Unsettled

Summary

In this updated and expanded edition of climate scientist Steven Koonin’s groundbreaking book, go behind
the headlines to discover the latest eye-opening data about climate change—with unbiased facts and realistic
steps for the future.
"Greenland’s ice loss is accelerating."
"Extreme temperatures are causing more fatalities."
"Rapid 'climate action' is essential to avoid a future climate disaster."
You've heard all this presented as fact. But according to science, all of these statements are profoundly
misleading.
With the new edition of Unsettled, Steven Koonin draws on decades of experience—including as a top science
advisor to the Obama administration—to clear away the fog and explain what science really says (and doesn't
say). With a new introduction, this edition now features reflections on an additional three years of eye-opening
data, alternatives to unrealistic “net zero” solutions, global energy inequalities, and the energy crisis arising
from the war in Ukraine.
When it comes to climate change, the media, politicians, and other prominent voices have declared that “the
science is settled.” In reality, the climate is changing, but the why and how aren’t as clear as you’ve probably
been led to believe.
Koonin takes readers behind the headlines, dispels popular myths, and unveils little-known truths:
Despite rising greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures decreased from 1940 to 1970
Models currently used to predict the future do not accurately describe the climate of the past, and modelers
themselves strongly doubt their regional predictions
There is no compelling evidence that hurricanes are becoming more frequent—or that predictions of rapid sea
level rise have any validity
Unsettled is a reality check buoyed by hope, offering the truth about climate science—what we know, what we
don’t, and what it all means for our future.