Surge The Race Against the Most Destructive Force in Nature

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

An Observer 'book to look out for' in 2026

A New Scientist pick for 2026

The Surge is a timely, gripping account of humanity's battle against rising waters - and the urgent choices we must make for our future.

Rising waters are flooding cities and homes across the globe, from Florida to Nepal. By 2050, 150 million people will live below the high tide line, facing an uncertain future as cities like London and Shanghai grapple with worsening floods. In this timely, panoramic and gripping book, climate editor Jeevan Vasagar traces humanity's responses to flooding over the centuries, from the deadly North Sea floods of 1953 to the catastrophic events of today.

He explores the costly and complicated choices governments face: fight the water with ever- expanding defences, or adapt and move? Drawing on groundbreaking engineering solutions, Vasagar argues for a radical rethink - combining resistance and accommodation as we reimagine our cities. A stark warning, but also a message of hope, The Surge is essential reading for understanding how climate change is reshaping our world - and what we can do about it.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9780008775599
Published: February 2026

Number of pages: 304
Width: 153 mm
Height: 234 mm
Depth: 26 mm

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers