Under the Sky We Make

January 15, 2021
Lund University climate scientist Nicholas delivers a user-friendly survey of the current state of the knowledge on climate change. The bad news, she writes, is that the climate "is already changing faster than ecosystems can naturally adapt." As a result, food production is endangered, and climate-based economic inequalities are sharpening. The good news is that "we can fix it: humans have the capacity to stop dangerously destabilizing the climate." The fix involves good science, and although there are countless bloviators out there who deny the reality of climate change, especially human-caused, the fact is that just a small fraction of people "don't believe the unequivocal fact that humans are warming the climate." It also involves plenty of politicking, though Nicholas assures readers that the basic framework is in place with existing international accords such as the 2015 Paris Agreement. What remains to be done, on a long to-do list, is to move from what she calls an "Exploitation Mindset" to one devoted to regeneration, and this takes the large-scale down to the individual level, with each of us responsible for adopting habits that contribute to environmental healing. Interestingly, one good choice is to elect more women to public office, which has "caused stronger climate policies to be adopted, resulting in lower national carbon emissions." Another is to carve meat out of one's diet: Converting plant food to animal food is energy inefficient, and one study Nicholas cites shows that if all of us adopted a largely vegetarian diet on the Indian model, "we could feed the world on less than half of today's cropland." More immediately, citizens must reject fast-fix, "pollute-now, pay later" promises on the parts of corporations and demand better solutions. Some of the author's recommendations have been voiced by other climate activists, but she writes with welcome clarity and little partisan cheerleading. Readers looking to save the world--and humanity--should take an interest in this harm-reducing program.

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Starred review from March 1, 2021
This compelling book about climate change really packs a punch, because climate scientist Nicholas relentlessly brings things down to the personal level. Remember your favorite vacation spots as a child? They're probably disappearing, if not already gone. Have a favorite wine? Warmer weather affects growing seasons, so there go your grapes. She spends the first part of her engaging discourse on the facts: change is coming. Part two extols readers to get angry, and to let that anger fuel action. The third part is all about solutions. Nicholas explores carbon creation and consumption, and argues that every human on the planet has the right to their fair share. She tackles governments, the fossil fuel industry, and everyday carbon-elite lifestyles. Basically, she urges readers to stop using so much stuff. No more flying, driving, or eating meat would help, too, and she provides sobering data and personal examples that make these options seem reasonable. The chapter on processed food condemns human disregard for other life forms and natural resources, as Nicholas urges respect for nature and our planet. Libraries wondering if they really need another title on climate change should rest reassured; this is a realistic, accessible, and clarion call for change.

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