Our Biggest Experiment - SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CONSERVATION WRITING 2022: A History of the Climate Crisis

The history of climate change research, from the 1850s suggestion of the link between carbon dioxide and global warming to the present day, is explored in Our Biggest Experiment. The book argues that we have inherited the tools for our survival but have been left an almighty mess.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The history of climate change research is a fascinating journey that traces the origins of our addiction to fossil fuels, the discovery of electricity as a potential savior, and the misconception that renewable energy is a 20th-century invention. Did you know that the connection between carbon dioxide and global warming was first proposed in the 1850s? Climate change books often focus on the future, but "Our Biggest Experiment" takes a different approach by asking how we got into this mess and when we realized it was happening. Join author Alice Bell on a thrilling ride through the characters, ideas, technologies, and experiments that shaped the climate crisis we find ourselves in today.

From the emergence of the concept of "greenhouse gases" in the 19th century to the scientific expeditions across oceans, ice caps, and space that led to the coining of the term "global warming" in the 1970s, Bell explores how we began to understand the dangerous impact of human pollution on the climate. She delves into the early climate talks, weather forecasts, and early experiments that laid the foundation for our understanding of the issue. Witness the excitement over solar and wind power in the 1870s, only to be forgotten and rediscovered a century later. See the powerful influence of big oil in the 1910s, only to be defeated by an investigative journalist, only to resurface more powerful than ever.

However, the story of climate change research is not as simple as a black-and-white narrative of good guys versus bad guys. It is more complex and multifaceted. As citizens of the 21st century, we have been left with an enormous mess, but this book offers hope by arguing that we also inherited the tools for our survival. We must recognize the challenges we face and work together to address them.

One of the key insights from "Our Biggest Experiment" is the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of our planet and the impact of human activities on the environment. We must acknowledge the role of fossil fuels in causing climate change and work towards transitioning to renewable energy sources. This transition will not be easy, but it is essential for the survival of our species and the planet.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of individual actions and choices in addressing climate change. We can make small changes in our daily lives, such as reducing our carbon footprint, using public transportation, and eating a plant-based diet, that can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These actions may seem insignificant, but when combined with millions of others, they can create a powerful force for change.

Furthermore, "Our Biggest Experiment" highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in addressing climate change. By investing in research and development of new technologies, we can find solutions to the challenges we face. This includes developing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and developing new ways to capture and store carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, the history of climate change research is a complex and multifaceted journey that has led us to the brink of a climate crisis. However, by recognizing the interconnectedness of our planet and the impact of human activities, we can work towards a sustainable future. Through individual actions, scientific research, and innovation, we can create a world that is healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable for generations to come.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472974785