The New Climate War
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2021 |
| Founder | Michael E. Mann |
| Products | Publication on climate change and climate politics |
The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet is a 2021 publication by American climatologist and geophysicist Michael E. Mann that addresses climate change. Mann explores how the fossil fuel sector has sought to obstruct climate initiatives, critiques insufficient policy responses, and outlines successful approaches. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he asserts that a "clean energy revolution and climate stabilization are within reach using existing technology," with the main requirement being policy incentives to facilitate this transformation.
Background
Mann gained prominence through his famous "hockey stick" graph, which led to receiving death threats and online harassment, prompting him to become well-versed in disinformation tactics employed by the fossil fuel industry.
Although some progressive voices criticize carbon pricing as a neoliberal tool favoring Wall Street interests, Mann stresses that market-based solutions remain central, pointing to the Montreal Protocol as a historical precedent that demonstrates the potential effectiveness of carbon pricing.
He also advocates for reconsidering economic frameworks that depend on endless resource extraction and consumption in favor of sustainability. Mann observed that the Green New Deal would not be implemented immediately: "Once we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency will persist as the more significant challenge, presenting an opportunity to rethink solutions."
While critical of the Trump administration, Mann acknowledged advancements achieved at state and municipal levels, supported by businesses and local governments. He expressed hope regarding the Biden administration's initiatives to accelerate climate efforts and regain lost momentum.
Title
Mann explained that the book’s title (The New Climate War) signifies a transition from the "old" climate conflict—dominated by fossil fuel interests attacking fundamental climate science—to a "new" battle characterized by strategies aimed at dividing climate advocates and shifting focus away from systemic policy reforms toward individual behavior. The former involved outright denial; the latter employs tactics of deception, distraction, and delay.
Summary
The New Climate War consists of nine chapters along with acknowledgments, notes, and an index.
The initial chapters, titled "The Architects of Misinformation and Misdirection" and "The Climate Wars," outline the evolution of climate change denial. The chapter "The 'Crying Indian' and the Birth of the Deflection Campaign" explores how fossil fuel corporations, conservative political actors, media outlets, and oil-funded governments utilize deflection to hinder unpopular policy measures. "It's YOUR Fault" examines approaches emphasizing personal responsibility instead of systemic or corporate accountability, highlighting methods such as Russian trolls and bots who amplified denial during the 2016 U.S. election to protect Russian fossil fuel interests.
Chapter five, titled "Put a Price on It. Or Not.", critiques subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and promotes carbon pricing combined with supply-side policies like bans on fracking and pipeline limitations. In "Sinking the Competition," Mann advocates for incentives supporting renewable energy while calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies. Chapter seven, "The Non-Solution Solution," rejects technologies like natural gas, carbon capture, and geoengineering as insufficient responses, labeling ideas such as bridge fuels and clean coal as hollow promises.
In "The Truth Is Bad Enough," Mann criticizes environmentalists who overstate climate dangers. The concluding chapter, "Meeting the Challenge," outlines a four-part strategy: "Disregard the Doomsayers," "A Child Shall Lead Them," "Educate, Educate, Educate," and "Changing the System Requires Systemic Change."
Mann underscores that although individual efforts—such as cutting meat consumption, reducing travel, and minimizing waste—are valuable, achieving decarbonization of the economy remains crucial. He conveys guarded optimism inspired by youth-led activism and swift progress in green technology development.
Reception
Jeff Masters from Yale Climate Connections described The New Climate War as essential reading for anyone knowledgeable about or affected by climate issues, though he suggested that the inclusion of more visual elements might enhance the experience of its 267 pages. Richard Schiffman of New Scientist emphasized the book’s relevance, especially in the lead-up to the 2021 COP26 UN climate conference, drawing attention to Mann’s urgent plea for decisive climate measures.
Adrienne Hollis commended the work for effectively linking the consequences of both proactive and negligent behaviors related to climate protection, noting its usefulness for experienced activists as well as those newly engaged in climate advocacy. She also pointed out Mann’s candid acknowledgment of the movement’s internal challenges.
Carolyn Gramling, writing for Science News, characterized the book as an engrossing mixture of historical context, political analysis, and personal stories aimed at addressing psychological tactics used in climate debates. A reviewer from Kirkus Reviews praised it as a straightforward and clear examination of climate politics, highlighting Mann’s skill in dismantling misleading arguments against crucial environmental policies.
The Financial Times recognized the book by shortlisting it for their 2021 "business book of the year" award, and it was also included on the longlist for the 2021 Wainwright Prize.