Field Notes From a Catastrophe – A Compelling Account of the Reality of Climate Change
Most texts on Climate Change require an advanced science degree in order to understand the language used. Refreshingly accessible is “Field Notes From a Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change” by Elizabeth Kolbert. Ms. Kolbert is an award-winning journalist, whose book is based on a series of articles she wrote for the New Yorker. In a style that engages both technical and scientific neophytes alike, the book presents compelling information on the reality of climate change, focusing on one of the most sensitive ecosystems on earth – the arctic. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing “green” in our daily lives.
From a remote Alaskan village which is being forced to contemplate moving to the mainland due to rising sea levels, to research scientists’ attempts to study polar ice flows which have been receding at alarming rates in recent years, the book is a riveting reminder of the ramifications of the increasing toll green house gas emissions are causing on the environment. With the premise that the most subtle changes in the earth’s environment are first felt in the polar regions, where small increases in temperature can have devastating effects, the book presents a wealth of scientific theory and history in a very enjoyable narrative.
The book goes on to discuss the Kyoto Accord, and the sober reality of trying to implement the provisions in a global world not politically ready to fully adopt what many thought was merely a first step. Throughout the book, it is hard to restrain oneself from wanting to take action despite the enormity of the global situation. It is not all doom and gloom though. Reading about the experience of the town of Burlington Vermont demonstrates that, if there is a political will coupled with engaged citizenry, dramatic changes can be made in a community.
This is one book that you don’t have to be a scientist or green activist to be moved by. It is a text that is hard to put down, and just may cause you to want to share it with green minded people and the uninformed alike.
Short URL: http://www.mygreeneducation.com/?p=2731
Posted by admin
on May 29 2009. Filed under Book Review, Green Career.
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