The Story of CO2: Big Ideas for a Small Molecule

"If you only read one book about climate change this year, make it this one."

Louis Ammon, Chemistry World, June 2021

"This accessible work offers a relatively comprehensive review of a topic that has been much discussed in published media."

J. Tavakoli, Lafayette College, CHOICE

“This book could mark a turning point – the beginning of a paradigm shift.” John Polanyi, University of Toronto, Winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

“Sunlight and water have converted carbon dioxide to energy-rich molecules for billions of years. The oil, gas, and coal we have been using for transportation and materials have come from this chemistry. The bad news is that combustion of these fossil fuels continues to harm life on our planet. What to do? The Story of CO2, beautifully crafted by Geoffrey A. Ozin and Mireille F. Ghoussoub, has instructions for us. It is a great read, chock-full of history, facts, and most importantly, ideas about what we should be doing. Highly recommended!” Harry B. Gray, Arnold O. Beckman Professor of Chemistry, and Founding Director, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology

“This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey of a simple and yet crucial molecule that is essential for life on Earth and our future.” Erwin Reisner, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge

“The Story of CO2 provides a fascinating take on a molecule that’s right under our noses. Ozin and Ghoussoub delve into this simple but powerful gas, which is changing our climate and acidifying our oceans. It’s a thoroughly researched history of this essential gas that will leave the reader feeling more hopeful about solutions to our climate crisis and the future of our planet.” Leah C. Stokes, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara