Or Something Worse - by Nicholas Beuret (Paperback)

About the Book

"Academic and activist Nicholas Beuret exposes the bleak realities of the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Greening the economy has become a one-sided war, as governments and businesses squeeze the living standards of ordinary people while failing to achieve their declared climate goals. The public needs to seize control of the transition in order to reshape it to equitable ends. With hard data at his fingers and an incisive take on contemporary politics, Beuret shows how this can be done"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

The push for net zero has become a new arena for class conflict, where the powerful profit and the rest suffer. Nicholas Beuret's incisive critique and actionable strategies empower us to fight for a truly sustainable and equitable future.

Or Something Worse exposes the bleak realities of the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Greening the economy has become a one-sided war, as governments and businesses squeeze the living standards of ordinary people. We need to seize control of the transition in order to reshape it to equitable ends.

Existing policies won't limit global heating to anything close to a safe level. Claims of sustainability disguise a zero-sum battle where the powerful profit and everyone else foots the bill. Green growth was supposed to bring increased wealth for all. Instead, work has been degraded, energy bills have soared, and the most basic necessities have become expensive and scarce.

We need to disrupt green capitalism. Nicholas Beuret follows those already fighting back through 'don't pay' campaigns, blockades of fossil-fuel infrastructure, and community counter-planning. He shows we have the tools not only to stop climate change but to build a fairer future.

Review Quotes

"Timely and provocative. Beuret turns the scarcity of hope and the contraction of politics into an opportunity for deepening and expanding our tactics. Fighting back against the capitalist climate transition is possible. Beuret shows us how"
--Jodi Dean, author of Capital's Grave

"Our world is getting warmer and weirder. In response, politicians and the wealthy promise a "green transition" that fails to solve climate change while hurting ordinary people. This book provides a road map for resistance"
--Joel Wainwright, author of The End

About the Author

Nicholas Beuret is a lecturer in environmental politics and economic geography at the University of Essex. With a background in both activism and academia, he explores the intersections of climate change, capitalism, and social justice. His work has been featured in the Guardian, The Ecologist, Open Democracy, and Undercurrents. Nicholas lives in the UK, where he continues to write, teach, and engage in environmental advocacy.