Fact-based, well-documented, and accessible, this publication serves its purpose well.
The urgency of the Earth’s changing climate is detailed in this slim, up-to-date volume.
Without pulling punches, Nardo (Ancient Mesopotamia, 2019, etc.) lays out the facts and offers an overview of different responses: 97% of climate scientists argue that human-driven climate change is endangering our future; climate change deniers are influenced by politics and/or a misunderstanding of science; and climate change skeptics disagree that human activity is the primary factor in the warming atmosphere. Evidence is presented in five chapters covering severe weather, rising sea level, the impact of climate change on global food production, species loss and biodiversity, and current efforts to fight and adapt to climate change. The journalistic narrative voice convincingly argues that climate change is not just coming; it is upon us, and its often deadly consequences affect the world’s populations in different measures, with the gap between wealthier and poorer countries widening. This unflinching call effectively conveys Earth’s dire situation; while the main text lacks a section on how readers can fight climate change and can therefore leave readers feeling discouraged, the backmatter includes references to organizations, some of which offer action steps. Readers already interested in the topic will devour this volume; for others, the large font, clear subheadings, and numerous color photographs make it easy to engage with.
Fact-based, well-documented, and accessible, this publication serves its purpose well. (source notes, organizations to contact, further research, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-17)Pub Date: April 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68282-757-4
Page Count: 80
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Attractively designed and handsomely illustrated, this informative text introduces teens to many intriguing angles on a...
Will the world end in a bang or a whimper? Unless pre-empted by human-induced disaster or one of many scientifically possible catastrophic scenarios, life on Earth will end a billion years from now in a sizzle.
Predicting the end of the world is an old story, argues the author, presenting evidence in brief surveys of eschatologies from the world's major religions and mythologies of ancient civilizations. Miller also notes how end-of-world scenarios have captured humanity's imagination in their frequent appearances in science-fiction novels and motion pictures. (Disappointingly, the reasons for this ongoing fascination are not explored.) A chapter about imminent predictions for 2012 explains the Mayan prophecy and a theory about a phantom planet called Nibiru crashing into Earth. Another chapter examines pseudoscientific end-of-world theories such as planetary alignment and pole shifts. The primary focus is on scientifically plausible scenarios: self-destruction through nuclear war or continued environmental exploitation; humanity wiped out by a pandemic; an asteroid or comet strike destroying Earth.
Attractively designed and handsomely illustrated, this informative text introduces teens to many intriguing angles on a high-interest topic that should inspire many to further explore the subject. (chronology, glossary, bibliography, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7613-7396-4
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2011
A chilling look at a timely topic.
The rapid melting of Arctic ice has opened a new frontier for international competition or cooperation.
The book opens with a dramatic scene, as three men in a submersible search for a hole in the ice above the North Pole location on the ocean floor where they’ve just planted a Russian flag. McPherson goes on to describe the changes in polar ice cover that are encouraging exploration and allowing access to previously inaccessible energy resources. Subsequent chapters describe new, shorter ocean passages, the jockeying for territory as nearby nations lay claim and others look for ways to get involved, and the likely difficulties of development. Native peoples, whose livelihoods and cultures are inextricably connected to this harsh environment, have to make difficult choices, and the melting of the ice sheet over Greenland offers new opportunities as well as potential for disaster. McPherson’s clear explanations and balanced approach encourage reflection; there are no easy answers. Given that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, should the newly accessible oil and gas be extracted and added to the world’s supply? Does the North Pole belong to one or another nearby nation or to the world? Is it even possible to develop this area without spoiling it? Maps, photographs and a thoughtful design add to the package.
A chilling look at a timely topic. (source notes, glossary, bibliographies, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4677-2043-4
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
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