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Saison brune
"Une société vraiment libre, une société autonome, doit savoir s'autolimiter, savoir qu'il y a des choses qu'on ne peut pas faire ou qu'il ne faut même pas essayer de faire ou qu'il ne faut pas désirer." Cornelius Castoriadis
Été 2006. Philippe Squarzoni finalise son album politique Dol, mais il lui reste un passage à traiter, celui de l'écologie. Peu connaisseur, il veut maîtriser son sujet et parler en détail du changement climatique. Déstabilisé par l'ampleur du problème, il s'interroge, s'informe, se trouve confronté à des impasses, ou renvoyé à de nouveaux questionnements. S'ensuivent six ans de recherches...
__________________________________
Le titre de l'album fait référence à cette cinquième saison qualifiée de "brune" dans le Montana, période d'indécision entre l'hiver et le printemps.
Dans Saison brune, Philippe Squarzoni tisse un récit inédit, qui entremêle analyses scientifiques et interviews de spécialistes, considérations personnelles et hommages au cinéma, enquête politique et essai engagé.
Le livre est découpé en six chapitres. Les trois premiers sont précédés de trois interludes portant sur les commencements d'une oeuvre. Les trois derniers sont suivis de trois interludes sur les fins.
Les deux premiers chapitres sont consacrés aux aspects scientifiques du réchauffement : le fonctionnement du climat, la description de l'effet de serre, l'augmentation des gaz à effet de serre dans l'atmosphère durant l'époque moderne. Mais aussi l'expertise menée par le GIEC, l'attribution du réchauffement aux activités humaines, les différents scénarios d'augmentation des températures à venir, les risques d'effets de seuil, les risques de rétroactions positives.
Dans les deux chapitres suivants, Philippe Squarzoni alterne entre l'examen des conséquences à venir du réchauffement climatique (fonte des glaciers, montée des eaux, multiplication des tempêtes, risques de sécheresse dans certaines régions...) et les questionnements du narrateur et de sa compagne face à cette situation inédite. Que faire à un niveau individuel ? Que faire quand ce qui est en cause est la production d'énergie, l'industrie, les transports, le bâtiment, l'agriculture ? Par où, par quoi commencer ? Nécessaire mais dérisoire, sans proportion par rapport à l'ampleur de ce qu'il faudrait accomplir, le niveau individuel semble largement insuffisant.
Dans les deux derniers chapitres, Squarzoni élargit son questionnement et examine les possibilités de réduction des émissions et les différents scénarios énergétiques qui s'offrent à nos sociétés (énergies renouvelables, nucléaire, progrès technologiques, maîtrise de l'énergie...). Entre les insuffisances des unes, et les faux espoirs des autres, il décrit une alternative possible qui permettrait d'éviter les conséquences les plus graves du réchauffement climatique. Et les choix politiques, les modèles de société, que ces scénarios impliquent. Une porte s'ouvre. Saurons-nous la franchir ?
Saurons-nous inventer une civilisation plus sobre capable de prendre en compte les questions écologiques ? Nos sociétés sauront-elles éviter les conséquences les plus graves du réchauffement climatique, tout en préservant la liberté et la démocratie ?
Dans un album chargé de nostalgie, qui est probablement le plus personnel de ses livres politiques, Philippe Squarzoni livre un essai qui donne à espérer, mais reste très pessimiste sur la réalisation de cet espoir au vu de la nature de la crise, de l'ampleur des changements à accomplir, et du fonctionnement de nos sociétés.
Été 2006. Philippe Squarzoni finalise son album politique Dol, mais il lui reste un passage à traiter, celui de l'écologie. Peu connaisseur, il veut maîtriser son sujet et parler en détail du changement climatique. Déstabilisé par l'ampleur du problème, il s'interroge, s'informe, se trouve confronté à des impasses, ou renvoyé à de nouveaux questionnements. S'ensuivent six ans de recherches...
__________________________________
Le titre de l'album fait référence à cette cinquième saison qualifiée de "brune" dans le Montana, période d'indécision entre l'hiver et le printemps.
Dans Saison brune, Philippe Squarzoni tisse un récit inédit, qui entremêle analyses scientifiques et interviews de spécialistes, considérations personnelles et hommages au cinéma, enquête politique et essai engagé.
Le livre est découpé en six chapitres. Les trois premiers sont précédés de trois interludes portant sur les commencements d'une oeuvre. Les trois derniers sont suivis de trois interludes sur les fins.
Les deux premiers chapitres sont consacrés aux aspects scientifiques du réchauffement : le fonctionnement du climat, la description de l'effet de serre, l'augmentation des gaz à effet de serre dans l'atmosphère durant l'époque moderne. Mais aussi l'expertise menée par le GIEC, l'attribution du réchauffement aux activités humaines, les différents scénarios d'augmentation des températures à venir, les risques d'effets de seuil, les risques de rétroactions positives.
