The Climate Chap: Attention bookworms!

06 Dec, 2021

Much of the research I do to feed my Climate Crisis fetish is internet based. Tons of great web sites, newspapers, podcasts, emailed newsletters, webinars and access to universities and climate related businesses. However, I am old fashioned and simply love to buy and read books.

I could easily recommend at least a dozen books, each of which is up-to-date as the whole topic is relatively new, though I thoroughly recommend the following three books as ‘must reads’. Each is inexpensive, informative and stimulating. Each approaches the subject from a totally different direction.

I was fortunate to study climatology for my A levels back in the time that the Beatles were still together, so some of the science was familiar to me. But it’s helpful and beneficial to appreciate the science behind how climate impacts the globe and what factors contribute to the current crisis.

A wonderful new small book called ‘Small Gases, Big Effect… This is Climate Change’ answers every question that you are likely to have. Authored by two young German students, everything is presented in small bite-sized topics with great illustrations. Every topic is contained over two pages - one for text, one for illustrations. ‘Small Gases, Big Effect’ is an ideal introduction, and equally suited for students through grandparents.

Read this book, and chances are that you will gain a decent perspective of all the scientific issues. Short, clear and easy to understand. The hardback version would make an ideal gift, and retails on Book Depository for around $21 including delivery.

The following two books should be read together. Both published by the wonderful New Zealand publisher BWB Texts, these two books provide a unique Kiwi perspective to Climate Crisis. ‘Sea Change’ written by Professor Bronwyn Hayward targets your brain, ‘Living with the Climate Crisis’ targets your heart!

Bronwyn’s work highlights our history with the subject, how our governments and industries have influenced our lack of progress, and how your personality is likely to dictate your response to the crisis. A fascinating take on what has happened over the past 30 years and where the political and business challenges exist. It will be revealing and will challenge your views on what needs to happen.

‘Living with the Climate Crisis’ is a wonderful book of essays contributed by 14 superb Kiwi writers. Each writer is totally different - male and female, young and old, Maori, Pacifica and Pakeha, student and professional, scientist and parent. Each essay is the author’s story about their personal experience with climate crisis. To them, the crisis has already impacted their lives. Each essay is moving and offers us hope to see and overcome the challenges that we all face.

Read together they provide an excellent insight to how New Zealand is addressing the crisis from the perspective of what we have achieved so far, and what we are likely to experience in the coming years. Both books are incredibly easy to read and understand. They are also incredibly inexpensive.

BWB Texts books can normally be found in bookstores, but are readily available via their website bwb.co.nz. Each book is available in paperback for $14.99 and is available as an eBook for $4.99. Excellent value for money, and I have read both books many times.

Would you love to read them, but cannot afford the spend? Email me and I will be happy to lend you my copies!

Simple answers to complex climate questions, with great illustrations.