Wendy N. reviewed The Weather Makers : How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth on + 177 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An excellent, very readable account of the science behind climate change. Flannery begins with the history of climate cycles and what their ramifactions have been on life on Earth. Then he outlines precisely what chemicals are responsible for climate change and how they are released into the atmosphere. He then lists the damage already wrought; including Arctic and Antarctiv melting, coral bleaching, extinction of golden toads and other climate-sensitive species, rainfall pattern changes, and enhanced localize storm activity. Feddback loops--which I believe are the scariest part of the scenario--are shown in detail.
Flannery clearly states the problem and the timelines required to have hope of stabilizing the climate (due to the length of time greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere). He outlines various prediction models and evaluates some of the strategies thus far proposed to combat CO2, including sequestration, biofuels, fertilizing the sea with iron filings, and of course wind and solar. He then expounds at length about Kyoto and the difficulties in getting world governments to agree on how to address the problem.
Altogether a very, very enlightening book, even for those who feel they are already informed about the environmental crisis. First, move away from the coast. Then get this book.
Flannery clearly states the problem and the timelines required to have hope of stabilizing the climate (due to the length of time greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere). He outlines various prediction models and evaluates some of the strategies thus far proposed to combat CO2, including sequestration, biofuels, fertilizing the sea with iron filings, and of course wind and solar. He then expounds at length about Kyoto and the difficulties in getting world governments to agree on how to address the problem.
Altogether a very, very enlightening book, even for those who feel they are already informed about the environmental crisis. First, move away from the coast. Then get this book.
Sheila M. (Page5) reviewed The Weather Makers : How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth on
Helpful Score: 2
Thought provoking, easy to read book with a compelling history of the climate changes around the globe. This book was more comprehensive than I thought it would be.
I am not a scientist. Before reading this book I kind of understood the terms âgreenhouse effectâ, âglobal warmingâ, etc. After reading this book I feel like I truly understand these terms and so much more about our climate and all the factors that influence it.
Flannery notes what is being done now and by whom â which countries are making changes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and which ones are making the problem worse. He presents excellent suggestions for slowing global warming and the advantages/benefits to everyone (countries, people, animals, etc).
Global warming is having profound effects around the world.
I am not a scientist. Before reading this book I kind of understood the terms âgreenhouse effectâ, âglobal warmingâ, etc. After reading this book I feel like I truly understand these terms and so much more about our climate and all the factors that influence it.
Flannery notes what is being done now and by whom â which countries are making changes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and which ones are making the problem worse. He presents excellent suggestions for slowing global warming and the advantages/benefits to everyone (countries, people, animals, etc).
Global warming is having profound effects around the world.
John O. (buzzby) -
Very good book, he could have made it even longer. The story of the past 7 years (since he wrote this, pre-Katrina) has only confirmed what he wrote. He's from Australia, so many of his examples are from there.
