The Science of Our Changing Planet: From Global Warming to Sustainable Development

by Tony Juniper

Overview

Let’s learn about climate change, how humans affect the planet, and sustainable development!

Humans have had a great impact on the planet — and this science book takes a look at just how we’ve changed the planet and what we can do to soften our impact. Understand the science that explains what pressure Earth is under, and how to take action!

The Science of our Changing Planet explores how we can live more sustainably, and offers positive ideas on how we can alleviate past and present damage to the Earth. Inside, you’ll find:

   • Wide-ranging coverage of problems affecting the planet, from global warming to pollution and food shortage.
   • Clear graphics that interpret and present the data in an easy-to-digest way.
   • Positive messages and plans for creating a better world, including the rise of clean/green technology.

Written by environmentalist and sustainability advisor Dr. Tony Juniper, this eye-opening global warming book explains a wide range of research that captures the influence of human activities on our planet. Through powerful, easy-to-grasp graphics, this educational book gets straight to the facts! Discover the science behind climate change, overpopulation, overconsumption, pandemics and other factors that threaten life on Earth.

The climate change book sheds light on how we’re rapidly approaching the point of no return, but offers ideas on environmental conservation and how to use green technology to save the planet. Topics covered include problems like rising sea levels, shrinking Arctic ice sheets, plastic pollution, coastal flooding and threats to marine life. 

The biggest takeaway that Dr. Juniper offers is that living more sustainably and implementing new global goals will restore the future of our planet.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780744042184
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	11/23/2021
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	204,468
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Tony Juniper is a globally acclaimed writer, campaigner, environmentalist, and sustainability advisor. He is the author of many books, including the multi-award-winning best-seller What Has Nature Ever Done for Us? He has worked for more than 30 years to promote solutions to environmental challenges, including through his work as the Director of Friends of the Earth. He was appointed Chair of Natural England in March 2019.

Table of Contents

Introduction 10

1 Drivers of Change

The Population Explosion 16

Population Shift 18

Living Longer 20

Slowing the Rise 22

Economic Expansion 24

What Is GDP? 26

Richer People 28

Global Power Shift 30

Trading Benefits 32

City Planet 34

The Rise of Megacitie 36

Urban Pressures 38

Fuel for Growth 40

Surge in Demand 42

Carbon Footprint 44

Renewable Revolution 46

How Solar Energy Works 48

Wind Power 50

Tidal and Wave Energy 52

Energy Conundrum 54

Escalating Appetite 56

Farmed Planet 58

Fertilizer Boom 60

Pest Control Challenge 62

How Food In Wasted 64

Feeding the World 66

Threats to Food Security 68

Thirsty World 70

Freshwater Scarcity 72

The Water Cycle 74

Water Footprint 76

Consuming Passions 78

Rise of Consumerism 80

Wasteful World 82

Where Does It All Go? 84

Chemical Cocktail 86

2 Consequences of Change

The Global Age 90

Mobile Connectivity 92

Taking to the Skies 94

Better Live for Many 96

Clean Water and Sanitation 98

Reading and Writing 100

Healthier World 102

Unequal World 104

Corruption 106

Displaced People 108

Our Changing Atmosphere 110

The Greehouse Effect 112

Hole in the Sky 114

A Warmer World 116

Seasons Out of Sync 118

How Climate Patterns Work 120

Extreme World 122

The 1.5-degree Limit 124

Feedback Loops 126

How Much Can We Burn? 128

The Carbon Crossroads 130

The Carbon Cycle 132

Targets for the Future 134

Toxic Air 136

Acid Rain 138

Changing the Land 140

Forest Clearance 142

Desertification 144

Land Rush 146

Sea Changes 148

Farming Fish 150

Acid Seas 152

Dead Seas 154

Plastic Pollution 156

The Great Decline 158

Biodiversity Hotspots 160

Invasive Species 162

Nature's Services 164

Insect Pollination 166

The Value of Nature 168

Pandemic Risk 170

Consequences of the Pandemic 172

3 Bending the Curves

The Great Acceleration 176

Planetary Boundaries 178

Interconnected Pressures 180

What's the Global Plan? 182

Sustainable-Development Goals 184

Climate Change Challenges 186

Biodiversity Challenges 188

Nature's Spaces 190

Shaping the Future 192

Low-Carbon Growth 194

The Rise of Clean Technology 196

A Sustainable Economy 198

Circular Economy 200

A New Mindset 202

Restoring the Future 204

Glossary 206

Index 212

References and Acknowledgments 218