Why is the book a must read? First of all because Marcel Crok makes the facts talk and convincingly explains biases in the complicated climate debate. Moreover the debate is polarized; so called skeptics are labeled as “bad guys”. Crok states that it seems as if the ‘good guys’ showed ‘bad guy’ behavior – and proofs this with examples. He also clarifies that the polarization has resulted in wrong choices and the illusion of success in the climate debate. The focus on CO2 was a choice, he says, to avoid too much complexity. This was a strategy to push “climate” on the agenda of politicians and others. In terms of plugging the subject this has worked extremely well, however the oversimplification is hampering progress. Lots of money is wasted on a policy that is doomed to fail. The focus on mitigation instead of adaptation has proven to be poor and will be counterproductive.

 

The book is very well written and Crok does not beat around the bush. He uses statements such as: “It is useless en endlessly inefficient to regard CO2 as the magic stick to influence many processes on earth”. But these are never empty words, he carefully guides you through a body of knowledge to proof his position. As we have stated often (for example), Crok also believes that apocalyptic views will not be productive. Focusing on CO2 (instead of issues such as land use) means that benefits can only be translated into vague results in the future. This will not help to make progress because for that also short term successes are crucial. Reading his book one knows it is time to follow a wise advise of Sioux Indians:  “When you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.”

 

In his introduction Salomon Kroonenberg applauds Marcel Crok for telling this story on how it was possible that the world has been fooled to this extent. For me this book has proven to be a page turner, which is a remarkable accomplishment for a book on climate.

 

One more thing: this is not the work of an ‘anti-environmentalist’. Quite the contrary: the book is the ultimate proof of the integrity and commitment of Crok. Because of his commitment to the environment he beliefs the world deserves a better “climate strategy”. I thank him for that.