The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-9

Part 1, Chapters 10-18

Part 2

Part 3

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Background

Scientific Context: The Climate Crisis

The phrase “climate crisis” refers to long-term and substantial changes in Earth’s climate patterns, especially the steady rise in average global temperatures. In The Great Derangement, Amitav Ghosh explores the connections between the climate crisis and art, history, and culture. Globally, scientists agree that the climate crisis is primarily caused by human activities in the industrial age, most notably the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and have led to a steady rise in global temperatures; as a result, the polar ice caps are melting, causing sea levels to rise. Increasing temperatures also mean that extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe. Water resources are also under strain, as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns endanger freshwater supplies.

The consequences of the climate crisis are far-reaching and pose significant challenges to all living beings and ecosystems on Earth. Extreme weather events caused by climate change can have devasting economic and social effects as people and nations struggle for resources. Extreme heat and cold can also have deadly effects for people across the globe. Although the effects of climate change are felt globally, the climate crisis disproportionately affects already vulnerable communities, such as those living in poverty, Indigenous groups, and those living in the global south.

Efforts to combat the climate crisis have gained momentum globally, with numerous countries and organizations committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward renewable energy sources. The Paris Agreement, an international accord adopted in 2015, has set targets to limit global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, achieving these ambitious goals requires sustained, collective effort across societies. Climate change activists recommend phasing out fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, investing in renewable energy infrastructure, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and implementing policies that promote conservation and environmental protection.

Historical Context: Imperialism and the British Empire

Imperialism is a socio-political and economic system characterized by the expansion and dominance of a powerful nation or empire over other territories, often distant and culturally distinct both from each other and from the imperial center. It involves the acquisition and control of foreign lands, resources, and peoples, with the goal of enriching and strengthening the imperial power. In The Great Derangement, Amitav Ghosh argues that the British Empire had profound, lasting effects on global ecosystems and that it directly contributed to the climate crisis.

The British imperial project began in the 16th century with sea explorations that led to the establishment of trading posts across Europe, Asia, and North America. The colonization of Ireland in the 17th century marked the beginning of the British Empire, which continued with the colonization of North America and parts of the Caribbean. During the 17thand 18th centuries, the British East India Company played a pivotal role in expanding British influence in South Asia. British imperialism reached its zenith during the 19th and early 20th centuries. At its height, the British Empire spanned the globe, with colonies and territories scattered across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. Motivated by economic interests, strategic advantages, and the drive for political dominance, the British pursued a policy of colonization that aimed to extract resources, establish trade, and extend their global influence.

Colonized populations across the world actively resisted British rule, leading to numerous anti-colonial movements and struggles for independence. These movements, coupled with changing global dynamics after the second World War, eventually led to the dismantling of the British Empire as many former colonies declared their independence. The legacy of British imperialism continues to shape global affairs. Post-colonial countries such as India continue to grapple with the challenges of reconciling historical injustices and navigating political relationships with their former colonizers. In The Great Derangement, Ghosh uses the history of British imperialism as an important lens through which to view the modern climate crisis.