All evidence points out to the fact that the earth is warming and the climate is changing. In Florida, that means more unpleasantly hot days, rising seas and stronger storms.
So, it may be time to read up on the subject, if you haven’t already. Some concerned members of the community have taken up learning how to teach others about climate change science and solutions.
In this week's edition of Friday reads, we ask environmental experts in our community for their recommendations:
John Englander, author of "High Tide On Main Street"
"Climate Change: What Everyone Needs To Know" by Joe Romm: Romm’s facts are impeccable as one might expect from an MIT physicist. His writing is clear and accessible. As the editor of the Climate Progress blog, his total focus is writing about climate change.
"Dire Predictions" by Michael Mann [2nd Edition]: Mann is one of the leading climate experts, yet can write for wide audiences. This book is loaded with powerful illustrations and graphics.
"The Long Thaw" by David Archer: A little higher level than some of the other books, but still written for the non-scientist. Archer is one of the leading experts on carbon dioxide emissions. In this small, concise book, he makes the case very well that we are on the slippery slope to change the climate irreversibly for thousands of years.
"Climate Shock: The economic consequences of a hotter planet" by Gernot Warner and Marin Weitzman: Very readable and powerful.
"Field Notes from a Catastrophe" by Elizabeth Kolbert:One of the best writers around who has developed a good understanding of the issue.
"The Thinking Person’s Guide to Climate Change" by Robert Henson: An intelligent overview. Thorough yet understandable.
Jennifer Jurado, director and chief residence officer of Broward County
I suggest the book "This Changes Everything" by Naomi Klein.
This book provides an analysis of the intense global economic interests that drive carbon-intensive practices and the effects on our environment, coupled with promising discussion of the necessary and feasible actions that will ultimately be required to transition to a more sustainable economy and environment. I recommend this book because it provides revealing insight to the root of the interests that challenge, that hinder our progress with respect to achieving meaningful carbon emissions reductions while also reinforcing the capabilities we have as local and global societies to effectuate this movement. It reinforces the urgency and promise for the global change necessary to alter our current trajectory, in an interesting and digestible read.
Kate Stein, environment reporter for WLRN News
For a great scientific read, I’d suggest "High Tide On Main Street" by John Englander. We hear bits and pieces of the climate change story — higher global temperatures, sunny day flooding in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach — but it can be hard to understand how these crises are linked and how, in some cases, they reinforce one another. With pull-no punches language and facts, Englander lays out the big picture and how humanity must adapt.
