2023-01-12
A group of young, ethnically and geographically diverse scientists share their passions and hopes for Earth’s climate future.
Unlike many books on climate change, this one emphasizes possibility and hope over doom. Fourteen scientists from such wide-ranging disciplines as psychology, materials science, urban planning, and cellular agriculture share with readers their particular area of expertise as it relates to climate and how a positive change can be effected. Each chapter highlights one scientist and is laid out in the same way, with a basic intro of the scientist’s childhood interests, a photo of the scientist, details on how their work pertains to climate science, and what readers can do to help. Geared toward middle-grade readers, the book simply and effectively introduces key concepts such as feedback loops and computer models. More complicated, potentially unfamiliar words (public policy, cardiovascular disorders) are printed in blue type within the text, which cues readers to find their definitions in a sidebar nearby. The book doesn’t overwhelm readers with specifics or too many statistics, and it does leave them with a sense that real, positive change is possible. A separate section outlines ways readers can help fight climate change. While the suggestions may not seem that impactful (take shorter showers, write to politicians), the narrative emphasizes over and over the effectiveness of working together to accomplish a goal. People depicted throughout the various photos are diverse.
Practical, creative, and empowering. (glossary, source notes, bibliography, further reading, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 7-14)
