In many ways this book was a strange read for me. First, my review is the first on Goodreads. Second, it is a political nonfiction on climate activism from the POV of a self-confessed rare breed of Republican environment activists. And third, I am not an American and I am certainly not an expert on the political duopoly of the USA.


So, I read this book because of my interest in climate activism and global politics and I did learn a lot of things. I learnt about the Democrats and the Republicans and how the radical 15% on both sides keep polarising the people and demonizing each other instead of finding a solution. I learnt about The Production Complex and The Consumption Complex. I learnt about ‘the hard energy path’ and ‘the soft energy path’. I learnt about Catastrophism. I also learnt that moderation is the need of the hour as extremes only alienate.
The authors give good arguments on both sides, although leaning towards the right. They acknowledge the problem the right side has while also pointing out the problems of the left side of the political spectrum

According to the authors, the ‘doom and gloom’ approach to climate change will only push the undecided and the ‘concerned’ people further away. The solution is to find a way to adapt instead of panicking. To not just suvive but thrive. To innovate and look for green solutions and yet find a sustainable way to make the economy grow. The book suggests that a ‘bipartisan coalition’ is needed. It asks everyone to join forces, to stop hate and work together irrespective of which party you belong to.


80 percent of the book is pretty much about this – the ‘why’ and the ‘what’, not the ‘how’. The last part of book gives out a few steps about how to make a difference. So as much as this book was informative, it did feel a bit repetitive. Also, there is a little bit of criticism to the views of Naomi Klein and David Wallace Wells. So I am not sure what to feel about that.


The main theme of the book is this: Make diverse choices for the sake of the earth. Adhering to the core values of the left and the right will only increase the gap and won’t help anyone. Or atleast that’s what I took from this book. I like how the book exudes optimism and gives a cool logical understanding of how climate politics work. Recommended if you like a healthy debate and a POV from both sides.


Note: This is a tie-in to the In This Together campaign that brings together billionaire donors business leaders, foundation chiefs, scientists, advocates, and political strategists to reduce political polarization and work across partisan lines to solve problems like climate change and democracy reform. Campaign launches July 4.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC.
3.2 out of 5 stars.