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Unsettled (Updated and Expanded Edition): What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters
In this updated and expanded edition of climate scientist Steven Koonin’s groundbreaking book, go behind the headlines to discover the latest eye-opening data about climate change—with unbiased facts and realistic steps for the future.
"Greenland’s ice loss is accelerating."
"Extreme temperatures are causing more fatalities."
"Rapid 'climate action' is essential to avoid a future climate disaster."
You've heard all this presented as fact. But according to science, all of these statements are profoundly misleading.
With the new edition of Unsettled, Steven Koonin draws on decades of experience—including as a top science advisor to the Obama administration—to clear away the fog and explain what science really says (and doesn't say). With a new introduction, this edition now features reflections on an additional three years of eye-opening data, alternatives to unrealistic “net zero” solutions, global energy inequalities, and the energy crisis arising from the war in Ukraine.
When it comes to climate change, the media, politicians, and other prominent voices have declared that “the science is settled.” In reality, the climate is changing, but the why and how aren’t as clear as you’ve probably been led to believe.
Koonin takes readers behind the headlines, dispels popular myths, and unveils little-known
Despite rising greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures decreased from 1940 to 1970Models currently used to predict the future do not accurately describe the climate of the past, and modelers themselves strongly doubt their regional predictionsThere is no compelling evidence that hurricanes are becoming more frequent—or that predictions of rapid sea level rise have any validity
Unsettled is a reality check buoyed by hope, offering the truth about climate science—what we know, what we don’t, and what it all means for our future.
"Greenland’s ice loss is accelerating."
"Extreme temperatures are causing more fatalities."
"Rapid 'climate action' is essential to avoid a future climate disaster."
You've heard all this presented as fact. But according to science, all of these statements are profoundly misleading.
With the new edition of Unsettled, Steven Koonin draws on decades of experience—including as a top science advisor to the Obama administration—to clear away the fog and explain what science really says (and doesn't say). With a new introduction, this edition now features reflections on an additional three years of eye-opening data, alternatives to unrealistic “net zero” solutions, global energy inequalities, and the energy crisis arising from the war in Ukraine.
When it comes to climate change, the media, politicians, and other prominent voices have declared that “the science is settled.” In reality, the climate is changing, but the why and how aren’t as clear as you’ve probably been led to believe.
Koonin takes readers behind the headlines, dispels popular myths, and unveils little-known
Despite rising greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures decreased from 1940 to 1970Models currently used to predict the future do not accurately describe the climate of the past, and modelers themselves strongly doubt their regional predictionsThere is no compelling evidence that hurricanes are becoming more frequent—or that predictions of rapid sea level rise have any validity
Unsettled is a reality check buoyed by hope, offering the truth about climate science—what we know, what we don’t, and what it all means for our future.
- GenresScienceClimate Change
Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 31, 2026
Steven E. Koonin’s "Unsettled (Updated and Expanded Edition): What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters" is an essential, refreshing, and profoundly intellectually honest contribution to the global climate conversation. As a former Under Secretary for Science in the Obama administration, Koonin brings unparalleled credibility and a rigorous "Red Team" approach to a subject often shrouded in hyperbole. This book is not about denial; it is a masterclass in scientific literacy.
The core framework of Unsettled rests on the distinction between the actual peer-reviewed research and the distorted "Narrative" presented by media, politicians, and activists. Koonin systematically walks the reader through the official assessment reports (like those from the IPCC), showing how nuanced findings are often stripped of their uncertainty and transformed into "certain" catastrophes by the time they reach the public.
Koonin defends the idea that while the climate is changing and humans exert a warming influence, the data does not support the "existential crisis" label. Key concepts include:
Historical Context: Weather extremes today are often within the bounds of historical variability.
Model Limitations: He explains that climate models are useful but remain "unsettled" due to the immense complexity of sub-grid scale processes like cloud formation.
Impact Realism: He points out that despite warming, human well-being—measured by longevity, nutrition, and wealth—has improved dramatically and is projected to continue doing so.
Koonin identifies the primary obstacles to a rational climate policy as misinformation and the politicization of science. He describes a "broken telephone" where scientific caveats are filtered out by government summaries and further sensationalized by a media industry that thrives on alarmism. This creates a feedback loop where public fear drives hasty, inefficient policy, and dissent—even if data-driven—is labeled as "anti-science."
