Atmospheric: The Burning Story of Climate Change

by Carole Wilkinson

Talking about the weather used to be small talk, now it's the hottest topic on Earth. For billions of years our atmosphere has supported life on Earth, from primitive algae to the human race. But something is happening. Slowly but surely, what we are doing to our atmosphere is changing Earth's climate. Atmospheric cuts through the many voices raised around climate change to tell the story of our atmosphere, what is putting our climate at risk and what we can do about it. This could be the most important book you read in your life.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Carole was born in England in 1950. Her family moved to Australia when she was 12. She now lives in Melbourne, with her husband John.
Carole didn't start writing until she was nearly 40. Before that, she worked as a laboratory assistant, working with a lot of blood and brains. Once she’d decided to try and become a writer, she went to university. She wrote a lot while she was there including her first novel. She showed it to a friend who worked in publishing who asked if she could write a teenage novel. Her first published book was based on something her daughter, who was at high school at the time, was doing.


Carole says she has lots of ideas and so far she’s never had 'writers' block'. She might have got a late start, but she’s been trying to make up for lost time and has written more than 30 books, some short stories, a telemovie and some TV and planetarium scripts.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

good idea and message but really boring. the last chapter or two was the only really interesting part personally

[Eugenia (Genie In A Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review and a Guest Post by author Carole Wilkinson also appears on my blog Genie In A Book*

Thank you to Walker Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Atmospheric is an insightful piece of multimodal non-fiction which really makes you think twice about the environment around us and how we care for it. This is a book which is both easy to read and yet deeply informative about not only the history and science of our atmosphere, but the far reaching effects of climate change and how it may impact on us further in the future.

With a mixture of personal anecdotes, tables, diagrams, photographs, spotlight biographies and references to contemporary environmental issues, Atmospheric may sound like your average textbook. But it certainly is not. No, this is not a book you're going to get bored of reading facts and a whole bunch of information overload. Instead it's cleverly set out to both pack a punch and explain how the earth and its climate has has changed from millions of years ago to now, in a simplistic way which anyone could understand. This is something which would definitely be relatable to teens and adults alike, as there are sections from young adults' perspective alongside the facts.

The many headings throughout and short sections give a useful snapshot into the world both past and present, with references to scientists like James Hansen to your normal student Vincent Dwyer. It's this range of diverse perspectives and historical accounts which provide a dynamic depiction of how the issue of climate change has been perceived through the years, Plus, even if you get a little stuck on some of the more technical scientific terms, there's a handy glossary at the back to revamp your vocabulary.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I can definitely say I learnt a lot of new things from reading this book, and am now more aware of how what I do impacts on the environment. We can all take something from Atmospheric, especially in today's situation where climate change and global warming don't just exist as the features of a dystopian novel - they are making an impact right now.

[Zohal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its message is enough to warrant it a 5 star rating.

[Asiuol K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really need to stop rating books 3/5.

[Julee T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It provided variety utilising diaries and other personal texts alongside scientific reports. The language is accessible to adolescents and the layout with inset text boxes, brief biographies of climate scientists and the diaries reflecting the real or imagined experiences of young people from different historical periods dealing with issues of survival , work , efficiency, corruption and sustainability at home made for an engaging read with some very practical suggestions on how everyone can play a part in climate conservation. I for one was delighted that my small domestic routines where among the leading suggestions that can be adopted in your household to make a real difference to climate conservation and restoration: reducing waste, avoiding over-processed and over packaged foods, recycling, replanting, compositing, air drying, gardening and using public transport.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... this may be the most important book you read. A beautifully written piece about the history of our planet and how humans have ruined Earth quite a bit while still giving hope that we can fix our mistakes. While this might be written for 10+ readers, anybody that can read and understand basic science and history should be reading this. Climate sceptics look out, this one tears you a new one.

[Lina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am 12 with hopes to become a climate scientist. this book was perfect and now I have real evidence for the next time I criticise my friend for drinking bottled water. Nothing at all was confusing and although my father said I shouldn't read a non fiction book like a novel I read it overnight and enjoyed it thoroughly. thankyou SO much for writing a book on climate change like this.Also, is this not the best cover ever designed?!!!

[Nella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be read by everyone over 10 - both for the history as well as for the current information about climate change. The human face - anecdotes from young people throughout history - make this book not just interesting reading but very personal. Glossary, references and index - an excellent information book.

[RitaSkeeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book about climate change for adolescents or those looking for a clear and easy to read book on the topic. The author has a great way of simplifying information without talking down to her reader. I also enjoyed the way the chapters started with stories of how humans have affected climate for a long time.

[Michael Earp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know All The Things!

The history of climate change in a thoroughly engaging and accessible book for everyone aged 10 to 100. It's really made me think about what I can do as an individual and make some changes myself. After all, the climate is changing, so why can't we?

[Amanda Witt]

A great little book, describing the facts in a way teenagers can understand, by the author of the Dragon keeper series. Contains a timeline and glossary at the back.