Tropic of Chaos: Climate Change and the New Geography of Violence

"In this scathing study, Parenti (Lockdown America) argues that climate change is already wreaking havoc on the planet in the form of devastating droughts and other weather aberrations that create a shortage of arable land and resources. In the developing world, these challenges intersect with the ongoing crises of poverty and violence to create what Parenti terms a 'catastrophic convergence.' Arguing that coming environmental shifts will 'act as a radical accelerant,' he describes how cold war militarism and neoliberal economics have eroded community fabric and public services in such disparate places as the arid savannahs of Kenya, the mountains of Afghanistan, the favelas of Brazil, the jungles of Colombia, and the deserts of northern Mexico, opening the door for 'socially disruptive forms of adaptation,' like brutality, genocide, and corruption. As the developing world sinks deeper into crisis, the developed world takes the 'armed lifeboat' approach, consolidating wealth and firepower while ignoring the rising tide of need among the planet's most vulnerable citizens. Parenti's careful reporting and grasp of politics and economics support the book's urgent message — that impending global chaos is all but assured unless the developed world finds the political will to imagine a better future. (July)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

This heavily researched and important book by Parenti, contributing editor at The Nation, clearly illuminates the undeniable link between climate change generated by the industrial North and devastation and violent conflict in the global South. Taking readers on a tour of war torn and poverty infected countries like Kenya, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Mexico, Parenti exposes the rising tension which is becoming an increasing threat to privileged nations like the US who are simply ignoring the problem and attempting to shield it out with military might. This book is a must read for anyone concerned with climate change, human rights, national security, and the human race's ultimate survival. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)