“You still hear talk about stopping or reversing climate change. It’s not possible. Physical science says we cannot get there. We need to deeply think about how to survive and still thrive on a much warmer planet.”

This is Weisman’s third book, and what stands out for me in the opening chapters of Hope Dies Last is that in keeping, perhaps, with the title, at times it seemed weighed down by a weariness accumulated from decades of attempts to make people pay attention to the dangerous effects of climate change. As an example, early in chapter two, Weisman explains the phrase ‘hope against hope’ in part with the following: “[g]iven the high probability of dashed dreams, early Catholic legend has Hope beheaded along with her sisters, Faith and Charity, in front of their mother, Wisdom, their consolation being martyrdom.” Far from detracting from the book, it gives it a certain poignancy.

Beginning in chapter three the book delves into potential solutions, and here is where Weisman shines, because it is full of rich detail, a wealth of research, and insight from passionate scientists and conservationists who continue to fight to preserve humanity and the many species that share our planet. Detailing heroic efforts sometimes followed by victories against all odds but all too often leading to defeat against bureaucracy and greed, the remainder of the book is spent discussing potential solutions for issues including food security, clean energy, coastline conservation and coral reef restoration, rising sea levels, and the unchecked consumption of fossil fuels. Through each hope remains, with the oft-repeated message that we simply have no choice but to do so, because humanity’s survival depends upon it.

5⭐️ Hope Dies Last is a fast-paced read and you don’t have to be a scientist to understand or enjoy it, though it probably helps if you’re a little bit of a science geek.


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The book discusses climate change and its global impact. It features articles that explore how various communities respond to climate change effects. Topics include food scarcity, water shortages, and the broader environmental consequences of climate change, yet it underscores that hope is the last to fade.

Alan Weisman does an excellent job of presenting our current predicament with the environment without making it seem hopeless. Even the title of book gives the reader inspiration that perhaps through well thought out plans and actions we can fix the mess we are currently in.

It is obvious that Weisman did extensive research for this book and although our current climate crisis may not be reversible, the author still writes about ways we as humans can be prepared and do better.

I will be rereading this several times in order to let all the information sink in.

A must read for all of humankind because the planet we are on needs us to do better, and this book is a way to remind us of our humanity and our partnership with the world around us.