Chasing Icebergs: How Frozen Freshwater Can Save the Planet

The global water crisis is upon us, with 1 in 3 people not having access to safe drinking water and nearly 1 million people dying each year. Matthew Birkhold's Chasing Icebergs argues that harvesting icebergs for drinking water is not a new idea, but is increasingly feasible and necessary for our survival. He takes readers around the globe, introducing them to a cast of characters with different ideas about how to use icebergs. Birkhold shepherds readers from Connecticut to South Africa, from Newfoundland to Norway, to Greenland and beyond, and unfurls a visionary argument for cooperation over conflict to ensure that the "Cold Rush" doesn't become a free-for-all.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Pegasus Books

A captivating and thought-provoking narrative that will revolutionize our perception of water and climate change. The world is currently facing a severe global water crisis, with 1 in 3 people lacking access to safe drinking water, resulting in nearly 1 million deaths annually. Even in regions with abundant freshwater resources, pollution and inadequate infrastructure have left communities without basic water security. However, there is an unexpected solution to this crisis that lies in the icy realms of the ocean.

In his mesmerizing book, Chasing Icebergs, Matthew Birkhold makes a compelling argument that icebergs, frozen remnants of ancient glaciers, hold the key to saving our planet. While the idea of harvesting icebergs for drinking water is not novel, it has never been attempted on a global scale before. However, as the effects of climate change intensify, the need for such a solution becomes increasingly urgent.

Chasing Icebergs offers a comprehensive history of humanity's relationship with icebergs, exploring the technological, cultural, and legal challenges that must be overcome to harness this precious freshwater resource. Birkhold takes readers on a journey across the globe, introducing them to a diverse range of characters with diverse perspectives on the use of icebergs. From staunch bureaucrats determined to prevent another Titanic-like disaster to "iceberg cowboys" who risk their lives to wrangle these frozen giants for profit, the book showcases the diverse range of stakeholders involved in this debate.

Along the way, Birkhold engages with some of the world's foremost scientists to examine the potential impacts of industrial-scale iceberg harvesting on the oceans and the poles. He explores the ecological consequences of removing large amounts of ice from the ocean, as well as the potential benefits of using iceberg water to address water shortages in developing countries. The book also sheds light on the technological advancements that are making iceberg harvesting more feasible, such as the development of specialized ships and ice-cutting equipment.

Through vivid storytelling and compelling research, Chasing Icebergs provides a firsthand account of the challenges and opportunities associated with harvesting icebergs. The book offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the potential benefits while also raising important ethical and environmental concerns. It encourages readers to think critically about the role of water in our lives and the impact of climate change on our planet.

In conclusion, Chasing Icebergs is a must-read for anyone interested in water, climate change, and the future of our planet. It is a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that will inspire readers to take action and help shape a more sustainable and resilient future. By harnessing the power of icebergs, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781639363438