The Climate Risk

"The Climate Risk" is an allegory of the consequences of climate change in the 21st century, narrated by four scientists of the United Nations Sustainability Unit. Although a fiction novel, The Climate Risk is based on the latest scientific modelling and falls into the emerging genre of climate fiction. It is set against the backdrop of a planet where the reality of climate change has hit home. Fires rage, floods and extreme storms occur regularly. Temperatures and seas are rising. Combined with already high emissions, this means that the ability of the planet to sustain human life in the next millennia is no longer guaranteed. The story spans over 50 years from the perspective of four families who travel the Earth to find solutions. Can they save humanity from extinction?This compelling narrative brings together the human story along with the facts of climate change which is now the number one concern of the world. The underlying message of the novel is that we are not doing enough to avoid a long-term catastrophe. It is a wakeup call and will appeal to young adults/adults who are interested in the issues of global warming.The narrative starts in the year 2035. In the northern summer, a persistent heat dome in Siberia has triggered a massive release of greenhouse gases in the arctic region due to the melting of the permafrost. Dan Robson, an American biologist and Zara Naidu, a climatologist from India, are sent to investigate the effects of the phenomenon.They conclude that Earth has reached a dangerous tipping point. The ability of the planet to sustain human life in the next millennia is not guaranteed. Together with their Director, Sandy Fraser, an Australian diplomat, they form a secret unit called "Project Legacy". Their mission is to find solutions to preserve the human species. Their options range from storing genetic material in "doomsday vaults" on Earth to building settlements on the Moon and Mars. For a space program, they seek the help of a Swedish astrophysicist, Isobel Lofgren. Financially, they are also supported by the U.N. and by a group of billionaires who are interested in space exploration. They also receive assistance from a French genetic research center which specializes in the cryonic preservation of human embryos. On the antagonist side, the group must fight not only the powerful fossil fuels lobbies but also an eco-terrorist group called "Neo". In 2042 an exoplanet which could support human life is found. The construction of an exploratory probe by the most advanced space agencies can begin. Once launched, the probe will take 2000 years to reach the exoplanet. Its onboard instruments will then beam back information to Earth about its suitability to host human habitation. Will it be too late by then?