Dans les deux chapitres suivants, Philippe Squarzoni alterne entre l'examen des conséquences à venir du réchauffement climatique (fonte des glaciers, montée des eaux, multiplication des tempêtes, risques de sécheresse dans certaines régions...) et les questionnements du narrateur et de sa compagne face à cette situation inédite. Que faire à un niveau individuel ? Que faire quand ce qui est en cause est la production d'énergie, l'industrie, les transports, le bâtiment, l'agriculture ? Par où, par quoi commencer ? Nécessaire mais dérisoire, sans proportion par rapport à l'ampleur de ce qu'il faudrait accomplir, le niveau individuel semble largement insuffisant.
Dans les deux derniers chapitres, Squarzoni élargit son questionnement et examine les possibilités de réduction des émissions et les différents scénarios énergétiques qui s'offrent à nos sociétés (énergies renouvelables, nucléaire, progrès technologiques, maîtrise de l'énergie...). Entre les insuffisances des unes, et les faux espoirs des autres, il décrit une alternative possible qui permettrait d'éviter les conséquences les plus graves du réchauffement climatique. Et les choix politiques, les modèles de société, que ces scénarios impliquent. Une porte s'ouvre. Saurons-nous la franchir ?
Saurons-nous inventer une civilisation plus sobre capable de prendre en compte les questions écologiques ? Nos sociétés sauront-elles éviter les conséquences les plus graves du réchauffement climatique, tout en préservant la liberté et la démocratie ?
Dans un album chargé de nostalgie, qui est probablement le plus personnel de ses livres politiques, Philippe Squarzoni livre un essai qui donne à espérer, mais reste très pessimiste sur la réalisation de cet espoir au vu de la nature de la crise, de l'ampleur des changements à accomplir, et du fonctionnement de nos sociétés.
480 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2012
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1424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
April 27, 2014
This is a terrific graphic novel. It is also the first book on climate change I've been able to finish. And while it feels odd to say I found a subject so depressing exciting to read about- I did. Not only does this book explain the science in a way that I understand, but the author interjects his personal conflict with learning about climate change while continuing to use his car, fly, use electricity, etc. in a way that felt like it articulated a lot of my own thoughts and feelings. The art is amazing and adds a lot to the thought provoking nature of this book.
March 6, 2017
This is one of those books in which the person writing the book is writing about writing the book. Squarzoni's process stands center-stage--his process of writing and also his orientation shift once he begins to really understand the mechanism of climate change. Once this happens he wants to put what he learns into action and tries lowering of his carbon footprint. So, for example, he chooses not to partake in airplane travel as it uses up a lot of fuel.
One might think, how is one person's decision to stop taking airplane trips going to reduce our carbon footprint? Well, it's not. But, it's a symbolic act, one that could be meaningful if it turned into a collective act. And we all have to live with our own decisions, I suppose.
I remember I went through a period of time about eight years ago where every time I bought anything encased in plastic (i.e. everything) I felt a profound existential sickness and horror, and so for several years I tried really really hard to avoid buying things living in plastic containers. One problem was, in order to buy the milk I wanted and that was stored in reusable glass jars, I had to drive anywhere from a half hour to an hour each way. And I wondered, "what is worse for the environment, driving more or buying something in a plastic container?" Eventually I gave up trying to not use plastic because it made daily life unmanageable. I still try to keep my engagement with plastic to a minimum, but, you know, we've gone batty with plastic and are happy to self-destruct for the convenience of it.
What choices to have to make. What a world to live in. Where every day we are taking part in activities that we know will likely destroy us and much if not all of what we love about this planet for a good long era or two. And yet, we can't seem to change our ways.
Squarzoni's book is informative and compelling and also, pretty self-indulgent. I read it a few years ago so don't remember too much, but remember appreciating a lot of it but also being pretty annoyed.
Perhaps I will read it again in the next year or so so I can write a better review. Or maybe now that Trump and the Cabinet of Doom are trying to make the world as unhabitable as they can as fast as they can, it would just be too depressing to go back and read this a second time.
Here's a quote of some of the text in the later part of the book:
"How can a society structured politically and economically to produce more and consume more, whose development is dependent on fanning the desire to possess reconcile itself to a culture of sobriety and collective responsibility. How can a system dedicated to letting individuals freely maximize their personal advantages be compatible with any sort of self-restraint and material moderation. In the end, the freedom touted by a free-market model has become a symbol of rugged individualism. It is the freedom not to be held accountable. The rejection of all constraint. Of any limits. The rejection of a collective responsibility..."
One might think, how is one person's decision to stop taking airplane trips going to reduce our carbon footprint? Well, it's not. But, it's a symbolic act, one that could be meaningful if it turned into a collective act. And we all have to live with our own decisions, I suppose.
