Laurence C. Smith

Laurence C. Smith is a climate scientist and professor of environmental studies at Brown University, previously serving as the John Atwater and Diana Nelson University Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on the Arctic, water resources, and global environmental change. Smith gained widespread recognition for his 2010 book "The World in 2050: Four Forces Shaping Civilization's Northern Future," which examines global trends and their implications for northern regions. His subsequent work, "Rivers of Power: How a Natural Force Raised Kingdoms, Destroyed Civilizations, and Shapes Our World" (2020), explores the critical role of rivers in human civilization. As a scientist, Smith has conducted extensive field research in northern regions, including leading NASA-funded projects studying the Greenland ice sheet. His work has been featured in leading academic journals including Science, Nature, and PNAS, with research contributions spanning climate change, Arctic systems, and global water resources. Smith's expertise has been sought by organizations including the World Economic Forum, and his insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The New York Times. He served as Chair of the UCLA Department of Geography from 2013-2017.

Readers value Smith's ability to blend scientific rigor with accessible writing in his environmental works. His books attract both academic and general audiences interested in climate change and geography. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex environmental concepts - Balance of scientific data with engaging narrative - Thorough research and documentation - Forward-looking analysis in "The World in 2050" What readers disliked: - Some sections in "Rivers of Power" seen as repetitive - Technical details occasionally overwhelm narrative flow - Coverage of certain regions feels rushed or incomplete Ratings across platforms: - "The World in 2050": 3.9/5 on Goodreads (1,200+ ratings), 4.3/5 on Amazon (90+ ratings) - "Rivers of Power": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (300+ ratings), 4.4/5 on Amazon (50+ ratings) One reader noted: "Smith presents climate data without apocalyptic overtones, letting facts speak for themselves." Another commented: "The river histories are fascinating, but the policy sections drag."

Rivers of Power: How a Natural Force Raised Kingdoms, Destroyed Civilizations, and Shapes Our World (2020) Examines how rivers have influenced human civilization throughout history, from enabling trade and powering industries to shaping geopolitics and modern urban development.

The World in 2050: Four Forces Shaping Civilization's Northern Future (2010) Projects global trends in demographics, natural resources, globalization, and climate change to analyze how they will affect different regions of the world by 2050, with particular focus on northern countries.

The New North: The World in 2050 (2011) UK edition of The World in 2050, presenting the same analysis of global trends and their impact on northern regions through mid-century.

Charles Mann writes about how human civilization and technology have transformed Earth's environment through history. His works "1491" and "1493" examine similar themes of human impact on landscapes and resources that Smith explores.

David Wallace-Wells focuses on climate change impacts and future societal challenges in populated regions. His analysis of environmental tipping points and demographic shifts parallels Smith's examination of northern latitude changes.

Elizabeth Kolbert investigates human effects on natural systems and species extinction through detailed case studies. Her research-based approach to documenting environmental transformation matches Smith's methodology.

Peter Zeihan analyzes geopolitical shifts driven by geography, demographics, and resource distribution. His examination of how physical geography shapes human systems reflects Smith's interest in climate-society relationships.

Simon Winchester writes about geological forces and their intersection with human settlement patterns and development. His work connecting natural processes to civilization changes aligns with Smith's focus on environmental determinism.