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50 Essential Facts about Climate Change

By Gloria Barnett

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The valuable inform will help you better understand climate change and how you can make a difference in the fight for our planet's health.

Synopsis

A great book of facts and images for all readers who are curious about their planet.  It contains a wealth of information about the problems of Climate Change - and the actions everyone can take to help save life on planet Earth. This book is presented in a way that is easy to understand by readers aged 9 - 18 +. 

These essential facts are grouped into FIVE main topics:  
What are the problems? Working Together, Who Can Help Us? Individual Activity, and Goals.  
The carefully chosen images help to illustrate the information and make it easier to understand. 
A book which will stimulate interest in the world young people live in. 

Every day, in all parts of the world, we see the effects of global warming. Our oceans are reaching all-time highs. Fires are eating up towns. We all suffer from the sweltering days and (lately) uncomfortably hot nights. Due to the rise in temperatures, air conditioners are running non-stop, which is taking a toll on electrical grids. But, we can't just turn everything off. Earth is not going to fix itself. We all must accept that climate change is real. Then, we need to unite, regardless of our differences, and take steps to help heal our planet or stop any more harm. 


Since this book can be a resource tool for schoolchildren, I was pleased to see the writer explain keywords using easy terminology and imagery. One example is environmental sustainability, which emphasizes protecting and preserving ecosystems and natural resources while minimizing pollution. Another example is Overshoot Day, a two-word phrase that might be foreign to many readers. The writer states Overshoot Day "signifies the point when humanity's demand for ecological resources surpasses the Earth's ability to regenerate those resources in a given year." This day happens earlier each year, and this fact is troubling. That was one of many concerning truths in this quick, fact-based book. Here's another: "Did you know it takes 1.85 gallons of water to manufacture the plastic for the average commercial bottle of water?" That information will make you see water bottles in a whole new light! 


Scientists, activists, and government officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of reducing and reusing. They have also emphasized the need to reduce carbon emissions, so we are turning to solar power and electric vehicles. Does change come with a price? Sure, the everyday person may not have "solar panels" in their budget despite the tax kickback they might get. While some areas seem beyond our reach, we all can make some changes. The author suggests buying what you need, not what you want, like the latest "fashion" item. Take public transit. Stop wasting energy! They also recommend consuming less meat (Reduce your food carbon footprint). There are plant-based meat products, so reducing REAL meat consumption is possible. Give it a try! 


The writer discusses the effects of global warming on the North and South Poles, how animals' livelihoods are at risk, and how warming temperatures affect our weather patterns and our freshwater ecosystem. The real threat humans are having on the world. In general, focusing on what is wrong with the world hurts our mental health. I liked the author's advice to readers not to focus solely on the negatives. Read and share the positive steps people and organizations have taken. 


There was a lot of helpful information and links in 50 Essential Facts about Climate Change. The author speaks of fossil fuels throughout the book and how we've been burning them since the Industrial Revolution but doesn't specify what they are. If this is used in a school setting, teachers might have to enlighten their students about fossil fuels. From a stylistic viewpoint, I would've liked to see each section have different assigned colors (orange was used twice) and consistency in the facts' titles. One final note: the glossary page was more of a table of contents or an index page. 


50 Essential Facts about Climate Change is divided into five categories that educate readers about the causes and effects of global warming, how to reduce (food and transport) carbon footprints, the importance of environmental sustainability, how to get involved, where to get more info, and much more. I recommend sharing this book with your family and students. Take advantage of the links. Be the voice of change and help heal our planet! 


Rating: 3.5 stars rounded to 4

Reviewed by

I've been constructing reviews for over a decade and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Most of the reviews will be featured on my blog (Kam's Place), Pinterest, Instagram, BlueSky, and Goodreads. Don't forget to tip your waitress! :D

Synopsis

A great book of facts and images for all readers who are curious about their planet.  It contains a wealth of information about the problems of Climate Change - and the actions everyone can take to help save life on planet Earth. This book is presented in a way that is easy to understand by readers aged 9 - 18 +. 

These essential facts are grouped into FIVE main topics:  
What are the problems? Working Together, Who Can Help Us? Individual Activity, and Goals.  
The carefully chosen images help to illustrate the information and make it easier to understand. 
A book which will stimulate interest in the world young people live in. 

Examples of the facts in this book

This is not a chapter book - so below you will find examples of the facts contained in each section. Every fact has an appropriate image. Easy to read - one fact and image to a page.


50 Essential Facts about Climate Change.


Contents:

What are the Problems?

Working Together

Who can help us?

Individual Activity

Goals



What are the Problems?


Fact 1. Who is responsible for Global Warming?