I remember I went through a period of time about eight years ago where every time I bought anything encased in plastic (i.e. everything) I felt a profound existential sickness and horror, and so for several years I tried really really hard to avoid buying things living in plastic containers. One problem was, in order to buy the milk I wanted and that was stored in reusable glass jars, I had to drive anywhere from a half hour to an hour each way. And I wondered, "what is worse for the environment, driving more or buying something in a plastic container?" Eventually I gave up trying to not use plastic because it made daily life unmanageable. I still try to keep my engagement with plastic to a minimum, but, you know, we've gone batty with plastic and are happy to self-destruct for the convenience of it.
What choices to have to make. What a world to live in. Where every day we are taking part in activities that we know will likely destroy us and much if not all of what we love about this planet for a good long era or two. And yet, we can't seem to change our ways.
Squarzoni's book is informative and compelling and also, pretty self-indulgent. I read it a few years ago so don't remember too much, but remember appreciating a lot of it but also being pretty annoyed.
Perhaps I will read it again in the next year or so so I can write a better review. Or maybe now that Trump and the Cabinet of Doom are trying to make the world as unhabitable as they can as fast as they can, it would just be too depressing to go back and read this a second time.
Here's a quote of some of the text in the later part of the book:
"How can a society structured politically and economically to produce more and consume more, whose development is dependent on fanning the desire to possess reconcile itself to a culture of sobriety and collective responsibility. How can a system dedicated to letting individuals freely maximize their personal advantages be compatible with any sort of self-restraint and material moderation. In the end, the freedom touted by a free-market model has become a symbol of rugged individualism. It is the freedom not to be held accountable. The rejection of all constraint. Of any limits. The rejection of a collective responsibility..."
June 8, 2022
This graphic novel is part investigative journalism, part memoir, part science education. The more I read of this kind of graphic novels, the more I like the form. At the beginning of this one the author, Philippe Squarzoni, is about to finish his latest book, and thinks it should deal with climate change in the last chapter, but he soon realizes that the subject will require a book of its own. What follows is his investigation into the subject. By now this book is 10 years old, so obviously it’s not up to date with the newest developments in climate science, and politics, but I think it’s very good just the same. It still packs a punch.
In parts this is quite depressing, but I think that is why I identified so strongly with it. What Squarzoni manages to do here is to express what it’s like to dive into the climate change debate. He expresses very well how overwhelming it can be. I’ve had that kind of moments while doing my own research into the subject, so I could identify quite easily with him. It’s like watching a train wreck about to happen and being unable to do anything about it. Only this is a train wreck on a much larger scale. It’s everywhere, and touches everything around one, but at the same time so slow moving that it is easy to ignore it.
Squarzoni talks to group of scientists, and journalists that have something to say about this subject. A lot of it is still quite interesting, and I thought his personal story made the rather dry text more interesting. At the end he makes a prediction about what will happen next, one that isn’t in complete agreement with what the scientist have told him needs to happen. Perhaps he is right, perhaps he is not. These days I tend to think that perhaps it’s not the best idea to keep harping on the worst case scenario because then what’s the point of even trying? Even so, I think this was a very interesting book.
In parts this is quite depressing, but I think that is why I identified so strongly with it. What Squarzoni manages to do here is to express what it’s like to dive into the climate change debate. He expresses very well how overwhelming it can be. I’ve had that kind of moments while doing my own research into the subject, so I could identify quite easily with him. It’s like watching a train wreck about to happen and being unable to do anything about it. Only this is a train wreck on a much larger scale. It’s everywhere, and touches everything around one, but at the same time so slow moving that it is easy to ignore it.
Squarzoni talks to group of scientists, and journalists that have something to say about this subject. A lot of it is still quite interesting, and I thought his personal story made the rather dry text more interesting. At the end he makes a prediction about what will happen next, one that isn’t in complete agreement with what the scientist have told him needs to happen. Perhaps he is right, perhaps he is not. These days I tend to think that perhaps it’s not the best idea to keep harping on the worst case scenario because then what’s the point of even trying? Even so, I think this was a very interesting book.
April 28, 2014
I can't adequately sum up how much this book has effected me. It is such a thorough and eye-opening account of the complexity and magnitude of the climate change problem. It reads like a documentary film and it has terrified me into changing a lot of things about my life. I feel like everyone should have to read this book.
December 24, 2021
In the midst of national disaster (December 2021, Malaysia- Flash flood) this book/ comic is just a perfect source for me right now to make sense and ameliorate my self on the topic of climate change and its effect on us which is happening in a vast rate.
Conveyed in comic-graphic novel form, the informations given are shared by panels of climate scientists, economist and experts simplified by author for laymen like me to understand.
Worth reading and I'm appaled that our environment minister stated that we're not affected by it (his statement was publish in a local newspaper, you can Google it). I'm glad that I bought this for RM22 at BBW (which I hope they're coping well with the flood aftermath that destroyed a few of their store).
Conveyed in comic-graphic novel form, the informations given are shared by panels of climate scientists, economist and experts simplified by author for laymen like me to understand.
Worth reading and I'm appaled that our environment minister stated that we're not affected by it (his statement was publish in a local newspaper, you can Google it). I'm glad that I bought this for RM22 at BBW (which I hope they're coping well with the flood aftermath that destroyed a few of their store).
