Could Mankind Become Extinct in Less Than 100 Years? A Review of "Uninhabitable a Case For Caution"

The subject of climate change is the topic of many discussions and opinions. It often seems to be an ideological exchange rather than of one rooted in the reality.

Many it seems, feel that if outright denial does not carry the debate than either fatalism or wishful thinking, in the form of faith in yet unproven technology, is a much as they are willing to commit to subject.

The book "Uninhabitable"

This is a book well worth reading for anyone interested in a realistic examination of this complicated and controversial issue. The writer, C.S. Goldsmith, a graduate of Harvard business school is a 30 year insurance industry chief executive. With this book he brings a concise, analytical perspective to a convoluted subject. He also proves that he is fully capable of presenting this complex topic in bright and clearly accessible language.

The unique prospective that he bring to this unexpectedly enjoyable read is grounded in his insurance industry background. Insurance is a business that makes money by consistently accessing risk factors correctly. The author implemented the same methodology of assessing risk as the bedrock of his conclusions. The product of eight years gathering and organizing hard facts from of all discipline of science, this book is a clearly stated assessment of the future that we face.

I found it fascinating to consider this topic from his unique point of view. How much the insurance industry would access premiums for things like a house on the Malibu beach for the next 50 years and why? With each example he clearly outlines the methods used to back up his conclusions. At the same time the author manages to encourage his readers to consider the information and take a well-informed standpoint of their own.

Another thing that made this read intriguing; his studies began with the first stirring of life on earth 4 1/2 billion years ago and follows it though at least 20 human ancestors that have come before us before becoming extinct. It details factors leading up to mass extinctions that life on earth has endured five times in the past. The form of writing on each topic is innovative. Throughout the book he is covering the topics in a past, present and future mode.

His conclusions on the need to transform our carbon based energy pattern to a more ecological friendly one is clear. But it is not the usual pointing fingers kind of analysis that some ecological groups seem to favor. His tone remains firm on his own point of view but open to reason and debate.

The overall point of the book is not one of forecasting doom but more of pointing out the incredible benefits that all mankind could expect from overcoming these challenges successfully. He does not sugarcoat the immensity of the crisis we may face. However he remains confident that if we face the challenge head on, with inspired leadership, hard work and sacrifice we may find a utopia and carry mankind on to astonishing heights.

For the reader looking for a thought provoking examination of this topic, one that is not end of the world doom and gloom finger pointing, I highly recommend this read. It will give you the facts, past and present, and leave the reader feeling that the future is up to all of us.

"Uninhabitable a case for caution"

ISBN 978-0-9795804-0-4

Barnes & Noble, Amazon

More about C.S. Goldsmith and his book Uninhabitable a case for caution can be found at http://uninhabitable.info