cover image The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change

The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change

Grady Klein and Yorman Bauman. Island Press, $19.95 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-61091-438-3

Economist Bauman and cartoonist Klein take on the daunting task of explaining climate change in a straightforward visual format. The creators provide a context for environmental issues, beginning with a primer on climate science and the history of our planet, then moving on to contemporary issues like the impact of skyrocketing carbon emissions on climate and weather stability. Having outlined the problems facing us, the book goes on to explore the alternatives for mitigating climate change. The carbon already in the atmosphere will take centuries to be sequestered, but there are things we can do to reduce the rate at which more carbon is emitted. Illustrated with deceptively simple black-and-white art that masterfully supports the text, this book provides a skillful tour of the issues that face our developing world and it serves as a model of how educational works of this sort should be crafted. (June)