Uncertain Futures

‘Uncertain Futures builds around the seldom acknowledged reality that the clean energy transition involves place-based economic disruption of breathtaking scale and pace, generating legitimate worker and community concerns. The political headwinds generated by inattention to these concerns are stiff, especially given the low credibility of governments to manage major transitions for the benefit of all. Uncertain Futures, laying out the issues clearly and providing direction for breaking the climate action logjam, is a must-read for all those at the forefront of advancing social equity while addressing the climate challenge.’ Ernest J. Moniz, 13th US Secretary of Energy; Director, MIT-Harvard Roosevelt Project‘Overcoming the political impasse on climate requires rethinking the way we do politics. Alexander Gazmararian and Dustin Tingley show us how: we need a climate politics from the ground up, one that listens to those whose lives will be upended by the transition to a green economy and offers a credible path to new jobs and strong communities. This pathbreaking book offers our best hope for overcoming the climate impasse.’ Michael J. Sandel, author of Democracy’s Discontent: A New Edition for Our Perilous Times‘This compelling, well-documented, and stunningly insightful account of community-based opposition to green policies in the US begins and ends with respect for and consultation with the affected communities. Gazmararian and Tingley document widespread perceptions of governments’ inability to make credible commitments, aggravating citizen uncertainties about the future. The authors go beyond diagnosis with detailed prescriptions designed to increase government transparency and trustworthiness - and make a green future possible.’ Margaret Levi, Professor of Political Science, Stanford University

Alexander F. Gazmararian is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Politics at Princeton University, where he is researching how to unlock the climate impasse. He is currently writing a book with Helen Milner about how global warming will reshape politics.

Dustin Tingley is Professor of Government at Harvard University. He is the author of numerous articles on the politics of climate change, international relations, international political economy, and statistical methodology. His book Sailing the Water’s Edge, with Helen Milner, won the Gladys M. Kammerer Award for the best book on U.S. national policy.