This book investigates the ethical dimensions of climate change policy, arguing that the global failure to address the crisis stems from a systematic neglect of moral imperatives. Donald A. Brown, a scholar with decades of experience in climate policy and environmental ethics, utilizes his background in law and philosophy to dissect the arguments that have stalled international action. He presents a framework that prioritizes moral responsibility over economic convenience, challenging the prevailing reliance on cost-benefit analyses that ignore the rights of vulnerable populations and future generations.

Experts identify this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of moral philosophy and environmental governance. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous guide for policy makers and students of environmental ethics.