How do I write a review for this book? It seems impossible to me to sum up what I think about it and how it made me feel. Typing these words feels like a lousy attempt to make up for my lack of words to describe the intelligence, the power, the brilliance, the fear and fury behind “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate” by Naomi Klein.
In her book Klein describes the dangers of global warming and the failure of capitalist systems to respond and change in order to save our very existence on this planet. She talks about social inequalities and environmental struggles, about the political and personal, the small changes and big catastrophes. We meet activists who fight against the exploitation of their homes, scientists who work on unrealistic technologies, and those people who do everything to undermine the fight against the climate crisis.
It took me a while to get through this book. While I was very interested and invested in it, its length and density sometimes made it hard for me to focus and not lose track. Nevertheless, it was an amazing and brilliant read. Klein does not only provide a skilled analysis but also multitude of sources and data to support her arguments. While the book is full of facts and very well researched it also portrays the fates of the people who are confronted with the consequences of global warming — and it shows that there are possible solutions, if there would only be a will for change.
I was interested in global warming and environmental issues before reading this book. I was aware of its fast approaching and already existing dangers. Still, reading this book felt like a wake up call for me. It made me realize, it made me reflect, it made me furious and most of all: it made me scared. But despite that there is also a dwindling chance for hope.
Even though it is super long and not the easiest read I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s not a perfect book but I honestly think that everyone should know about “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate” because global warming also affects every single one of us.
Did you know that I also occasionally write posts about sustainability? You can find them here, if you’re interested.