Rose comes across as slightly earnest & naive (certainly, the older right wing politicians will be quick to dismiss her as such) and her many references to her Youth Action, while impressive, tend to give the impression of a bright and precocious teenager. That is a bit unfair, as she is so much more than that (and at LEAST in her late 20s...) - and I'm sure she will appeal hugely to a younger audience or one not that familiar with the science of climate change. A good intro / primer for something like Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything".
March 15, 2020
An intriguing mix of story telling and factual climate science. Great message that we can and should find common ground with those on the other side of the so called climate debate or any debate for that matter.
July 6, 2013
A journey to change the mind of a climate skeptic. For starters I have to give credit to Anna Rose for not completely losing it with Nick Minchin; I would not have been so patient. Put a climate change activist together with a denier (a better label than skeptic) and you have a volatile mix.
The back ground is the making of an ABC documentary where our two debaters must travel the world together and meet various experts (or otherwise) in an attempt to change one anothers minds. While the book is written from Annas perspective she does give credit where it is due, she is extremely open minded and prepared to change her ideas. On the other hand Nick was tiresome, although some progress was achieved by the end of the book.
A good read if you have any interest in climate change as you will find most of the denier arguments presented here. I have had similar discussions myself and they are inherently frustrating since the focus of discussion will jump about inconsistently - you might as well bang you head against a wall.
Good work Anna, I am impressed.
The back ground is the making of an ABC documentary where our two debaters must travel the world together and meet various experts (or otherwise) in an attempt to change one anothers minds. While the book is written from Annas perspective she does give credit where it is due, she is extremely open minded and prepared to change her ideas. On the other hand Nick was tiresome, although some progress was achieved by the end of the book.
A good read if you have any interest in climate change as you will find most of the denier arguments presented here. I have had similar discussions myself and they are inherently frustrating since the focus of discussion will jump about inconsistently - you might as well bang you head against a wall.
Good work Anna, I am impressed.
May 2, 2013
Australian activist Anna Rose has written an interesting book about her adventure filming a documentary for Australian TV with conservative politician and climate change denier Nick Minchin. At the behest of a film crew, they travel around the world visiting with people they've each selected (and a few picked by the documentary's producer) to try and convince the other of the justice and truth of their respective positions. Of course it's a waste of time; climate change denial is a religion promulgated by many of the same criminals involved in sowing doubt about the dangers of smoking and libertarians stuck at the emotional age of two crying because their mom wants them to take a bath, so there's no chance Nick will budge.. Still, there's a lot of good stuff here, but I'd argue the book could have been even more compelling had Anna and Nick written it together.
May 20, 2012
Must confess I skimmed some of the more technical and scientific content. The book is fascinating as an insight into how people form their views and hang onto them, and a very interesting exploration of values-based decision making and mindsets.
Also fabulous insight into the challenges of making the doco and of the strength and determination of Anna to use the opportunity to reach out to the audience, genuinely engage Minchin and not 'lose it' at any time.
Also fabulous insight into the challenges of making the doco and of the strength and determination of Anna to use the opportunity to reach out to the audience, genuinely engage Minchin and not 'lose it' at any time.
March 22, 2013
Not quite a five star but close enough. Anna Rose identifies the three major issues, viz sucessfully selling the message, handling the rabid extremists at either end of the spectrum and lastly the very human trait of accepting only that evidence which supports your entrenched views. Madlands works because it doesn't preach, but it shows you where to go to become better informed.
Read
April 23, 2019This is one of those books where I don't feel like I can give it a rating, but I'd be remiss to not throw in my thoughts about it, because it's a fascinating and engaging book.
The story is an autobiographical account about the author's 4-week journey with a renowned climate change skeptic as they try to change each other's minds about the realities of global climate change and its implications.
The book is well-written and provides a surprisingly intimate viewpoint of Rose's mindset and perceptions, and it is to her credit that she presents the frustrations and highlights of her journey with her travel companions in almost journalistic fashion. In many ways it strikes a very good and admirable balance between the facts and how personal experience colours one's reactions and interpretations of them (which, incidentally, is one of the most valuable lessons on display in the story, would-be climate crusaders, take note!)
Overall, this is an interesting and unique book about the real struggles of climate activism, and a hopeful and heartfelt plea to the skills and abilities of humanity to band together in this struggle. Recommended for anyone who wants a fresher tale than a mere recitation of the facts of climate change.
I should also mention that I read this in conjunction with "How To Change Minds About Our Changing Climate" by Seth Darling and Douglas Sisterson. The two books together provide a very comprehensive experience, and I'd also recommend "The Republican Brain" by Chris Mooney, which helps to explain why it was that Nick Minchin was willing to accept the science, but not its economic implications.
The story is an autobiographical account about the author's 4-week journey with a renowned climate change skeptic as they try to change each other's minds about the realities of global climate change and its implications.
The book is well-written and provides a surprisingly intimate viewpoint of Rose's mindset and perceptions, and it is to her credit that she presents the frustrations and highlights of her journey with her travel companions in almost journalistic fashion. In many ways it strikes a very good and admirable balance between the facts and how personal experience colours one's reactions and interpretations of them (which, incidentally, is one of the most valuable lessons on display in the story, would-be climate crusaders, take note!)
Overall, this is an interesting and unique book about the real struggles of climate activism, and a hopeful and heartfelt plea to the skills and abilities of humanity to band together in this struggle. Recommended for anyone who wants a fresher tale than a mere recitation of the facts of climate change.
I should also mention that I read this in conjunction with "How To Change Minds About Our Changing Climate" by Seth Darling and Douglas Sisterson. The two books together provide a very comprehensive experience, and I'd also recommend "The Republican Brain" by Chris Mooney, which helps to explain why it was that Nick Minchin was willing to accept the science, but not its economic implications.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews