Global Warming Gridlock: Creating More Effective Strategies for Protecting the Planet

by David G. Victor

Global warming is one of today's greatest challenges. The science of climate change leaves no doubt that policies to cut emissions are overdue. Yet, after twenty years of international talks and treaties, the world is now in gridlock about how best to do this. David Victor argues that such gridlock has arisen because international talks have drifted away from the reality of what countries are willing and able to implement at home. Most of the lessons that policy makers have drawn from the history of other international environmental problems won't actually work on the problem of global warming. Victor argues that a radical rethinking of global warming policy is required and shows how to make international law on global warming more effective. This book provides a roadmap to a lower carbon future based on encouraging bottom-up initiatives at national, regional and global levels, leveraging national self-interest rather than wishful thinking.

Genres: Science, Climate Change, Nonfiction

392 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite having the worst cover in the history of books and even a slightly uninspired title, this volume will transform your views on the international effort to slow the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. Centered around three myths (scientist, environmentalist, engineer), this book explains why 20 years after creation of UNFCCC and Rio Earth Summit, GHG emissions have still not peaked and are actually still climbing precipitously. I've read lots of Bill McKibben and drink the kool-aid on fighting climate change and increasing clean energy, but this book has an earnest, tried and true realist methodology that can't be denied. We must face the facts, as hard as they are to swallow. It is going to take a long time to reduce the carbon intensity of our economy. Only once we truly know our enemy, can we defeat it.

[Cassie]

Due sept 7 for book bingo

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-argued book about why the world hasn't made significant progress on addressing global warming and possible better ways forward. I'd read several books on the science, so it was good to read about the problem from the policy perspective to see why it isn't as simple as generating enough "political will" to lower emissions. This book is incredibly thorough, which was good for the sections that I found interesting; I did, however, skim through a couple sections that didn't keep my attention quite as well.

[Jani-Petri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books on the politics around climate change. This is clear the best so far. Victor explains very clearly and insightfully why the actions so far have been such abysmal failures. He also outlines the changes that he feels are necessary to escape from this gridlock.