Too Hot to Handle?: The Democratic Challenge of Climate Change

by Rebecca Willis

Scientists are clear that urgent action is needed on climate change, and world leaders agree. Yet climate issues barely trouble domestic politics. This book explores a central dilemma of the climate science demands urgency; politics turns the other cheek. Is it possible to hope for a democratic solution to climate change? Based on interviews with leading politicians and activists, and the author’s twenty years on the frontline of climate politics, this book explores why climate is such a challenge for political systems, even when policy solutions exist. It argues that more democracy, not less, is needed to tackle the climate crisis, and suggests practical ways forward.

Genres: Academic

162 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2020

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Love, love, loved it. She makes a clear arguement that instead of imposing expert solutions top-down, we should engage meaningfully with citizens on climate change and the options ahead of us. More participatory and deliberative democracy, less focus on technological solutions. This book provides an optimistic and practical vision of the climate politics we need.

[T.O. Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll write a fuller review in due course for my unseen academic spot at the fantasy-hive, where I review climate fiction and non-fiction.

There is much in Willis's short but excellent book that will be familiar to those looking at climate change in all its implications. But it is also an intensely practical book which looks at the politics of climate change and how we need at personal and national levels to bridge the gap between science and policy. It is also a hopeful book and a reminder perhaps to those purveyors of cli-fi doom and despondency that talk of seemingly unavoidable apocalyptic futures does not mobilise support so much as promote depressed inactivity. True to that message, Willis has some helpful suggestions for governments and for individuals, but the key thing is not to allow yourselves to be sidelined into individual action and responsibility. Useful as that can be, these are small impacts next to corporate and government policy and it behoves all of us to get (democratically and actively) political about climate change.

[David Galvani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs a good edit. Repetitive.
Clearly important subject but could be handled much more succinctly and written more scientifically.

[Manu Smriti · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Climate Action planning to implementation through politics and policy changes, Rebecca Willis charts the roadmap for greener, net carbon zero future for humanity. Hopeless at multiple points, but that's the only way to go ahead. No Planet B.
Gifted by brother and thorough tree planter- Durgesh Agrahari, who is no more. Thank you for this last gift of yours..

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading about implementing action in response to the climate emergency

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very worthwhile read: re-sparking my energy to try and become more of a climate activist.

[Joe Tristram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! We need the politicians to do more, much more, and they need us to demand that they do. And this tells us how to bring that about. With plenty of evidence.

[Nick Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[David Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly excellent

[Carrie Pailthorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone working on the climate crisis and frustrated at politicians' complacency. A clear explanation of why anyone answering to an electorate finds it so difficult to talk about the crisis and its solutions. And some ideas about how to engage more effectively

[Peter Vegel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contained some good parts, like the classification of different types of government action on climate and the list of what good climate action should include. But besides that, I felt it wasn't particularly thorough.