The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell

The Water Will Come is an eye-opening journey into the vanishing world as we know it. Across the globe, scientists and civilians alike are witnessing rapidly rising sea levels and higher tides pushing more water into our living spaces. From vibrant, historic cities to traditional coastal villages, the brink of broad disaster is closer than ever. By the end of the century, hundreds of millions of people will be retreating from the world's shores as coasts become inundated and landscapes transformed. /n/n Acclaimed journalist Jeff Goodell employs fact, science, and first-person, on-the-ground journalism to show vivid scenes from what is already becoming a water world. Traveling across twelve countries, Goodell reports from the front lines, providing a definitive account of the coming water, why and how this will happen, and what it will all mean. This harrowing and compulsively readable book lays out in clear-eyed detail what Earth’s changing climate means for us today and future generations.

Reviews

Wunderground · Bob Smith · 2020-12-06

compelling 4.50

The book is praised for its terrific storytelling and wealth of scientific information on sea level rise. It is considered one of the best books on the subject, offering a comprehensive and engaging look at the future of coastal cities.

Bob Smith from Wunderground highly recommends 'The Water Will Come' for its exceptional storytelling and thorough scientific information. He finds the book to be one of the best on the topic of sea level rise, praising Goodell's ability to weave together scientific data with compelling narratives. Smith appreciates how the book provides a vivid and urgent picture of the future, highlighting the inevitable rise of sea levels and its profound impact on coastal cities. The book's engaging style makes it accessible to a wide audience, making it a must-read for anyone interested in climate change and its consequences.

Quick quotes

Through its terrific storytelling interwoven with a wealth of scientific information on sea level rise, The Water Will Come impressed me as the best book I've read on the subject.

Goodell's ability to blend science with engaging narratives is commendable.

The book provides a vivid and urgent picture of the future, making it a must-read for anyone interested in climate change.

Earthbound Report · Jane Doe · 2018-06-19

informative 3.75

The book offers a comprehensive examination of the consequences of sea level rise, though it falls short in providing a global perspective. It is praised for its focus on climate justice and the societal impacts of climate change.

Jane Doe from Earthbound Report finds 'The Water Will Come' to be a thorough and eye-opening exploration of the effects of rising sea levels. She particularly appreciates Goodell's focus on climate justice and the societal implications of climate change. However, Doe notes that the book's coverage of regions like Nigeria is insufficient to provide a truly global picture. Despite this, she acknowledges the book's strengths in blending scientific data with compelling storytelling, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in climate change and its impact on human societies.

Quick quotes

Goodell understands climate justice and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities.

The book is a fine examination of the coming catastrophe and its implications.

The chapter on Nigeria, however, isn't enough to get a global picture.

The New York Times · Elizabeth Kolbert · 2017-11-22

urgent 4.00

The book provides a compelling and urgent look at the inevitable rise of sea levels and its profound impact on coastal cities. It blends scientific data with engaging storytelling to create a vivid picture of the future.

Elizabeth Kolbert delves into the critical issues raised by Jeff Goodell's 'The Water Will Come'. She highlights the book's ability to present complex scientific information in an accessible and engaging manner. Kolbert appreciates how Goodell uses real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate the impending threats posed by rising sea levels. The book's exploration of climate justice and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities is particularly noteworthy. Kolbert finds the narrative both terrifying and enlightening, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change before it's too late.

Quick quotes

Goodell's book is a stark reminder that the question is not if the seas will rise, but when and how high.

The Water Will Come is a compelling blend of science, politics, and human drama.

Goodell's reporting is thorough and his storytelling is engaging, making a complex issue accessible to a wide audience.

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