Global warming is when the Earth's temperature goes up. Different places are having more heat waves and rain than before. This is happening more quickly than it used to because of human activity. We have been burning fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution. This causes carbon dioxide to go into the air and trap heat, making the Earth hotter.

Carbon dioxide is causing most of the warming. It can take thousands of years to go away. Methane is causing the rest of the warming.

We must act quickly to keep the Erth's temperature from increasing too much. This is important so that all living things can survive.


Fact 2. Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are present in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to the rise of our planet's surface temperature. When the Sun supplies light and heat to the Earth, that light and heat can either be reflected back into space or absorbed by the planet's surface. If there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere, heat is trapped in the atmosphere, much like how a greenhouse reflects the light but absorbs the heat. The accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere creates a similar 'greenhouse effect' that warms the Earth. Due to human activities like burning fossil fuels over nearly 300 years, atmospheric methane concentrations have increased by over 150% and carbon dioxide by over 50%. These high levels of gases in the atmosphere have not been seen in over 3 million years.


Fact 3. What is the Carbon Cycle?

Carbon is essential for all life on Earth, forming complex molecules like proteins and DNA. It is found in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and regulates the Earth's temperature. Carbon moves through a closed system known as the carbon cycle, circulating between the atmosphere, Earth, and living organisms. Most carbon is stored in rocks and sediments, while the rest is in the ocean, atmosphere, and living organisms. Human activities like burning fossil fuels have significantly impacted the carbon cycle, producing more carbon dioxide than at any other time in the past 3.6 years.


Fact. 4 Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is an acidic chemical gas composed of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. It was studied by the Scottish scientist, Joseph Black, in the 1750s.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to use in photosynthesis. The reverse reaction happens in the cellular respiration process in animals when carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product. Carbon dioxide travels in the blood from the body's cells to the lungs, where it is breathed out.

Carbon dioxide is produced and released into the atmosphere when humans burn fossil fuels.


Fact 5. Oceans - Water - Rain

Oceans play a significant role in the water cycle of our planet. Water molecules comprise two hydrogen and one oxygen atom, known as H2O.

The warmth from the Sun heats the surface water of the ocean, causing the seawater to evaporate and form clouds. These clouds carry individual hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the form of water droplets which travel around the world in the atmosphere. When the clouds cool down, the hydrogen and oxygen atoms combine to form water again, resulting in precipitation or rain.

Unfortunately, burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which in turn deposits excess heat into the atmosphere. The oceans absorb this extra heat, causing the water to become hotter and create more clouds and rain.

When it rains heavily, rivers overflow, causing damage to homes and businesses.

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Working Together


Fact 15. Importance of Seagrass

Oceans produce 80% of our oxygen from photosynthesis in seagrass and algae. To keep our oxygen levels secure, we must work harder to protect the seagrass and seaweeds in the oceans. We need laws to reduce the types of fishing vessels that damage both the seagrass and kelp seaweed that grows on the seabed. Marine parks are one way of doing this. Countries can increase the area of these protected areas and totally ban fishing within them. Water sports should be sectioned off away from areas containing seagrass. Once these marine parks become law, it usually only takes a few years before the kelp grows and seagrass meadows flourish again.


Fact 16. Volunteering to plant seagrass

All around the world, volunteers are helping to restore areas of the seabed where seagrass has been damaged. Research your local area - is there a marine park near you? Find your nearest seagrass planting project and see if you can help.

If not, write to your local council or your Member of Parliament to ask for help to protect the coastline. State the importance of seagrass for oxygen production. Get a group of people together to demonstrate peacefully to draw attention to the importance of keeping the ocean healthy.


Fact 17. Community Challenges

You don't have to do everything yourself - that would be almost impossible - but you can organise or join existing groups of people to help with nature projects that have already started worldwide. Community projects such as planting trees and seagrass are just two areas where you could help. Another area where local communities can act is rerouting rivers in river flood zones. With all the excess rain in recent years - rivers are flooding more often and causing problems in populated areas when rivers break their banks.

Community projects where lots of people volunteer to help are the way to get things done. Governments need to work more quickly; individuals can't do enough to make a difference, but communities working together is a way forward, with loads of people becoming volunteers to act on 'restorative' nature projects.

Research 'nature', 'wildlife trust', 'volunteering,' 'national trust', or 'nature conservation' - to find somewhere you can help in your locality.

All the local work adds up to essential results around the world, so 'Think Global, Act Local' - you may be able to find work experience placements or weekend activities if you search your local area.


Fact 19. Pollution in the Ocean

I'm sure we have all heard about pollution problems caused by plastics in the ocean and how discarded fishing nets can kill marine creatures by entanglement.

However, all sorts of other waste is thrown into the oceans, and humans must ensure that all waste is recycled or disposed of correctly.

