Storms of My Grandchildren is a book by climate scientist James Hansen, first published in 2009. Hansen presents a scientist’s account of how human activities are altering the Earth’s climate and outlines measures he argues are necessary to reduce the risk of severe impacts for future generations.
Main arguments
- Hansen attributes recent and projected changes in weather patterns and global temperatures to the continued burning of fossil fuels, arguing that this is driving long-term shifts in the climate system and increasing the likelihood of extreme events.
- He contends that ongoing emissions are changing our climate in ways that threaten ecosystems and human societies, with rising seas, altered precipitation, and more frequent severe storms among the possible outcomes.
- Central to Hansen’s prescription is a rapid reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations; he identifies a numerical target and promotes policies aimed at cutting emissions from major sources such as coal-fired power plants.
Policy proposals
Hansen recommends phasing out or sharply reducing emissions from coal and other high-carbon energy sources, combined with improved land-use, forestry, and agricultural practices to enhance carbon uptake. He frames these steps as necessary to limit risks to biodiversity and human well‑being and to keep atmospheric greenhouse gas levels from reaching what he views as dangerous thresholds.
Reception
The book received attention from both scientific and mainstream publications. It was discussed in outlets including Nature, the Los Angeles Times, Science, and Cosmos, where reviewers considered Hansen’s scientific evidence, policy recommendations, and his role as a public advocate for climate action.
About the author
At the time of the book’s release, Hansen was director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. He has long been a prominent researcher on the topic of global warming and has participated in public debates about the science and policy responses to climate change.