This book reminded the reviewer of the day he spent on a skid-pan.  ‘We’re not going to teach you how to control a skid,’ said the dour police instructor, ‘we’re going to teach you to make sure you never get into a skid!’  To emphasise the point, Lynas likens the journey towards higher global temperatures to Dante’s journey into Hell.  Even those who eschew Hell-Fire sermons will find some sobering reflections here.

 

The title is self-explanatory.  Six degrees Celsius is the IPCC worst-case scenario for mean global temperature rise this century and Lynas chronicles remorselessly what could be expected with each degree.  The scope is world-wide.  Although there seems a weighting towards the USA, this may reflect where much of the research is being conducted.

 

The style is popular but, as far as the reviewer can tell, thoroughly researched and based on peer-reviewed papers.  The only complaint is that Lynas does not unequivocally define his ‘zero’.  From the context, however, it appears (see page 50) that ‘one degree’ means: ‘ what can be expected between now and l ^oC warmer than now’ (say, 1.8 ^oC above pre-industrial).

 

And that first chapter is worrying enough even if the Amazon rainforest survives and the shutting down of the Gulf Stream is very unlikely.  Drought in the USA on a scale that brought down earlier civilisations, more strong hurricanes and cyclones and in areas previously unaffected, changes too rapid for species to adapt, devastation of coral reefs, melting of permafrost that binds mountain sides together and at high latitudes, retreat of glaciers and Artic ice, shifting of climate zones (with more negative than positive consequences).  No, we don’t want to go there; but we have no choice, it is too late.  If your zeal to combat global warming flags, read chapter two.

 

The good news is that up to 2.8 ^oC the world as a whole should still just be able to feed itself.  Locally it will be another matter: expect flooding in Southern China and drought in the North.  Acidification of the oceans will reduce CO2 absorption.  There will be dangerous heat-waves in Europe (forget that holiday home in Spain).

 

By chapter three we are in bad, bad trouble – but I won’t spoil it for you by revealing what happens.  This is perhaps a book for bed-time reading rather than detailed study (provided you are not of a nervous disposition) but it is a good book to add flesh to the cold scientific bones of the subject. 

 

Is it a religious book?  Well, it drove the reviewer to his knees in remorse at what we, the rich, privileged, Christians, are doing to the world and its more innocent inhabitants.  Stewards?  There could be some awkward questions on the Day of Judgement if we don’t pull out all the stops right now.

Charles Jolly