October 4, 2014
I refuse to call the genre "graphic novel" because most of the graphic books I read are nonfiction.
It was the title, the past tense, of the book that drew my attention to it in the display. I checked it out, and only then saw that it was in graphic format. So I read it asking what the graphic structure provided that wouldn't have been there otherwise. Early on I noted a lot of talking-head frames. My first reaction was negative, but then I noticed that the faces were distinguishable. In fact there is a listing of sources by face as well as name and credential at the end of the book. Saves a lot of he said, she said and allows for an improved flow of information.
It also allows for some dramatic juxtapositions. In the biofuels section, a frame with a person filling a car, the hose comes from a malnourished woman and child instead of a pump. After a discussion of living on the amount of carbon that the earth can sustain per person and comparing it to poverty, the frame shows a homeless man against a wall with a Nike advertisement and the words, "Just do it." When he talks about climate-change deniers, one frame's illustration is of an old advertisement: The cigarette most doctors choose. And yes, a few frames later, it turns out that the scientists for each issue were the same.
The book is a survey of the science, the philosophy, and the politics of the climate issue, told as "a personal journey." What does that decision gain? It keeps the science, etc, from existing as theory only. It invokes personal reaction. It admits ambiguity and conflict as one observes contradictions and limits.
Squarzoni covers natural and human made climate change and illustrates with graphs--graphs that are more integrated in the graphic format than they would be in text with inserted figures. He describes and critiques solutions, showing both their potential and limitations.He addresses personal and structural issues. Climate has already changed, he concludes; we cannot stop it, but can still mitigate its effects if we start soon enough. A paradigm shift is needed from individualism to the common good (of people and the environment). He is not overly optimistic, but neither is he entirely pessimistic.
There are several points where Squarzoni ponders how to begin, then later how to end. Each time the meaning is a bit different.
It was the title, the past tense, of the book that drew my attention to it in the display. I checked it out, and only then saw that it was in graphic format. So I read it asking what the graphic structure provided that wouldn't have been there otherwise. Early on I noted a lot of talking-head frames. My first reaction was negative, but then I noticed that the faces were distinguishable. In fact there is a listing of sources by face as well as name and credential at the end of the book. Saves a lot of he said, she said and allows for an improved flow of information.
It also allows for some dramatic juxtapositions. In the biofuels section, a frame with a person filling a car, the hose comes from a malnourished woman and child instead of a pump. After a discussion of living on the amount of carbon that the earth can sustain per person and comparing it to poverty, the frame shows a homeless man against a wall with a Nike advertisement and the words, "Just do it." When he talks about climate-change deniers, one frame's illustration is of an old advertisement: The cigarette most doctors choose. And yes, a few frames later, it turns out that the scientists for each issue were the same.
The book is a survey of the science, the philosophy, and the politics of the climate issue, told as "a personal journey." What does that decision gain? It keeps the science, etc, from existing as theory only. It invokes personal reaction. It admits ambiguity and conflict as one observes contradictions and limits.
Squarzoni covers natural and human made climate change and illustrates with graphs--graphs that are more integrated in the graphic format than they would be in text with inserted figures. He describes and critiques solutions, showing both their potential and limitations.He addresses personal and structural issues. Climate has already changed, he concludes; we cannot stop it, but can still mitigate its effects if we start soon enough. A paradigm shift is needed from individualism to the common good (of people and the environment). He is not overly optimistic, but neither is he entirely pessimistic.
There are several points where Squarzoni ponders how to begin, then later how to end. Each time the meaning is a bit different.
May 1, 2022
De lectura obligada para entender lo que estamos haciendo al planeta y a nosotros mismos y para detener la esquizofrenia que impera.
¿Qué es el capitalismo verde? ¿Por qué no sirve?
La democracia y el estado de bienestar, reducir, dejar de lado el individualismo y entender que somos una sociedad.
El sobreconsumo y el despilfarro desaforado que exhiben las élites cala en la sociedad generando una tendencia excesiva hacia el consumo material.
Urge una transformación política. Esta reorganización social no será posible sin que nuestra sociedad cambie su cosmovisión y sin que recuperemos un sentido de destino común. Sólo será posible si encontramos un sentimiento de comunidad, de interés colectivo. Y eso es la antítesis del capitalismo.
¿Qué es el capitalismo verde? ¿Por qué no sirve?
La democracia y el estado de bienestar, reducir, dejar de lado el individualismo y entender que somos una sociedad.
El sobreconsumo y el despilfarro desaforado que exhiben las élites cala en la sociedad generando una tendencia excesiva hacia el consumo material.
Urge una transformación política. Esta reorganización social no será posible sin que nuestra sociedad cambie su cosmovisión y sin que recuperemos un sentido de destino común. Sólo será posible si encontramos un sentimiento de comunidad, de interés colectivo. Y eso es la antítesis del capitalismo.
