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Unsettled

What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters

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Unsettled

By: Steven E. Koonin
Narrated by: Jay Aaseng
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About this listen

"Surging sea levels are inundating the coasts."

"Hurricanes and tornadoes are becoming fiercer and more frequent."

"Climate change will be an economic disaster."

You've heard all this presented as fact. But according to science, all of these statements are profoundly misleading.

When it comes to climate change, the media, politicians, and other prominent voices have declared that "the science is settled." In reality, the long game of telephone from research to reports to the popular media is corrupted by misunderstanding and misinformation. Core questions - about the way the climate is responding to our influence, and what the impacts will be - remain largely unanswered. The climate is changing, but the why and how aren't as clear as you've probably been led to believe.

Now, one of America's most distinguished scientists is clearing away the fog to explain what science really says (and doesn't say) about our changing climate. In Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters, Steven Koonin draws upon his decades of experience - including as a top science advisor to the Obama administration - to provide up-to-date insights and expert perspective free from political agendas.

Fascinating, clear-headed, and full of surprises, this book gives listeners the tools to both understand the climate issue and be savvier consumers of science media in general. Koonin takes listeners behind the headlines to the more nuanced science itself, showing us where it comes from and guiding us through the implications of the evidence. He dispels popular myths and unveils little-known truths: despite a dramatic rise in greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures actually decreased from 1940 to 1970. What's more, the models we use to predict the future aren't able to accurately describe the climate of the past, suggesting they are deeply flawed.

Koonin also tackles society's response to a changing climate, using data-driven analysis to explain why many proposed "solutions" would be ineffective, and discussing how alternatives like adaptation and, if necessary, geoengineering will ensure humanity continues to prosper. Unsettled is a reality check buoyed by hope, offering the truth about climate science that you aren't getting elsewhere - what we know, what we don't, and what it all means for our future.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Steven E. Koonin (P)2021 BenBella Books
Atmospheric Science Earth Sciences Environment Politics & Government Science Natural Disaster Game Climate Science
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A superb and judicious analysis of the shortcomings in climate science, and the role of mainstream media in misrepresenting or misinterpreting, or both, the IPCC reports. Koonan lays it out in layman's terms, without dumbing it down or patronizing the listener. In showing that "the Science" is a tool for silencing actual science, which is choc full of debate over the nature and extent of human impact on the climate, Koonan does the public a great service. Listen, read and do some thinking for yourself.

Crucial reading for everyone

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Science is never simple, not easy and can only be seen as settled when you have a dark ages mentality.

Balanced and thoughtful

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Although the narration was a bit wooden, the content was outstanding and superbly laid out. Easy to follow for a non-technical person and sufficiently logical and engrossing and fact-based for technical listeners.

Brilliantly balanced without polemicism

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An extremely well written book that provides amazing insight based on facts around the hot topic of climate change. Koonin writes this book from the perspective of a scientist who is determined to have the facts told truthfully even if this is unfashionable. An easy read/listen.

Breaking the mould

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A must read, I’ve passed this onto family and friends.
Well structured and easy to understand for the non-scientists

Eye opener

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finally the honest truth with appropriate facts and recommendations.

well worth the time spent listening

compelling and honest

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A thought provoking book that dives into the facts rather than the narratives, thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Steven for stepping outside the science community and taking a risk.🙏

Brilliant!!

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Actual Scientific Thought on this loaded subject for a change.
The book will challenge anyone who treats the subject like a religion.
Definitely recommended reading.

Science without an Agenda

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Balanced reasoned discussion of a very complex, captured science that currently appears to being used as a front for political, economic and cultural motives.

Past data, information, knowledge on its way to wisdom

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