Our Fragile Moment

How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis

By: Michael E. Mann

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

In this sweeping work of science and history, the renowned climate scientist and author of The New Climate War shows us the conditions on Earth that allowed humans not only to exist but thrive, and how they are imperiled if we veer off course.

For the vast majority of its 4.54 billion years, Earth has proven it can manage just fine without human beings. Then came the first proto-humans, who emerged just a little more than 2 million years ago—a fleeting moment in geological time. What is it that made this benevolent moment of ours possible? Ironically, it’s the very same thing that now threatens us—climate change.

The drying of the tropics during the Pleistocene period created a niche for early hominids, who could hunt prey as forests gave way to savannahs in the African tropics. The sudden cooling episode known as the “Younger Dryas” 13,000 years ago, which occurred just as Earth was thawing out of the last Ice Age, spurred the development of agriculture in the fertile crescent. The “Little Ice Age” cooling of the 16th-19th centuries led to famines and pestilence for much of Europe, yet it was a boon for the Dutch, who were able to take advantage of stronger winds to shorten their ocean voyages.

The conditions that allowed humans to live on this earth are fragile, incredibly so. Climate variability has at times created new niches that humans or their ancestors could potentially exploit, and challenges that at times have spurred innovation. But there’s a relatively narrow envelope of climate variability within which human civilization remains viable. And our survival depends on conditions remaining within that range.

In this book, renowned climate scientist Michael Mann will arm listeners with the knowledge necessary to appreciate the gravity of the unfolding climate crisis, while emboldening them—and others--to act before it truly does become too late.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Michael E. Mann (P)2023 PublicAffairs

Thanks

I was falling into doom. I appreciate your hard work. I’m going to share this book with my friends and family.

Compass to chart our direction

There is so much in this, the history of climate change is essential to see where we’re going.

The best book on the science of climate change for the general public! 

A brilliant explanation of how Earth’s past can help us understand our future. The most important takeaway? That if we act now, with the tools that we have, we can avert the worst ravages of climate disruption. 

Unveiling the Secrets of Our Existence

Dr. Michael E. Mann's latest book, "Our Fragile Moment," is a captivating exploration of Earth's history and its relevance to the current climate crisis we face. This book is a treasure trove of valuable historical insights and scientific concepts that will ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of our planet's past and its potential future.

Mann takes us on a fascinating journey through time, introducing us to captivating concepts like Daisy World, Snowball Earth, and the Silurian Hypothesis. With his engaging storytelling style, he effortlessly weaves together scientific research and historical evidence to paint a vivid picture of Earth's ancient climate and the lessons it can teach us.

One of the standout features of this book is its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Mann's talent lies in his ability to distill complex ideas into digestible pieces, ensuring that everyone can grasp the significance of our planet's history and its implications for our future. Whether you are a seasoned climate scientist or a curious individual seeking to understand the climate crisis, this book is for you.

Moreover, "Our Fragile Moment" seamlessly integrates current events into its narrative, such as the mention of the recent film "Don't Look Up" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This inclusion demonstrates the book's relevance to the present-day discourse on climate change and highlights the urgency of taking action.

In addition to the valuable historical and scientific information it provides, this book also inspires hope and empowers readers to become part of the solution. Mann's passion and dedication to combating climate change shine through his words, motivating readers to take individual and collective action to address this global crisis.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Dr. Michael E. Mann's "Our Fragile Moment" to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Earth's past and its implications for our present and future. This remarkable achievement not only educates but also inspires readers to actively engage in the fight against climate change. So, grab a copy, embark on this enlightening journey, and join the movement to ensure a sustainable future for the human race.

Clarity on where we currently stand on Global Warming.

Now that global warming deniers are losing audience with the current weather events we are all experiencing, a new form of apathy has taken hold. Instead of saying global warming is a “hoax” so pay no attention to it , a new wave of disinformation is spreading saying that it’s too late to do anything about global warming so why take measures to prevent it. Both narratives are being spread by fossil fuel producers who want to keep consumers hooked on their product regardless of the long term consequences.

This book carefully explains how the theory of global warming turned from theory into fact. If you are interested in reading the science behind global warming, you will enjoy this book. The biggest complaint I have about the audiobook is the reader. He consistently mispronounced the various geologic eras and epochs. Other than that, this geologist found the book insightful and inspiring as well. We’ve got time to steer the world towards a more manageable future, but not a lot.

One thing we can all participate in is helping to reforest the planet. If you don’t have property to put a few trees on there are plenty of credible tree planting groups that can help facilitate the tree planting process for you.

True grit

This is a well spoken and effective discussion of the climate change debate- useful for denialists and those who are activists. A very helpful contribution which enriches our understanding.

This book is all over the place.

This climate book from an incredible scientist falls into the same category of books published by James Hansen. An important message dilluted by poor communication with a lack of red thread combined with never ending detours. It highlights the problem with that there is a difference between beeing a great scientist and a great author.

Comically bad.

Worth it for the laughs. Cheesy and inappropriate conclusions drawn from vastly different worlds and ignorance of timescales, resolution, and uncertainty.