One of the most urgent problems the world is currently dealing with is climate change. Unprecedented increases in Earth’s temperature significantly impact the planet’s ecosystems, weather patterns, and sea levels. The effects of climate change are already being felt worldwide, from melting glaciers to disastrous wildfires, and they are only predicted to worsen in the years to come. The current global crisis is a complicated and multifaceted problem that necessitates immediate action from all parties, including citizens, governments, and businesses. As a result, many fiction and non-fiction writers are enlightening societies about climate change and appealing for people to be cautious about the issue. For instance, Jeff Goodell’s “The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World” is a non-fiction work that explores the impact of climate change on coastal cities and how they are adapting to rising sea levels. Besides, it offers a great viewpoint on climate change and its effects on human society. To better develop a deeper understanding of climate change and its effects, it is critical to explore the theme of climate change in Goodell’s work “The Water Will Come.”
One critical source that supports this analysis is a review of the article by Richard Little, a Visiting Research Scholar in Disaster Mitigation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which notes that Goodell’s work is a book that “captures both the beauty and the sadness of our changing coastlines” is described as “a book of science, history, geography, and activism” (Little 3) The review also highlights how Goodell uses personal stories to illustrate the impact of climate change on individual lives, which is an approach that that this analysis explores. The author argues that the work is helpful as a readily available source on climate science, the effects of a warmer, wetter globe, and some of the actions being done in famous locations that are particularly sensitive to climate change, such as Miami, New York, Miami, Italy, and Venice.
Another critical source that complements this approach is an article by Matthew Taylor and Jessica Murray that focuses on the psychological impact of climate change. The paper argues that the scale and complexity of climate change can be overwhelming but that personal stories and human connections can help to make it more tangible and relatable. This perspective aligns with Goodell’s use of personal narratives to highlight the human cost of rising sea levels. Besides, the authors argue that it is inevitable to underrate climate change’s psychological and physical impacts. They continue that the issue strains individuals’ mental wellness, particularly the youth. It also explores how bushfires are ravaging homes causing physical and psychological damage that may be costly. According to the article, the issue of climate change should be treated as an emergency because a more significant proportion of people is “overwhelmed by the scientific reality of ecological breakdown” (Taylor and Murray 2). In this case, the article fits into this analysis that climate change is a critical issue that needs an immediate solution.
However, critical sources also take a different approach to climate change. For example, Bjorn Lomborg’s article False Alarm argues that the focus on rising sea levels and coastal cities in discussions of climate change can be misleading, as it ignores the many other ways climate change impacts the planet. While this is valid, Goodell’s focus on coastal cities is still valuable. These cities are home to a significant proportion of the global population and are at high risk of being severely impacted by rising sea levels. Besides, he critiques the idea of “climate apartheid,” which refers to the notion that climate change will disproportionately affect poorer countries and communities. He argues that this idea is based on flawed assumptions and needs to include progress in reducing poverty and increasing global prosperity. Besides, he contends that the real problem facing the world is not climate change but poverty. He argues that by reducing poverty and increasing economic growth, we can create the resources and technology needed to address climate change more effectively and sustainably. Although his perspective may be controversial and has been criticized by many in the environmental community, his claim is worth considering, as it challenges some assumptions and conventional wisdom surrounding climate change.
In conclusion, there is an urgent need for all facets of society to take quick action on climate change. The work “The Water Will Come” by Jeff Goodell offers a valuable viewpoint on the effects of climate change on coastal cities and how they are adjusting to increasing sea levels. Goodell’s use of personal anecdotes helps readers understand and relate to the problem better. Given that it can impact people’s mental and physical health, the psychological impact of climate change is another critical issue that must be addressed. However, there are various viewpoints, such as Lomborg’s assertion that the proper solution to climate change lies in eliminating poverty and boosting economic growth. Yet, it is crucial to continue the dialogue on climate change, considering diverse viewpoints that are adequate and sustainable solutions to this global crisis are found.
Works Cited
Goodell, Jeff. The water will come with rising seas, sinking cities, and the remaking of the civilized world. Black Inc., 2018.
Little Richard. “Book Review: The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World.” Public Works Management & Policy, vol. 24, no. 1, 18 Dec. 2018, pp. 140–143, https://doi.org/10.1177/1087724×18811221. Accessed 21 Oct. 2020.
Lomborg, Bjorn. False Alarm: How climate change panic costs us trillions, hurts the poor, and fails to fix the planet. Hachette UK, 2020.
Taylor, Matthew, and Jessica Murray. “Overwhelming and Terrifying”: The Rise of Climate Anxiety.” The Guardian, 10 Feb. 2020, www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/10/overwhelming-and-terrifying-impact-of-climate-crisis-on-mental-health.
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