Chaos in the Heavens: The Forgotten History of Climate Change

Climate change has been a topic of debate for centuries, with key concepts of contemporary environmental science and policy emerging from these debates.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

Climate change is undeniably a pressing and contemporary issue, but in Chaos in the Heavens, Jean-Baptiste Fressoz and Fabien Locher reveal that our understanding and contemplation of the environmental consequences of our actions have a long and rich history. The subject has been raised across various periods of history, from the conquistadors in the New World to the French revolutionaries of 1789, from the scientists and politicians of the nineteenth century to the European imperialists in Asia and Africa until the Second World War.

Climate change has been a central theme in profound debates about colonization, God, the state, nature, and capitalism. These intellectual and political struggles have given rise to fundamental concepts in contemporary environmental science and policy. For a time, science and industry fostered a reassuring illusion of an impassive climate, but in the age of global warming, we must once again confront the chaos in the heavens.

The book explores the historical and philosophical roots of our current environmental crisis, tracing the development of ideas and ideologies that have shaped our understanding and response to the environment. It highlights the contributions of key thinkers and activists, such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Karl Marx, and Rachel Carson, who have challenged traditional perspectives and advocated for a more sustainable and equitable relationship between humans and the natural world.

Chaos in the Heavens also examines the political and economic factors that have contributed to the environmental crisis, including the rise of capitalism, the expansion of industrialization, and the pursuit of short-term profits over long-term sustainability. The book argues that these factors have created a system of governance that is deeply flawed and in need of reform.

The authors propose a range of solutions to the environmental crisis, including a shift towards renewable energy sources, the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. They also call for a more democratic and accountable system of governance that prioritizes the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants over the interests of corporations and governments.

In conclusion, Chaos in the Heavens is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the history and implications of climate change. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the issue, challenging us to reevaluate our relationship with the environment and to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 234 x 153 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839767227