If you’re looking for an in-depth, highly researched, yet funny book about climate change, “The Parrot and the Igloo” is the one for you. Reader (or listener) beware though: this one is *not* short. Instead, strap in for the tale of global warming going all the way back to Edison, Tesla and Westinghouse.

The author does a great job weaving these three inventors and their contributions together, as well as tracing - through history - the narratives and disinformation that has plagued the climate change movement from the beginning. To be able to make a subject like this not only easy to digest, but funny to read is a feather in Lipsky’s cap.

The narration on this one was also strong. The narrator’s ability to capture some of the hypocrisy in the satirical voice the author intended made this audiobook easy to listen to.

Thanks so much to HighBridge Audio, W.W. Norton and NetGalley for this ALC!

Heroes, villains, and a dash of humor – "The Parrot and the Igloo" unravels the gripping saga of climate change battles..……

Book Information

“The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial” by David Lipsky, is a 496-page science book published on July 11, 2023. The audio version is Narrated by Mike Chamberlain and spans 18 hours and 44 minutes. Thank you to RB Media for providing me with an advance readers copy of this book for review.

Summary

"The Parrot and the Igloo" is an account of the genesis of climate denial, weaving together the stories of prominent inventors like Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse who revolutionized our world. Amidst this backdrop, the book introduces courageous scientists who raised concerns about climate change. David Lipsky skillfully reveals how a web of deception, first established to distort facts about products like aspirin and cigarettes, later facilitated the proliferation of denialist ideas.

My Thoughts

David Lipsky's book, "The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial," is a unique and comprehensive exploration of climate change history and the denial movement. Divided into three parts, "Part One: The Inventors," "Part Two: Scientists," and "Part Three: Deniers," the book offers the flexibility to listen in any order. “The Parrot and the Igloo” is a mind-blowing journey through science, lies, and the fight for truth.

While the book provides a wealth of captivating and well-researched information, its considerable length can be overwhelming at times. Nonetheless, it masterfully traces the long history of science and skepticism surrounding global warming, debunking famous "studies" used to discredit its reality.

One of the book's strengths lies in its infusion of humor and pop culture references, making the content more engaging and enjoyable. Lipsky skillfully presents complex concepts in an accessible manner, making them easy for readers to understand. Notably, the book uncovers surprising connections between big tobacco and climate deniers, shedding light on the manipulative tactics employed to challenge established science.

The book's focus on character-driven storytelling sets it apart from typical science literature. By delving into the lives of both heroes and villains related to climate change, readers gain a fascinating understanding of the science and quackery intertwined in their experiences.

The vivid descriptions of the people involved add intrigue to the narrative and keep readers hooked throughout the book. Moreover, the narrator, Mike Chamberlain, enhances the experience with his engaging performance, making the material feel more like a mystery, comedy, or thriller than a traditional science book.

Recommendation

"The Parrot and the Igloo" is a deeply researched and captivating book that skillfully navigates the history of climate change and denial. Despite its length, the narrative style and excellent narration make it a rewarding and enlightening read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of climate science and denial movements.

Rating

4 Real Science Stars

A well-researched and compelling history of climate change denial, and the motivations behind it. The author gives a readable and clear-eyed history of a grim subject but keeps readers engaged rather than depressed

I have to be honest, this one really didn't resonate with me. I'm not sure if it was the audiobook narrator, or the weird jokey way the author tried to force analogies to modern day situations and scenarios, but I just found the whole thing absolutely exhausting.

I liked the idea that the book was in 3 parts, and you could listen in any order, but the audiobook didn't have chapter headings, much less section headings, and it was all over a really bad listening experience that made me want to bang my head against a wall.

I've given this 3 stars, even though it's a 1 star in my head and heart, because I wonder if the overall stress of the book had me hating it. I found it interesting that the author said working on this book made him hate everything as well, so... maybe it's just the topic is extremely frustrating and awful and migraine inducing. Either way, I've never been so happy to be done with a book.

The author takes a look at history, and how it led to science denial now, specifically with climate change.

He takes a long look at the tobacco industry. It’s definitely interesting how they were able to find doctors and scientists to back them up consistently. Sounds familiar to recent Covid deniers, right? And anti-vaxx?

He connects science denial with tobacco, cults, fake news planted on Facebook, etc He mentions how theological denial works the same way as climate. He mentions how almost all conservative groups in the US have ties to the church. Ain’t that interesting, and not at all surprising.

As someone who grew up with conservative evangelical parents, who are deniers like this, it was an interesting listen.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Lipsky, an NYU professor, tackles climate change in three parts - the inventors whose creations led to climate change, the scientists who discovered carbon dioxide was causing climate change, and the leaders who denied the effects of climate change.

Well researched and easy to understand Lipsky takes the reader on a climate change journey that is sure to leave the reader frustrated at the lack of urgency by global leaders.

If you’re interested in climate change and understanding how/why the world continues to grow warmer, don’t miss out on this one!

I learned so much from this book. It is just endless knowledge. I was enthralled and it takes a lot for a male narrator to get my attention like this.
I absolutely recommend this one. I am planning to give it a second listen. I want to absorb it all over again,