The thesis of this book is that climate change is nothing new, even during the few tens of thousands of years that mankind has been on Earth. Our ancestors had to endure the Ice Age (or more properly the Glacial Maximum of the present Ice Age) and then the gradual warming of the planet, the retreat of the ice and rising sea levels. Grainger describes how humans adjusted to these changes, drawing on archaeological evidence for all over the world, culminating in the invention of agriculture.

Grainger also argues that we would be better advised to adapt to future changes rather than try to prevent them. Whether or not one agrees with this, this is a very interesting and informative book, exploring the little known 'mesolithic' period of prehistory and covering parts of the world whose archaeology we seldom read about. He makes a strong case that civilisation as we know it is a response to climate change.

Edward James - Historical Novels Review

Article: ‘Town author’s climate book’, words by Tom Banner

Evesham Journal, 11th March 2021

In summary, the descriptive chapters that form the bulk of the book are a useful compendium of human cultural evolution during the latest geological periods.

Proceedings of the Open University Geological Society, vol. 7, 2021

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Laboratory News, January 2021

Grainger expertly dissects relevant archaeological evidence to explain what these findings teach us about humanity’s versatility during our occupation of the globe. Filled with surprising information… this book will leave you thinking about just how much the world has changed, and how different our approaches are to today’s climate crisis.

How it Works, February 2021