Humans must stop dumping poisons into the ocean, too. Poisons such as mercury, industrial waste, radioactive materials and sewage are all dumped into the oceans.

Dumping waste and poisons is not caused by climate change but by stupid humans!


Fact 21. How can young people contribute to saving the planet?


It is important to acknowledge the significance of school nature projects. When students are motivated to undertake local initiatives, such as cleaning up beaches or planting trees, they tend to attract the attention of others. Adults can learn from the students when schools involve parents and the local community in these projects.

The enthusiastic attitude towards nature and caring for the planet encourages students to participate in community projects. It is a great event when children educate adults, and everyone enjoys themselves while feeling good about contributing to such an essential cause.


Who Can Help Us?


Fact 23. Climate Research Organisations


There are many environmental organisations all over the world, which is excellent. However, choosing the one that suits you best can be challenging. Some organisations, like Greenpeace, request donations to fund their work, but many others don't require payment.

For young people, the most popular organisations are:

- Young People's Trust for the Environment ( ypte.org.uk)

- WWF (www.wwf.org.uk/get-involv ed/schools/resources/climate-change-resources)

- UNICEF (www.unicef.org/environment-and-climate-change/youth-action)

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Individual Activity


Fact 28. Fight for what you believe in

We can all speak up for the causes we believe in, whether advocating for clean and healthy oceans, protesting against overfishing and super-trawlers, or fighting against the continued use of fossil fuels and plastics. While we may not be able to tackle every issue, we all have the power to make a difference in some way.

Why not try to stop using any water from a plastic bottle? Then, influence others to do the same thing.

Did you know it takes 1.5 gallons of water to manufacture the plastic for the average commercial bottle of water? That is a crazy fact!


Fact 32. Sustainability

The Earth has finite resources, and excessive consumption of these resources can deplete them faster than they can be replenished. This is an unsustainable practice that can cause long-term damage to the planet.

To achieve sustainability, we must use natural resources responsibly and carefully. This involves balancing the meeting of present needs and preserving resources for future generations.

Environmental sustainability is an approach that emphasises protecting and preserving ecosystems and natural resources while minimising pollution.

Achieving sustainability requires collective efforts from everyone to create a world where people can work together in harmony with the Earth and everyone can thrive for generations to come.


Fact 33. Overshoot Day

Every year, humans consume more resources than the Earth can replenish. A day known as 'Overshoot Day' signifies the point when humanity's demand for ecological resources surpasses the Earth's ability to regenerate those resources in a given year.

Overshoot day occurs earlier each year and is a significant cause for concern. It is unsustainable, and humans must change their ways to ensure a sustainable future.

What will happen when all of the Earth's resources are depleted?

Did you know? Overshoot day is projected to be on July 25th 2024. From that day until the end of the year, humans will be 'borrowing' resources from future generations. If there is to be a world which continues to supply resources to nourish all life on the planet, then we must become sustainable in our lifestyles.

Research? Go to www.yearindays.com/earth-overshoot-day


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Goals


Fact 43. Inform others of local action

If you want to contribute to your community, listen out for any events. For example, there might be a beach clean-up or a peaceful protest outside a Member of Parliament's office with banners displaying your cause. Alternatively, there might be a local meeting to discuss a community project on sharing energy resources. If you are organising such an event consider volunteering to help ensure everyone knows the date, time, location and the invited speakers.


Fact 44. Inform people of good news stories.


It's important to use the internet to research climate change and stay up to date, but try not to overwhelm yourself by reading or listening to everything. Take valuable notes and avoid relying solely on your memory.


Be aware of your mental health, and don't take on too much at one time.


When you come across good news related to climate change, please note it and share it with others. You can contribute to tackling climate change by raising awareness among your peers and beyond.

Listening to others' opinions, participating in discussions, challenging their approach, and demonstrating your understanding is vital.

To make things easier, encourage others to listen to your favourite blogs or podcasts and spread positivity in any way possible. Look for projects that fit the 'if we do this now, then we can benefit XYZ in the future!' approach and get others involved.

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3 Comments

Kameron Brook@gloriabarnett4681 Wishing you great success with the launch! 
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6 months ago
Gloria BarnettThank you, Kameron for writing an excellent review. Let's get this book out to young people and help them to realise they can make a difference to their future.
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6 months ago
Kameron Brook@gloriabarnett4681 Great news: I'm spotlighting your creation today over on Kam's Place! Here the link: https://tinyurl.com/yvkrxkum
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21 days ago
About the author

With a history of teaching exciting science, Gloria is now an award-winning author, international speaker and champion of the ocean environment. Gloria writes adventure/environmental children’s books, both fiction and non-fiction that introduce younger generations to the wonders of the oceans. view profile

Published on September 24, 2024

0-1000 words

Genre:Nature

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