Why, despite all we know about the causes and harms of global heating, has so little effective action been taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and what we can do to change that? This book explains the mechanisms and impacts of the climate crisis, traces the history and reasons behind the lack of serious effort to combat it, describes some people's ongoing scepticism and how to shift it, and motivates an urgent program of action. It argues that the pathway to stopping dangerous global heating will require a much larger mobilization of advocacy and activism to impel decision makers to abandon fossil fuels, and transition to renewable energy and electrification embedded in a political and social framework guided by justice principles. It is an excellent resource for students and researchers on the climate crisis, the need for a renewable energy transition, and the current blocks to progress.

Finalist, 2024 PROSE- Physical Sciences and Mathematics, Association of American Publishers

‘The Climate Crisis is exceptional for covering the wide range of complex issues involved in climate change. Aron’s description of the physical climate system is one of the clearest I’ve read. He also informs us about impacts, and about the political, economic and psychological obstacles to addressing the crisis. In considering solutions, he draws on both the research literature and the recent efforts of social movements to create change. The Climate Crisis lays the groundwork for thinking carefully about this crucial problem and for taking action.’

Thomas Dietz - Michigan State University; author of Decisions for Sustainability: Facts and Values

‘The Climate Crisis does a great job of connecting the climate science … with the evolving scholarship on how we approach - and could change our approach - to systemic risks and dread of climate change, which is arguably the greatest challenge we face as a species.’

Daniel Kammen - University of California, Berkeley; and Former Science Envoy, Department of State in the Obama-Biden Administration

‘This is a tremendous book on the climate crisis, what it consists of, and why we are finding it so difficult to tackle. The insights on social and psychological dynamics are designed to make it much more than just information: this is a how-to manual on how you can become an effective climate activist and advocate. A perfect book for our difficult times. I have already recommended it to everyone I’ve met since reading it.’

Julia K. Steinberger - University of Lausanne

‘This book is a tour de force for anyone interested in understanding climate change and how to overcome barriers to action. With unparalleled clarity, Aron explains the history of the climate change debate, the complex psychology of why we have failed to act and what cutting-edge social and behavioral science research has to say about how to engender the large-scale societal change needed to manage the most existential crisis of our time. Aron’s new book offers essential reading for anyone interested in the future of our planet.’

Sander van der Linden - University of Cambridge and former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Environmental Psychology

‘Recommended.'

R. T. Ingoglia Source: Choice

‘Thank you for this great book. I have long been looking for a textbook with a psychology-audience in mind, that gives basic information about climate science, historical content and then a strong link to psychological research with a strong focus on change.’

Lilla Gurtner - University of Bern