Customer Reviews

Heatstroke: Nature in an Age of Global Warming

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This was an engaging and compelling book. Dr. Barnoski describes the impacts that global warming are having on plants and animals around us and in places far from human activity. I never realized that the human-accelerated warming is too fast for nature to adjust and that many species will be unable to cope. While other books address CO2 and global warming, this book talks about the effects on nature and the large-scale consequences we need to be prepared for.

Heard the author in a radio interview and knew this was a book I had to read. The presentation of information is methodical, and not at all "preachy". This book cites genuine scientific data in an accessible and interesting way. The data is taken from actual studies - there is no speculation. Connections to Global Warming are made but the text sticks to a presentation of facts. The only shortcoming for me was that the chapter devoted to purposed responses was too short. But I expect that is outside the author's area of expertise - and perhaps we all need to consider what a sensible response should be... Bought a copy for each of my children as I feel this an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the current state of decline of ecosystems worldwide.

Heatstroke reveals in very understandable terms the impacts of change on the natural world. It was a compelling read that was both very personal, based on Dr. Barnusky's research, and global, the author presents climate changes in the context of planet Earth. I learned a great deal and appreciated the author's science-based findings. Dr. Barnusky stays on message, and without being alarmist or speculative, he lays out the status of the world in which we find ourselves. I've ordered the book for friends and family and would urge those who are interested in the evolution of the planet and climate change through the ages to read this book.

This book kept me engaged throughout. Gives a very thorough explanation of why the warming we are experiencing now is different from other global warming events in the past. Instead of just throwing scary statistics at you, this book does a great job of describing the painstaking processes used to come up with those statistics, without making it too complicated for someone, like me, who does not have a strong science background.