Global Warming: Personal Solutions for a Healthy Planet [Hardcover]

Chris Spence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 23, 2005

Global warming is the greatest environmental threat facing humanity.

From killer heat waves and increasingly violent weather to the spread of pests and vector-borne diseases, global warming has many effects on our lives. While some are positive, most are negative. People fear potentially catastrophic consequences but there is a disturbing lack of understanding about global warming and what can be done about it. Global Warming breaks through the jargon, offering readers both a clear description of the problem and a practical guide to solutions, from decreasing reliance on automobiles to increased recycling to political activism. It offers hope that each of us can be doing something to solve the problem and encourages us to act--not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"One day soon, climate change is going to affect you," writes Spence in the introduction to this primer on what he sees as an urgent environmental crisis. The book's tone is relatively light despite the heavy subject matter ("The future's so hot!...Sadly, though, we're not talking about svelte runway professionals giving us the lowdown on next season's fashions.") Seven chapters break the problem down into its components: after a chapter defining what global warming is thought to be, Spence, a New Zealand-based journalist who project manages at the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, treats global warming's effects on the weather, on the earth itself and on individuals. He then shifts to cover current efforts to combat the problem, and to explain what businesses and individuals should be doing (but mostly aren't). Strategies range from lobbying elected officials to washing clothes in cold water instead of hot. No Cassandra touting doomsday scenarios, Spence clearly intends this book to be part of the push toward ending-or at least ameliorating-global warming.
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Review

“This is a readable account of global warming with good practical advice about action that can be taken.”
--Sir John Houghton, climate change scientist and author of Global Warming: The Complete Briefing (3rd edition)

“For a long time I have looked for a single book that explained climate change so that everyone -- not just scientists -- can understand. This is that book! Perhaps its greatest strength is the writing style -- clear, concise, with an engaging flair. It makes for an enjoyable and informative journey into one of the most serious threats to face the planet. This book should be read by policy makers, students and the public so that they understand what is happening to our world and what we, as Americans, must do about it.”
--Dr. Pamela Chasek, Head of International Relations, Manhattan College, New York, and author of Global Environmental Politics and The Global Environment in the Twenty-first Century: Prospects for International Cooperation

“Chris Spence has pulled off a rare feat: explaining the problem of global warming in an engaging and accessible manner, yet without sacrificing accuracy and rigor. I highly recommend this book to all those who want to know more about global warming, and how it will affect them and their families.”
--Dr. Joanna Depledge, Research Fellow, Cambridge University, and author of The Organization of Global Negotiations: Constructing the Climate Regime and The International Climate Change Regime: A Guide to Rules, Institutions and Procedures

“This book is ideal for those who want to understand climate change but are intimidated by the scientific language that often surrounds the issue. Chris Spence breaks through the jargon with straightforward answers to questions such as such as, “How will I be affected?” and “What can I do about the problem?” His book is well researched and superbly written – an engaging and entertaining read on an issue everyone should know more about.”
--Dr. Lisa Schipper, climate change scientist, Tyndall Center for Climate Change Research, UK

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (June 23, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403966982
• ISBN-13: 978-1403966988
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,962,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)