Hothouse Earth: The Climate Crisis and the Importance of Carbon Neutrality

by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson

Overview

As hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires are increasing in regularity and intensity, climate change can no longer be ignored. Melting permafrost, forest dieback, ocean acidification, and other processes are creating positive feedback loops which could, if not aggressively and quickly addressed, spiral out of control and take global warming past the point of no return. Hothouse Earth examines how science, politics, and social justice must all be part of the equation to counteract climate change.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728411613
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	03/02/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
File size:	21 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	13 - 14 Years

About the Author

Stephanie Sammartino McPherson wrote her first children's story in college. She enjoyed the process so much that she's never stopped writing. A former teacher and freelance newspaper writer, she has written more than thirty books and numerous magazine stories. Her recent books include Hothouse Earth: The Climate Crisis and the Importance of Carbon Neutrality, winner of the Green Earth Book Award for young adult nonfiction, and Breakthrough: Katalin Karikó and the mRNA Vaccine. Stephanie and her husband, Richard, live in Virginia.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The face of climate change 4

Chapter 2 Hothouse earth 18

Chapter 3 Scientific warnings and political struggles 30

Chapter 4 Achieving stabilized earth 48

Chapter 5 Geoengineering 62

Chapter 6 Social justice and climate change 72

Chapter 7 Adaptation: preparing for an uncertain future 84

Chapter 8 Young people making their voices heard 98

Some Highlights of Climate Change Development 114

Glossary 115

Source Notes 118

Selected Bibliography 128

Further Information 130

Index 134

Editorial Reviews

"This attractive offering considers climate change through scientific, political, and personal responsibility lenses. . . . fresh and up-to-date, creating a vibe of immediacy and emphasizing the need for action."—Booklist

From the Publisher

02/01/2021

Gr 6–8—This title explores climate change in an accessible yet slightly academic way and will help students understand the causes and consequences of this issue. McPherson does a fantastic job of breaking down the science behind global warming and climate change. She uses examples that spotlight real people in different parts of the world. The language can be challenging but is not overwhelming or inaccessible. McPherson connects climate change to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which many schools are currently exploring. This aspect of the work could allow educators to use the book for more than one class. The reading level and subject are perfect for middle school students. The text could be used as a reference source or it could be read cover-to-cover without feeling tedious. VERDICT A great addition to middle school libraries, particularly in schools that are incorporating the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in their curriculums.—Carol Youssif, Taipei American Sch., Taiwan

School Library Journal

2020-12-15
This overview of the climate crisis and possibilities for saving planet Earth takes a wide view.

Chapter 1 opens with the story of Constance Okollet, a young Ugandan woman whose home and family’s health were ravaged by floods in 2007. This disaster led Okollet to meetings where she learned about climate change and was appalled to discover that her nation’s suffering was caused by the wealthier countries’ industries. After engaging readers through this story, McPherson then introduces the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Earth, what scientists say about tipping points in climate change, and possible trajectories for the future of the planet. Chapters 2 through 6 go into more detail about the impact of climate change; political initiatives, as well as obstruction and inaction; possible options for stabilizing Earth; and the intertwined nature of social justice and climate issues. The final two chapters address possible adaptations, stories of specific youth activists, and steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprints. Each chapter includes color photographs and full-page profiles of notable individuals. The page design is easy on the eyes, and the clearly marked sections within chapters make for convenient browsing. The writing is well cited, though the extensive use of dates and numbers make for a somewhat laborious read at times.

Brief but tightly packed with current information; a strong choice. (timeline, glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further information, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews