T.R. Schmidt, a billionaire oil magnate, initiates a rogue solar geoengineering project by constructing a massive "Big Gun" in Texas to fire sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. He aims to cool the Earth by mimicking volcanic cooling effects, bypasses international treaties, and forces global action. The narrative tracks Frederika, the Queen of the Netherlands, as she navigates the rising sea levels threatening her low-lying country, alongside a feral hog hunter and a Sikh martial arts expert caught in border skirmishes. These characters confront the physical and geopolitical fallout of unilateral climate intervention.
This book serves readers interested in the technical mechanics of atmospheric science and the messy reality of international relations under environmental stress. It appeals to those who enjoy detailed breakdowns of engineering projects, drone warfare, and logistical strategy. Readers gain an understanding of the moral hazards inherent in geoengineering and the inevitable conflict between nations with differing climate vulnerabilities. The story provides a concrete look at how individual actors can disrupt global systems through concentrated wealth and specific chemical interventions.
Outward-looking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2021
- Language
- EN
