Earth under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing the World [Hardcover]

Gary Braasch (Author), Bill McKibben (Afterword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2007

Six years ago, award-winning photojournalist Gary Braasch began an extraordinary journey around the world to observe and document environmental changes resulting from the warming of our climate. In this stunning, eye-opening book, he brings us along to witness firsthand what he saw as he crossed both the Antarctic and Arctic Circles, trekked above 15,000 feet in the Andes, dove on damaged coral reefs, and followed scientists into the field on four continents. In more than one hundred photographs, including dramatic before-and-after comparisons, Braasch records communities, landscapes, and animals at risk because of receding glaciers, eroding coastlines, rising sea levels, and thawing permafrost. In the accompanying text he surveys the science behind climate change and introduces native people, lifelong observers, scientists, and others who are noticing striking changes right now. Alongside Braasch's compelling words and images, essays by eminent scientists discuss the impacts of climate change on the oceans, biodiversity, fresh water, mountain cultures, plants and animals, and our health. More than a warning, Earth under Fire, the most complete illustrated guide to the effects of climate change now available, offers an upbeat and intelligent account of how we can lessen the effects of our near total dependence on fossil fuel using technologies and energy sources already available.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Photojournalist and author Braasch (Photographing the Patterns of Nature) uses his award-winning skill behind the camera to produce a practical, level-headed and thorough overview of the current state of global warming, from a ground-level definition to stunning images of its effects: villages swept away by encroaching water, immigrating plant populations, disappearing glaciers and decimated habitats. Braasch discusses rationally the current and future impact of global warming-showing how "the earth is becoming a different planet as the ice withdraws"-bolstering statistics such as "Americans spend $450,000 a minute on imported oil" and "634 million people are no more than 33 feet above sea level" with well-informed text, charts, maps and sidebars from scholars and activists. The last third is devoted to "choosing a safer, cleaner, and cooler world," looking at how renewable fuels, energy conservation and efficiency, green building standards and local eating have a real impact on the planet's health. Happily, Braasch's view is hopeful, even when contemplating the world without us: "life will go on in some form whether or not coral reefs or rainforests exist, or whether atmospheric oxygen is reduced by half or carbon dioxide quadrupled." Color illus.
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Review

"This may be the most deeply researched photo book of all time."--Vanity Fair Magazine

"Earth under Fire may be not simply a book, but a benchmark."--Orion

"The pictures are truly eye-opening. . . . Looking at the changes already underway paints a staggering picture."--The Ecologist

"A refreshing take on theories, facts and scientific opinions . . . breathtaking imagery with personal accounts and the best available scientific evidence."

--Nature Reports: Climate Change

"While the science underlying global warming is complex, its impact is made comprehensible in this richly photographic blend of memoir and reportage."--Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 295 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (October 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520244389
• ISBN-13: 978-0520244382
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So THAT'S what happened to the Hatteras lighthouse..., January 19, 2008

By 

David Radcliff (Elgin, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Earth under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing the World (Hardcover)

Did you know they've moved the lighthouse on Cape Hatteras 2800 feet back from the shore due to rising sea levels? Me neither, but this is one of a myriad of telling tales Braasch brings into play to sound the alarm about global warming. He literally circled the globe--east to west and north to south--to gather information and photos for this book. He then combines these with easy-to-read narrative in a large-format work to tell the tale of a changing world.

Braasch's research is meticulous, and he goes out of his way to note dissenting views, but the conclusions are crisp and clear as a warming Arctic winter day--the planet is getting hotter and this can only mean trouble. If you have time to read one book on the current reality and looming consequences of global warming, this is it.

Sample info from Earth Under Fire: Stand-by mode of electronic gadgets consumes 6 percent of US electricity--one coal-fired electrical generation plant produces as much CO2 as 1.5 million cars--coal power plant pollutants kill 24,000-30,000 US citizens every year--and 10 times that many Chinese.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Is A Must Read For Learning About Global Warming, January 11, 2008

By 

Patricia Muller - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Earth under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing the World (Hardcover)

This book shows people being affected by climate change now, and give them a voice in both words and pictures. Scientists give reports about how climate change impacts all aspects of our survival. You will be given ideas of how to make a personal impact about climate change. Readers with prior knowledge and those just starting out will both enjoy this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should have this book, January 18, 2008

By 

John Slocom - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Earth under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing the World (Hardcover)

Very important topic clearly presented. Photographs prove the losses the planet is suffering and man's wanton disregard for the deterioration. The photographs are extraordinarily beautiful, the yin and yang of this issue.