April 5, 2012
Nécessaire et extrêmement bien articulé.
Une oeuvre synthèse, efficace, qui pose beaucoup de problèmes… et apporte beaucoup d'éléments. En plus d'une réelle maîtrise du média bande dessinée.
Indispensable et dérangeant.
À lire.
Une oeuvre synthèse, efficace, qui pose beaucoup de problèmes… et apporte beaucoup d'éléments. En plus d'une réelle maîtrise du média bande dessinée.
Indispensable et dérangeant.
À lire.
September 6, 2019
This book- AMAZING. The graphic "novel" format for this nonfiction book (I read some reviews where people said there was no plot, where was the 'novel'- really? I can't even... DUH!) is incredibly effective for illustrating the dire situation our world is in. The memoir part interested me in terms of the author finding his place in all this and in showing how it is affecting everyone, but really, the book was effective for me in the rest of it. In some places it felt like watching a documentary and watching interviews (loved this format), in some places it read like a nonfiction book with diagrams and charts and facts and analogies (so well done!) while still making it all real & human, and readable & relatable to the average reader. This book is just so well done- well told, well illustrated, well laid out, well planned out, and includes so much information in this one book- that one can't possibly play ignorant after this. One indeed may not know any answers- there aren't any in here- but there are tons of things to think about and tons of ways of seeing our impact, our footprint on this world, and just lots of different perspectives and all the arenas climate change is affecting, because it isn't just the land, or just the weather, or just the people, or just the animals, it's also politics and infrastructure and social classes and our way of life and it's just ALL connected. And on and on. I keep talking about this book and its incredible & super effective illustrations to everyone around me who will listen! That's a sign this book is working. Very good read. Everyone should read this.
February 12, 2017
This book is super educational and made me think of my current choices in life and how I want to change them. I think this might be a good book to make required reading in school, it might change people and in consequence how we treat the world/climate.
I so wanna change the way everyone lives after reading this book! It was super eye opening for me and I'd definitely recommend anyone to read it. It being a graphic novel only added to this book, as it didn't get boring when specialists had the "microphone". Plus the writer told us about his own experiences and thoughts while he was researching global warming. Which made the book all the better to me.
4.5 stars
I so wanna change the way everyone lives after reading this book! It was super eye opening for me and I'd definitely recommend anyone to read it. It being a graphic novel only added to this book, as it didn't get boring when specialists had the "microphone". Plus the writer told us about his own experiences and thoughts while he was researching global warming. Which made the book all the better to me.
4.5 stars
July 14, 2014
This book made me scared and apathetic pretty much all at once. Global warming is happening and we're pretty much screwed right now, unless we make very large and deep changes to the way we manufacture and consume, but there's no way that's going to happen with our current economic and political set-up so I guess all I can do is apologize to my children and grandchildren for the shitty world my generation is leaving them with.
July 21, 2023
Desolador. ¿Cómo podía no serlo?
Read
August 20, 2022No he pogut llegir-lo del tot però m'ha semblat molt interessant. I no he pogut llegir-lo tot per un motiu ben clar: la tipografia. Fa de mal llegir, costa molt i a més, tenint en compte que és llarg i espès, aquests tipus de lletres no ajuda. No m'agrada venir a criticar llibres perquè no en sóc una experta, però si que darrerament em trobo molts còmicsab tipografies complicades de llegir o amb lletres molt petites. I penso que són coses a tenir en compte per tenir als lectors còmodes.
January 24, 2015
This is an amazing book. This non-fiction graphic novel explores the author's personal journey as he learns about the science behind global warming. Even if you don't find his personal story or artistic flourishes compelling, this book is worth a read for the remarkably informative and moving exploration of the basic science and its implications for our present and future. This is essential material presented in a textually engaging and visually stimulating format. Basically, if you live on Planet Earth in the early 21st century, you should read this book!
July 19, 2019
4.5, very informative, with a funny, relatable journey thread the interviews together. A very meta book with a great ending. Highly recommend to anyone, with any level of knowledge (or none at all) about climate change.
November 7, 2019
I read this book for a sustainability studio class, and I'm thankful my professor assigned it. It was definitely an eye-opener regarding the different aspects of climate change. The mix of data, interviews, personal thoughts, and compelling imagery makes this a well-rounded, informative, and often depressing account of the dire situation currently happening on our planet. I've come away with new thoughts and emotions about climate change, and am already thinking about how I can help make a change. This book was interesting, revealing, factual, personal, emotional, educational, and creative; if you want to know more about climate change in many different facets, definitely read this book.
January 18, 2023
One of the best assigned readings I’ve ever had for a class
June 9, 2024
This was very, very boring and I am surprised it made it to print in its current form. You know the meme/truth "this meeting could have been an email"? I would call my general reaction "this 450-page book could have been a magazine article."
