CLIMATE ACTION

A veteran science writer describes some of the environmental effects of our changing climate, introduces some teen activists, and offers suggestions and examples of what can be done.

Adept at distilling science topics of all kinds for young readers, Simon has been writing about the environment since 1972. He opens and closes this title with photos of and quotations from 15-year-old Greta Thunberg, who challenged the world at a U.N. Climate Change summit in 2019. After defining essential concepts—global warming, climate change, greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases—he describes specific consequences: heat waves, droughts, wildfires, deforestation, floods and other weather extremes, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and wildlife destruction (especially bees). Simon’s presentation is distinguished by the leavening of each bit of bad news with examples of individual actions and steps that can be taken. He describes what scientists are doing to reduce the effects of drought, new methods for fighting wildfires, and what young readers can do to help save forests, water, and energy. The straightforward exposition is interspersed with images and quotations from teen activists from around the world and set on and among relevant and clearly captioned photographs and illustrations. There is nothing particularly new in this quick overview, but the author’s expertise at interpreting science topics for the age group will make it welcome. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 86.2% of actual size.)

An effective introduction clearly designed and organized for its audience.