Product Description

Significant climate change as a consequence of human pollution
of the atmosphere looks increasingly likely. Some change is already
occurring but quite what magnitude of change will occur and what it will
bring to different parts of the world remains unknown. Meanwhile, despite
the catastrophic forecasts of the dangers that a warming world poses to
human and other species, the consumer society of the North continues in its
energy hungry path, and the peoples of the South continue to bear the cost.

In the face of this uncertain yet impending crisis, does it make sense to
speak of a moral response? Michael Northcott argues not only that it does,
but that it is essential if we are to avoid further environmental disaster.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #225782 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

From the Foreword by Sir John Houghton
'Northcott's book is very readable and informative but also challenging. Allow it not only to inform your mind but to touch your conscience. You will then be able to chart a path for the future that quietly, radically and effectively will not only save us from the worst ravages of anthropogenic climate change but also bring about change towards a more sustainable, fairer, safer and happier world.'

About the Author
MICHAEL S. NORTHCOTT is Professor of Ethics at the University of
Edinburgh and a Priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Customer Reviews

A Moral Climate - time to stop and think
This book goes way beyond suggesting that we all turn our thermostats down a couple of degrees and buy a few energy saving lightbulbs.

In a surprisingly readable style, Professor Northcott argues that western society's preoccupation with making money has both made us unhappier and the climate more unstable.

It's time for a radical shift, he says, led by a movement of 'ordinary' churchgoers and members of the public. If we slow down and remind each other that humans are meant to be connected to the earth we live in, then we will be more content, and our carbon footprint will reduce.

He's in complete agreement with climate scientists who say the world is warming up, and wants a UN backed global framework to force governments, multinational organisations and financial institutions to cut down their greenhouse gas emissions before it is too late.

Definitely a book to make you think.

A welcome exposition of the great moral issue of our time
This book is ideal background reading for christians or non-christians seeking to live a moral life and asking themselves if global warming is a problem and, if it is, what are the moral and ethical issues involved. It is a relatively easy and entertaining read, despite the weighty subject matter, and Northcott succeeds brilliantly in showing how we are in great danger of violating the second great commandment "love your neighbour as yourself". The science is also well covered and any christian who reads this book will come away better informed about his duty. As Bonhoeffer said "the church is the church only when it exists for others" and "the ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.". It's time to take his and Northcott's message on board.