Climate Change, Social Inequality, and Doom

By: William M. Epstein

Narrated by: Gary Roelofs

A critical examination of how inequality and cultural inertia hinder meaningful climate action.

The challenges of climate change, like so many issues today, are not evenly distributed across social and economic lines. In this sobering exploration of the interconnected crises of climate change and social inequality, William M. Epstein examines how entrenched cultural values and systemic inequities thwart meaningful climate action, driving humanity closer to catastrophic consequences.

Epstein outlines three potential climate futures—ranging from manageable to devastating—and scrutinizes society's inability to confront these realities with meaningful action. He argues that solutions exist, but they demand sacrifices and transformations that clash with deeply rooted societal norms. Epstein highlights the global indifference to equality and environmental stewardship and exposes the tragic inertia that imperils democracy, the environment, and humanity itself. By examining the broader implications of inequality—ranging from resource distribution to policy inertia—he reveals how societal values shape environmental outcomes and the growing divide between those who bear the brunt of climate change and those who remain insulated.

A profound and timely work, Climate Change, Social Inequality, and Doom confronts the moral and political failures that define the climate crisis and reveals the stark choice between an equitable, sustainable future and irreversible decline.

The book is published by Johns Hopkins University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2025 Johns Hopkins University Press (P)2025 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A brilliant exposition of how to reconcile climate policy with social equity." (David Stoesz, author of Meritocracy, Populism, and the Future of Democracy)

"...hard-hitting and deeply researched book." (Paul Moloney, author of The Therapy Industry)