By Celine Lai
When you get into space and you can see the Earth’s atmosphere, it’s so thin and fragile looking. So we do have to take care of this planet. And right now it’s just true that our civilization is — we pollute the planet.” ← a quote by Jeff Bezos
While Bezos dreams about hundreds of years into the future, where heavy industry is operating in space, we Earthlings need to get on with the immediate critical concerns relating to climate justice.
.
Usborne Publisher has published a fantastic book for children, aged 10 and above, and for adults alike, about the climate crisis. The authors are Eddie Reynolds and Andy Prentice.
Climate justice refers to the ethical dimensions of climate change, and this book looks at how poorer and disadvantaged people are disproportionately affected by harmful climate change.
The book has 128 pages and is in hardback at 240 x 170mm in dimensions.
The ISBN for the hardback book is 9781474979863.
At around $20 AUD (Australian dollars) this book gives an overview of all the basic information about climate change. I found it to be written at the level of a ten-year-old, with a ton of pictures which really helped illustrate the messages.
If you go to Usborne’s page below, you can see a few pages from inside the book.
https://usborne.com/au/climate-crisis-for-beginners-9781474979863#
This book explains, in simple language and with clear illustrations, what the climate is, and how it is changing very rapidly at the moment, and the effects this is having on our planet. It tackles suggestions about what needs to change in the way people live, from power stations to farming, and explains why it’s so difficult to do. Along the way, it also talks about what individuals can do, including tips on how to keep a clear head and not get overwhelmed by bad news.
As an adult in my sixth decade of life, while I am sad that such a book is necessary (as I feel this book should be widely read by interested people, young and old), I am grateful that the book can make such a positive impact upon what people do. It really does educate us upon the overall challenge.
This book certainly simplifies the challenge and because we live in such a dense world, it is important to sift through the bits and pieces and to become clear about issues like climate justice.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The basics
Chapter 2: How sure are we?
Chapter 3: What do we do?
Chapter 4: What’s stopping us?
Chapter 5: What can I do?
I highly recommend this book for young and old, and in-between. In my opinion, a child interested in science, environment, Earth, the weather or climate would really benefit from this balanced book.
It looks at the issue of the urgent need to phase out new fossil fuel developments and to electrify our power needs with renewable energy. It covers the need for a change to our global economy and for trust and communication too.
It does not aim to scare children, but adults should be on hand to talk about the points made for changes. This includes individual and global changes, and how to address differing points of view on this issue.
You could use this book to start a study group at home or in a community meeting or community of practice. Don’t forget to SIGN UP with 350 Borloo Perth for information, updates and actions to take to help restore our climate!