Includes bibliographical references and index.

Schneider's firsthand account of a scientific and political odyssey, in which he navigates both the turbulent waters of the world's power structures and the arcane theater of academic debaters. Smoke on the horizon -- Drawing up the battle lines -- Deep inside the battle to save Earth's climate -- A fragile planet grows alarmed -- The battle heats up and so does the world -- Awareness dawns on planet Earth -- The media wars : the stories behind persistent distortion -- Habitats for humanity and others -- What should keep us awake at night.