Copout: How Governments Have Failed the People on Climate - An Insider’s View of Climate Change Conferences, from Paris to Dubai by Nick Breeze is a hard-hitting, eye-opening exploration of the global climate crisis, seen through the lens of someone who has been at the forefront of international climate negotiations. Breeze, a seasoned climate journalist and activist, takes readers behind the scenes of key climate conferences, offering a candid and often critical assessment of how governments have repeatedly fallen short in addressing the urgent threat of climate change.

The book is structured around Breeze’s personal experiences attending climate summits, beginning with the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015 and moving through to the more recent talks in Dubai. Breeze doesn’t hold back in his critique, laying bare the political maneuvering, empty promises, and outright failures that have characterized much of the international response to the climate crisis. He highlights how, despite the urgent warnings from scientists and activists, many governments have continued to prioritize short-term economic interests over the long-term health of the planet.

One of the book’s strengths is its insider perspective. Breeze gives readers a glimpse into the often opaque world of climate negotiations, revealing the tensions and conflicts that occur behind closed doors. He also provides a clear, accessible explanation of the complex issues at stake, making the book a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of global climate policy.

In addition to his critique of governmental inaction, Breeze also shines a light on the powerful role that corporations and lobbyists play in shaping climate policy. He argues that this influence has often led to watered-down agreements that fail to meet the scale of the crisis. The book is a call to action, urging readers to hold their leaders accountable and push for more ambitious climate policies.

While Copout is undeniably critical, it’s also deeply passionate. Breeze’s commitment to the climate cause is evident on every page, and he balances his critique with stories of the activists, scientists, and communities who are fighting for a better future. These stories serve as a reminder that, while the situation is dire, there is still hope if we can mobilize the political will to make real change.

Overall, Copout is a powerful, informative read that offers a sobering look at how governments have failed to rise to the challenge of climate change. It’s a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet, providing both a detailed account of what’s gone wrong and a compelling argument for why we must do better. If you’re interested in the politics of climate change and want to understand the forces that are shaping our planet’s future, this book is an essential addition to your reading list.

This is an excellent account of as-it-happens journalism, trekking through several years' worth of COP meetings from Paris through North Africa and Glasgow, showing us what happens, how it happens, and who happens.
From the pre-6am starts to late nights, two weeks of a conference with badges, access to various areas and media privileges are running efforts, catching up with friends only in the evening over a beer and a bite. But the journalists or climate scientists seen one year to the next become friends. The crowds worsen, the location of free coffee is valuable.
Our guide films interviews with leading climate scientists and asks why the science isn't getting written into the treaties and agreements. Asks what carbon neutral is going to look like, why Coca-Cola is giving away umpteen plastic bottles of its product although fresh fruit cannot be found, except at one stall which has tiny bananas.
David Attenborough represents the mature generation, but by the later years, Greta Thunberg and more young people just like her are representing those who will be taking climate action to the future.
Our journalist is surprised when someone thanks him, near the end, for his activism. He didn't see his work as activism. People have choices in what to cover, and a juicy bit of gossip or a sports pitch is the preferred choice of many. Attending a two-week conference, with or without riots, and having to think, having to absorb science that is uncomfortable and relates to melting glaciers instead of cheering fans, having to transcribe the talks and produce the footage so as to make it understandable to many - that's activism. Well done, and thank you.

This book will be of interest to journalists, environmentalists, scientists, policy makers, those working in international development, economics and conference management. Also, it should be of interest to the wider world, as people need to make choices in the soft drink or the pension fund they choose.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

This was an interesting insight in the big climate conferences that have been happening for the past two, three decades. Most of us know they are a farce, greenwashing schemes are frankly, just wasting resources. The author gives his own account of some of the COPs he has visited and covered for his work. It's a nice perspective to read, a bit more "travel log" style, as opposed to most books I've read on these topics, which tend to be more on the scientific side.

This is a very sobering read. Some of the evidence and point presented in this book that climate change and climate collapse is purely driven by the existence of humans. This book makes it clear that we are the reason for an abundance of plastic and pollution in the ocean which in turn endanger or kill much marine life.

With fossil fuels and uncontrolled global emissions going into the atomosphere, there is too much CO2. Too much CO2 contributes to change in global weather, ocean jet streams, world-wide ocean tempuratures, habitat loss from land and sea animals, etc. THIS IS SCARY STUFF.

These points and more is why this makes this a current and global issue, and to deny global climate change is prosposterous and stupid.

A recommended book!

Thanks to Netgalley, Nick Breeze and Ad Lib Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 3/14/2024