Philippe Squarzoni interviewed a lot of climate scientists, as well as some economists. That's good! Much of the book--maybe a third? I'm not going to check, I'm bored enough--is simply quotes from them, rendered as sketches of them with speech-bubbles. That's bad! Why even HAVE a graphic novel if so much of it will just be black and white speech bubbles, like an illustrated interview (BUT A BLACK-AND-WHITE LINE DRAWING)?
The parts of the book that AREN'T sketched excuses for long-form quotes still manage to be dull. Squarzoni spends the beginning of the book pondering "how to start the book" for several pages; I should have foreseen that he would also do this at the end. I don't know why the reader has to join him on these journeys; it would save around 20 pages of wasted time. His style is nice, when I wasn't being bored, but at this point I can barely remember what parts weren't long quotes or him wondering how to start or end the book.
(There is one section where he talks about fighting climate change in a very literal and weaponized way. Technically, the section is about reducing energy consumption, which makes the "fight scenes" even weirder. The book was published in 2014, so technically he couldn't know Americans like me would NOT react well to seeing automatic weapons used in a grocery store; on the other hand, dude, what the hell? This is EXTREMELY messed up. I felt sick.)
More on the boring: A lot of the climate-change information is stuff I already knew. Some of it I didn't know, but statistics can be very dry (and not especially useful, if you're already on board with the "climate change is bad!" proposition). Other information, especially in the last fifth of the book, veered more into policy and philosophy, and while I would have thought that would be good, it was too esoteric to be helpful. End result? Boring.
Perhaps the gravest sin of Climate Changed--beyond being a 450-page graphic novel that could have, and should have, simply been a magazine article--is that it offers so little in the way of concrete ideas for people who aren't extremely powerful or extremely rich. One economist says it's important that we "reexamin[e] the World Trade Organization," which, sure, but also, what would you like ME to do about that? (She doesn't say.) The notables quoted do talk about how it's the societal elite who use the most energy, and the wealthiest who fend off democratic changes that would effect pro-environment policies, but there's an utter lack of awareness that none of those people are reading THIS book. A brief discussion of freedom and society at the end might be helpful for those who read this and would otherwise vote for politicians who support anti-environmental policies, but otherwise--what am I supposed to do, that I don't already? What are MOST people supposed to do? If I didn't learn much I didn't already know, and I'm already deeply concerned about the environment, then what was I supposed to take away, other than "yeah, it's a big problem"?
tl;dr This book bored me AND it wasted my time. Climate change is happening and it is bad and scary; go look somewhere else for things you can do. Unless you're a billionaire, or from the Chamber of Commerce, in which case: Hi! Drink some coffee and read this. Start at like ... page 300 or something. Unless you don't think climate change is real, in which case, start at the beginning.
Philippe Squarzoni interviewed a lot of climate scientists, as well as some economists. That's good! Much of the book--maybe a third? I'm not going to check, I'm bored enough--is simply quotes from them, rendered as sketches of them with speech-bubbles. That's bad! Why even HAVE a graphic novel if so much of it will just be black and white speech bubbles, like an illustrated interview (BUT A BLACK-AND-WHITE LINE DRAWING)?
The parts of the book that AREN'T sketched excuses for long-form quotes still manage to be dull. Squarzoni spends the beginning of the book pondering "how to start the book" for several pages; I should have foreseen that he would also do this at the end. I don't know why the reader has to join him on these journeys; it would save around 20 pages of wasted time. His style is nice, when I wasn't being bored, but at this point I can barely remember what parts weren't long quotes or him wondering how to start or end the book.
(There is one section where he talks about fighting climate change in a very literal and weaponized way. Technically, the section is about reducing energy consumption, which makes the "fight scenes" even weirder. The book was published in 2014, so technically he couldn't know Americans like me would NOT react well to seeing automatic weapons used in a grocery store; on the other hand, dude, what the hell? This is EXTREMELY messed up. I felt sick.)
More on the boring: A lot of the climate-change information is stuff I already knew. Some of it I didn't know, but statistics can be very dry (and not especially useful, if you're already on board with the "climate change is bad!" proposition). Other information, especially in the last fifth of the book, veered more into policy and philosophy, and while I would have thought that would be good, it was too esoteric to be helpful. End result? Boring.
Perhaps the gravest sin of Climate Changed--beyond being a 450-page graphic novel that could have, and should have, simply been a magazine article--is that it offers so little in the way of concrete ideas for people who aren't extremely powerful or extremely rich. One economist says it's important that we "reexamin[e] the World Trade Organization," which, sure, but also, what would you like ME to do about that? (She doesn't say.) The notables quoted do talk about how it's the societal elite who use the most energy, and the wealthiest who fend off democratic changes that would effect pro-environment policies, but there's an utter lack of awareness that none of those people are reading THIS book. A brief discussion of freedom and society at the end might be helpful for those who read this and would otherwise vote for politicians who support anti-environmental policies, but otherwise--what am I supposed to do, that I don't already? What are MOST people supposed to do? If I didn't learn much I didn't already know, and I'm already deeply concerned about the environment, then what was I supposed to take away, other than "yeah, it's a big problem"?
tl;dr This book bored me AND it wasted my time. Climate change is happening and it is bad and scary; go look somewhere else for things you can do. Unless you're a billionaire, or from the Chamber of Commerce, in which case: Hi! Drink some coffee and read this. Start at like ... page 300 or something. Unless you don't think climate change is real, in which case, start at the beginning.
