The Coming Global Superstorm (1999), co-authored by radio host Art Bell and novelist Whitley Strieber, presents a dramatic scenario in which climate change triggers a sudden and catastrophic global cooling event. The book suggests that disruptions in the North Atlantic Current could lead to a rapid onset of extreme weather, including severe blizzards and freezing temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere. This concept was later adapted into the 2004 film The Day After Tomorrow.

Synopsis

The authors argue that global warming could disrupt the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift, which currently transport warm water and air around the North Pole, creating a barrier that holds in Arctic cold. If this system were to collapse—potentially due to the influx of freshwater from melting polar ice caps—it could unleash a sudden flood of frozen air into the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a rapid and severe temperature drop. Bell and Strieber cite evidence such as flash-frozen mammoths found with undigested food in their stomachs as indications of past rapid climate shifts.

Interwoven with the scientific discussion are fictionalized accounts of individuals experiencing the onset of this global superstorm, providing a narrative perspective on the potential impacts of such an event.

Reception

The book has received mixed reviews. Some readers appreciate its engaging storytelling and the way it brings Tesla's story to life, while others note that it reads more like a novel than a strict biography. For instance, a reviewer on Goodreads remarked, "This felt more like reading a fiction book rather than a biography".

Conclusion

The Coming Global Superstorm offers a provocative exploration of climate change's potential impacts, though its speculative nature and blending of fiction with science may not appeal to all readers. Those interested in apocalyptic scenarios or the intersection of science fiction and environmental issues may find it thought-provoking, while others may prefer more scientifically grounded discussions on climate change.

Art Bell W6OBB* was an American broadcaster and author best known as the founder and longtime host of the paranormal-themed radio show Coast to Coast AM. Born on June 17, 1945, and passing away on April 13, 2018, Bell became a cult figure in late-night talk radio, drawing millions of listeners with his deep voice, curiosity, and focus on fringe science, UFOs, conspiracy theories, time travel, and the paranormal.

Whitley Strieber is an American author best known for his writings on the paranormal, alien abductions, and speculative fiction. Born on June 13, 1945, Strieber gained mainstream attention in the 1980s and has remained a prominent—and often controversial—figure in discussions of UFO phenomena and the supernatural.