It’s the sequel to An Inconvenient Truth. It’s hard to imagine how far this issue has dropped in recent years thanks to the flat earth teabaggers in the US. It’s going to take a lot of work to get this issue back on track in the US. The rest of the world is already there and waiting for the US to catch up.

The book aims to reach those Americans by familiarising readers with emerging alternative energy sources, such as geothermal, biomass and wind power, as well as the possibilities of making cleaner coal power plants, and developing a more efficient and responsive “smart” electrical grid.

Gore also explores how deforestation, soil erosion, and the rising world population are multiplying the effects of rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Much of the material was developed through the series of brainstorming sessions organised by Gore. Since 2007, the former vice-president has been calling experts together to discuss possible solutions to climate change. He has also held countless telephone conversations with scientists at America’s best institutions.