February 19, 2022
We are screwed. Happy to see the book didn’t sugarcoat anything. Renewables are a lost cause, though they have a small role in the solution. The only solution is a drastic decrease in overall consumption, in a culture driven by maximizing profits and having as much “stuff” as possible. The ONLY solution is to cut consumption.
May 13, 2014
Per FTC rules, I received this book as a GoodReads First Reads giveaway.
Brilliant! This book could really use 6 stars. I had decided, somewhat prematurely I suppose, that graphic novels were not my bag. However, this one has changed my mind completely. Well researched, impeccably drawn, brilliantly written. M. Squarzoni has created a multi-layered tale of his conception of the book and a devastating look at the problems associated with climate change and how to deal with it. This book should be a must read for all current and future climatologists, political scientists, economists...anyone, really, with a vested interest in how this world is cared for (or destroyed) by the human race. If you're unsure about climate change and how it affects you and what to do about it, this book will certainly prepare you to answer those questions...but it will also leave you with more questions, ones you didn't imagine. And, unfortunately, it doesn't provide all the answers, or even the answers you expected. But, such is the world we have created. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm an ardent proponent of doing whatever is necessary to reverse the climatic trends we currently see in our world. I don't think enough is being done. Even so, this book left me concerned and confused at times because even I have far to go in terms of reducing my energy consumption which is the ultimate bottom line. Anyway, regardless of which side of the fence you're on, we all live on the same planet and I highly recommend this book to begin your own journey.
Brilliant! This book could really use 6 stars. I had decided, somewhat prematurely I suppose, that graphic novels were not my bag. However, this one has changed my mind completely. Well researched, impeccably drawn, brilliantly written. M. Squarzoni has created a multi-layered tale of his conception of the book and a devastating look at the problems associated with climate change and how to deal with it. This book should be a must read for all current and future climatologists, political scientists, economists...anyone, really, with a vested interest in how this world is cared for (or destroyed) by the human race. If you're unsure about climate change and how it affects you and what to do about it, this book will certainly prepare you to answer those questions...but it will also leave you with more questions, ones you didn't imagine. And, unfortunately, it doesn't provide all the answers, or even the answers you expected. But, such is the world we have created. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm an ardent proponent of doing whatever is necessary to reverse the climatic trends we currently see in our world. I don't think enough is being done. Even so, this book left me concerned and confused at times because even I have far to go in terms of reducing my energy consumption which is the ultimate bottom line. Anyway, regardless of which side of the fence you're on, we all live on the same planet and I highly recommend this book to begin your own journey.
August 3, 2018
Only one person in our book club finished this book, and that was on principle. None of us disbelieves climate change and that modern industrial life has exponentially/unnaturally increased the pace of its onset, so we found ourselves merely depressed by the thorough interviews and explanations of it all. I enjoyed the personal life stories peppered throughout, but they were too morose for me as well. The book did offer a nuanced discussion for our club, though. Some questions that arose: What's the point of the book if there's no hope? But why do we need/expect hope if humanity is on its way out? How are we to act ethically/respectfully if no efforts of our own will save humans? Does anything matter any more? Ug.
May 30, 2022
By far the most comprehensive book I’ve read on climate change. Not only does it touch on every aspect of the science, but it also puts a huge emphasis on the political and social roots of the issue (capitalism). It is highly critical of our current approach (green capitalism) and advocates a fundamental shift in the way our society works (emphasis on democratic & communal as opposed to capitalistic & individualist). Also the graphics are amazing.
July 20, 2022
Un cómic que sirve de espello a unha realidade que todos coñecemos e non queremos ver.
Por unha banda, explica todas as cifras e a realidade científica actual ao redor do cambio climático. Quédanse grabados certos datos, como que emite tanto CO2 comer un chuletón como facer 60 km en coche. Dato que terá os seus matices (que chuletón, que coche?) pero que situa a discusión moi ben. Pois como este exemplo, moitos.
Por outra banda, entrevista a unha serie de economistas, ecoloxistas, políticos, etc concienciados sobre as necesidades para mitigar os efectos do cambio climático e reducir as emisións. A conclusión sempre é a mesma: non é sostible o modelo de sociedade occidental actual, baseado no consumismo, no neoliberalismo económico e no crecemento perpetuo. Non pode haber cremecento infinito nun sistema finito.
E logo, pinta a realidade de cada un de nós, con anécdotas da vida real do autor. Cando descubre o que emite un viaxe en avión, renuncia a algúns viaxes de traballo, pero finalmente non está disposto a renunciar a viaxes de placer coa súa parella.
