Climate: Actions speak louder
Recent books show us why we still need to talk about the climate crisis, writes Gord Stewart.
Do we really need another book on climate change, the climate emergency or the climate crisis — whatever we choose to call it? The answer is ‘Yes’, and it’s here now. It’s titled simply The Climate Book.
The Climate Book should be read, shared with family and friends, talked about … and acted on. I’ll get to it in a minute, but first a few words on three other great books on the subject — all by Kiwis. While I can’t do real justice to them here, I can at least draw your attention to them.
In The Alarmist, atmospheric chemist Dave Lowe recounts a 50-year career monitoring and measuring greenhouse gases — a career, he notes, marked by hope and despair. The sophisticated technology used today owes much to the early work of Lowe and his colleagues. This is a story of personal growth and a lifelong commitment to science.
James Renwick brings it home in Under the Weather. A professor of physical geography and a weather and climate researcher, Renwick also serves on the Government’s independent Climate Change Commission. His book details how the changing weather will affect our agriculture, lifestyle, food security and economy. No one will be spared.
Climate Aotearoa, with an introduction by former Prime Minister Helen Clark, includes contributions from a range of Kiwi scientists and commentators.
Dr Jim Salinger, for one, considers our climate history and future. Sophie Handford explores youth activism, while Rod Oram turns the climate threat to agriculture and food into a three-fold solution. Billed as a hopeful book, it says: “Actions make the difference”.
Action is crucial. Climate change is an existential threat and each and every one of us can be part of the solution. Young people and grandparents. Scientists and politicians. Educators, business people, and lawyers. At work, at home, and at play.
The ravaging effect of climate change — locally and everywhere — is now a regular on the nightly news. But it has been with us so persistently and for so long, it’s easy to become numb to it — or to turn away from it.
That’s why books like these are so important. They inform, educate and inspire. Each in its own way, includes a call to action.
Who isn’t inspired by Greta Thunberg? Creator of The Climate Book, her essays introduce each section in her trademark ‘tell it like it is’ style. While this one looks like a textbook, it doesn’t read like one. Each topic, covered by a different author, spans a few to a half-dozen pages of crisp, clear text. The authors range from top international scientists and policy experts to noted activists and thoughtful observers.
Those living in rural areas — on lifestyle blocks and productive farms — will be especially interested in the coverage of fresh water, droughts and floods, insects, soil, biodiversity, and a piece titled ‘ Our Imprint on the Land’.
Owners of rural properties face very particular threats from climate change — including the threat to livelihoods. But they can also make unique and positive contributions to the cause through how they manage and use their land.
There’s much in The Climate Book for townies too — for all readers, really.
My favourite part is Part Five: What We Must Do Now. Among other things, it looks at lifestyles and consumerism, calls for rewilding and a just transition, and sheds light on the inequality-climate connection. Resisting denialism and overcoming climate apathy also feature.
Action is crucial. Climate change is an existential threat and each and every one of us can be part of the solution.