Rather than demanding immediate, radical decarbonization that could destabilize the global economy, Koonin advocates for:
Adaptation: Humans have a remarkable history of adapting to diverse climates; this should be our primary strategy.
Technological Innovation: Investing in long-term R&D for carbon capture and advanced nuclear energy.
Red Team Exercises: Establishing formal "Red Teams" to rigorously challenge scientific assessments before they influence national policy.
This updated edition is a triumph of clarity. By adding new data on recent weather events and policy shifts, Koonin ensures the book remains the definitive guide for those seeking truth over slogans. Unsettled is a brave, lucid, and ultimately optimistic call to return to the scientific method. It is a must-read for anyone who values data-driven discourse over political dogma.
The core framework of Unsettled rests on the distinction between the actual peer-reviewed research and the distorted "Narrative" presented by media, politicians, and activists. Koonin systematically walks the reader through the official assessment reports (like those from the IPCC), showing how nuanced findings are often stripped of their uncertainty and transformed into "certain" catastrophes by the time they reach the public.
Koonin defends the idea that while the climate is changing and humans exert a warming influence, the data does not support the "existential crisis" label. Key concepts include:
Historical Context: Weather extremes today are often within the bounds of historical variability.
Model Limitations: He explains that climate models are useful but remain "unsettled" due to the immense complexity of sub-grid scale processes like cloud formation.
Impact Realism: He points out that despite warming, human well-being—measured by longevity, nutrition, and wealth—has improved dramatically and is projected to continue doing so.
Koonin identifies the primary obstacles to a rational climate policy as misinformation and the politicization of science. He describes a "broken telephone" where scientific caveats are filtered out by government summaries and further sensationalized by a media industry that thrives on alarmism. This creates a feedback loop where public fear drives hasty, inefficient policy, and dissent—even if data-driven—is labeled as "anti-science."
Rather than demanding immediate, radical decarbonization that could destabilize the global economy, Koonin advocates for:
Adaptation: Humans have a remarkable history of adapting to diverse climates; this should be our primary strategy.
Technological Innovation: Investing in long-term R&D for carbon capture and advanced nuclear energy.
Red Team Exercises: Establishing formal "Red Teams" to rigorously challenge scientific assessments before they influence national policy.
This updated edition is a triumph of clarity. By adding new data on recent weather events and policy shifts, Koonin ensures the book remains the definitive guide for those seeking truth over slogans. Unsettled is a brave, lucid, and ultimately optimistic call to return to the scientific method. It is a must-read for anyone who values data-driven discourse over political dogma.
April 12, 2026
Would make chatting with climate change skeptics a great deal more interesting
I find the author's view that anthropogrnic climate change is not broadly accepted among climatologists misguided, simple surveys among publishing scientists accross disciplines peg the number at 90% agreement among scientists with the statement that "climate change is mostly due to human activity". Most certainly, if the author would maintain recent warming is partly attributable to some other variable it is on him to demonstrate that using maths or data rather than make vague allusions to El Niño.
All the same, I found the book highly informative and wish the same people who believe climate change is a hoax would take the talking points discussed herein seriously. Why have a discussion about conspiracy theories and Obama's investment portfolio when you could be discussing trends, data, and real infrastructure tradeoffs to consider? THAT would be way more intellectually stimulating
I find the author's view that anthropogrnic climate change is not broadly accepted among climatologists misguided, simple surveys among publishing scientists accross disciplines peg the number at 90% agreement among scientists with the statement that "climate change is mostly due to human activity". Most certainly, if the author would maintain recent warming is partly attributable to some other variable it is on him to demonstrate that using maths or data rather than make vague allusions to El Niño.
All the same, I found the book highly informative and wish the same people who believe climate change is a hoax would take the talking points discussed herein seriously. Why have a discussion about conspiracy theories and Obama's investment portfolio when you could be discussing trends, data, and real infrastructure tradeoffs to consider? THAT would be way more intellectually stimulating
September 10, 2025
DNF. What I did read was interesting enough - he argues that we need to look at all of the earth’s dynamic temperature and climate fluctuations, not just the ones of recent human history, to understand climate change and our role in it - but it’s very dense and data-rich. I tried the book, the audiobook, and the Kindle edition, and I think I would like a Great Courses version best!
September 4, 2024
Must read for anyone interested in, confused about, seeking to understand climate science, and how to respond.
September 7, 2024
Carefully objective investigation of climate change claims
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews