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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.
- GenresScience
Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
71 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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 - 3 of 3 reviews