Climate change isn’t a distant concern—it’s happening here and now. We’ve heard the headlines, seen the data, and perhaps even witnessed the effects firsthand. But how much do we truly understand about the forces driving it? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Rajan Mehta’s Backstage Climate is a compelling exploration of the science, politics, and economics behind climate change. Written in an accessible and engaging manner, the book simplifies complex concepts, making them digestible for readers of all backgrounds. It goes beyond just raising awareness—it connects the dots between human actions, environmental consequences, and the urgent need for solutions.
What Does the Book Cover?
The book is divided into two key sections. The first half delves into the ‘why’—how did we get here? From industrialisation to deforestation, Mehta unpacks the factors that have led to the current crisis. The latter half focuses on the ‘what now’—practical steps that individuals, corporations, and governments can take to mitigate further damage. Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, embracing sustainable practices, or fostering innovation in climate tech, the book emphasises that every action counts.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Backstage Climate is its real-world context. Mehta, a corporate leader with a deep academic grounding in climate studies from Harvard, was spurred into action when his children innocently depicted a once-blue sky as grey. That moment of realisation—of how normalised pollution and environmental degradation have become—forms the emotional core of the book.
Key Takeaways:
Through compelling data and insights, Mehta highlights key aspects of the climate crisis:
- The Role of Fossil Fuels: The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that nearly 80% of global energy consumption still comes from fossil fuels, releasing around 33 gigatons of CO₂ annually.
- Government Action Matters: Effective climate policies—such as clean air acts, investments in renewable energy, and climate-focused education—can drive systemic change.
- The Power of Individual Action: The chapter Be the Change You Want to See offers a step-by-step guide on how personal choices, from energy consumption to advocacy, can make a difference.
The book doesn’t just paint a grim picture—it provides hope. While technological advancements are aiding mitigation efforts, Mehta reminds us that the real power lies in collective action. The future is unwritten, and the choices we make today will determine the world we leave behind.
What’s In It for Me?
One key learning from Backstage Climate for me is that while governments and corporations play a significant role in addressing climate change, individual actions matter just as much. Small lifestyle changes—like reducing energy consumption, advocating for sustainable policies, and making conscious consumer choices—can collectively drive meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
My Recommendation
Backstage Climate is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the climate crisis beyond surface-level discussions. It’s an eye-opener, a call to action, and, most importantly, a guide to making meaningful change. If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I really do to help?”—this book has the answers.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Sarika has previously had stints with with Weber Shandwick as Vice President - Client Experience, Adfactors PR, Text100 (now Archetype) and Perfect Relations. With keen observation and analytical skills, Sarika has successfully led PR campaigns for key brands across multiple sectors by leveraging her strength and expertise in the communications arena.
She is a post graduate in communications from Xavier Institute of Communications. She is based in Mumbai and in her free time loves to spend time with her daughters, play with her dogs, read and travel.
Be the first to comment on "Backstage Climate: The Science and Politics Behind Climate Change"