Cando descubre que as emisións por persoa necesarias para reducir os efectos do cambio climático (500 kg ao ano) equivalen ao nivel de vida das clases máis desfavorecidas da India, exclama que non quere vivir como un indio pobre.
En fin, estas contradicións témolas todos, e non é nada fácil balancear unha conciencia ecolóxica coas aspiracións naturais do ser humano de levar unha vida cómoda.
A conclusión é que fai tempo que algúns dos efectos do cambio climático se volveron irreversibles; e sempre que se fixeron previsións de emisións, e de evolución das temperaturas medias, sempre se viron superadas pola realidade.
A solución pasaría por un cambio social e económico radical, que se enfoque no decrecemento da producción e do consumo, na moderación, e na redistribución para que os efectos do frenazo do nivel de vida non se ceben nas clases máis indefensas.
E a reflexión do autor, que comparto, é que esto vai pasar, pero só cando definitivamente se esgoten os recursos ou cando os efectos climáticos se convirtan en algo verdadeiramente catastrófico. É dicir, tarde.
Recoméndovos o libro, inda que non podo dicir que vos gustará. Deprimiravos, máis ben.
Por unha banda, explica todas as cifras e a realidade científica actual ao redor do cambio climático. Quédanse grabados certos datos, como que emite tanto CO2 comer un chuletón como facer 60 km en coche. Dato que terá os seus matices (que chuletón, que coche?) pero que situa a discusión moi ben. Pois como este exemplo, moitos.
Por outra banda, entrevista a unha serie de economistas, ecoloxistas, políticos, etc concienciados sobre as necesidades para mitigar os efectos do cambio climático e reducir as emisións. A conclusión sempre é a mesma: non é sostible o modelo de sociedade occidental actual, baseado no consumismo, no neoliberalismo económico e no crecemento perpetuo. Non pode haber cremecento infinito nun sistema finito.
E logo, pinta a realidade de cada un de nós, con anécdotas da vida real do autor. Cando descubre o que emite un viaxe en avión, renuncia a algúns viaxes de traballo, pero finalmente non está disposto a renunciar a viaxes de placer coa súa parella.
Cando descubre que as emisións por persoa necesarias para reducir os efectos do cambio climático (500 kg ao ano) equivalen ao nivel de vida das clases máis desfavorecidas da India, exclama que non quere vivir como un indio pobre.
En fin, estas contradicións témolas todos, e non é nada fácil balancear unha conciencia ecolóxica coas aspiracións naturais do ser humano de levar unha vida cómoda.
A conclusión é que fai tempo que algúns dos efectos do cambio climático se volveron irreversibles; e sempre que se fixeron previsións de emisións, e de evolución das temperaturas medias, sempre se viron superadas pola realidade.
A solución pasaría por un cambio social e económico radical, que se enfoque no decrecemento da producción e do consumo, na moderación, e na redistribución para que os efectos do frenazo do nivel de vida non se ceben nas clases máis indefensas.
E a reflexión do autor, que comparto, é que esto vai pasar, pero só cando definitivamente se esgoten os recursos ou cando os efectos climáticos se convirtan en algo verdadeiramente catastrófico. É dicir, tarde.
Recoméndovos o libro, inda que non podo dicir que vos gustará. Deprimiravos, máis ben.
August 31, 2021
“Climate change is also a symptom of a breakdown of solidarity, a sign of collective selfishness.
Ironic hedonists, trained by free downloads. Reckless and thoughtless consumerism.
The rise in global warming reflects the rise of our desires. And of our indifference to the threat the world is facing.
The rise of insignificance.”
This book is a story. An education. A documentary. A diary. A lesson. An observation. A plea. A warning.
Read and take a personal journey and decide what your future action will be.
Ironic hedonists, trained by free downloads. Reckless and thoughtless consumerism.
The rise in global warming reflects the rise of our desires. And of our indifference to the threat the world is facing.
The rise of insignificance.”
This book is a story. An education. A documentary. A diary. A lesson. An observation. A plea. A warning.
Read and take a personal journey and decide what your future action will be.
November 28, 2024
This is an incredible life changing book I picked from the library by chance. This book was better than my four year environmental studies degree. Finally someone who tells it like it is, and it is really sad and humanity is in for a very very dark time, quite soon. I think this is a book everyone should read. PS. It’s a graphic novel!
August 1, 2019
This is a great work on one of the most important topics of our time. It is dense but comprehensible, informative and fascinating.
Best and most important book (graphic novel) I've read this year. Highly recommend it to all.
Best and most important book (graphic novel) I've read this year. Highly recommend it to all.
January 21, 2018
This book was a hard and satisfying read. It really looks at the problem from many angles. I learned a lot, and feel like it widened my world view.
June 24, 2019
Everyone should read this book.
January 23, 2020
Well presented, bit outdated, kind of pretentious here and there.
August 1, 2024
Doomscrolling The Graphic Novel
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