The Coming Storm

September 2024
Overall Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★  
To buy this book, click here.

Why this book?
When I saw this book in the culture pages of The Economist I was intrigued. It was talked about as one of two forthcoming publications about the role that water will play in the 21st century and the title caught my eye.

Although the sub-title is slightly misleading, this is an excellent book. The sub-title of ‘why water will write the 21st century’ suggests a greater geo-political focus than there is but actually, what it might lack in geopolitics, it more than makes up for in detailed synoptic links that are perfect for A-Level geographers.

For teachers:
As will hopefully be obvious by the end of this review, this is a book that I would buy for the department and encourage both students and staff to read.

You name something on the A-Level spec for the water topic and I think it’s included in this book. The workings of the global hydrological cycle, El Nino, desalination, over-abstraction, international treaties; it covers it all. Whilst previous books have done this too, what I like about this book is the synoptic lens adopted throughout. As the book ticks off our required physical geography content, it also manages to discuss the SDGs, human development, international trade, environmental migration and so much more. This does mean that the book jumps around a little and the discussion of some areas can feel a little light-touch but, with our audience of A-Level students in mind, it makes for a very readable, informative, and engaging book.

For students:
Thinking synoptically is a key skill for all A-Level geographers and this book will ensure you are able to think about the significance of the water cycle and water insecurity in the broadest sense. It is very readable and so I would recommend A-Level students to read it in its entirety.

Particular chapters of interest include:
Chapters 6-10 in Part 2 titled ‘The Potential for Conflict’
This section covers most of the common case study locations for water insecurity issues (Iran, the Nile, China and its neighbours) and the comprehensive index of the book makes it easy to quickly find the pages covering your case study location or issue.

Chapter 5: ‘Water wars in perspective’
This chapter is an example of how this book draws together numerous key concepts that you will learn about at A-Level. It begins by reminding us how significant a reliable water supply was for the development of human settlements before looking at historical examples of where a prolonged lack of water spelt disaster. From here, the chapter explores how water is seldom the sole cause of conflict but is often one factor in several coexisting tensions before looking at the future of water wars on our planet.  

Chapter 21: Water and Climate Change
This chapter draws together many of the ideas discussed elsewhere in the book but specifically looks at what climate change will mean for the world’s water. Discussing thermohaline circulation, rising sea levels and much more, this chapter takes you beyond the specification to ensure you understand the significance of the threat of climate change to so many of earth’s systems and processes.

To buy this book, click here.