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A Hot Mess: How the Climate Crisis Is Changing Our World
We already know what climate change is and many of us understand the human causes. But what will climate change do to our world? Who will be affected ( all of us!) and how will our lives change in the future? Topics include sea levels, extreme weather, drought, animal and plant extinction, and human and animal migration. Drawing on real-life situations and stories, journalist Jeff Fleischer takes an informed, approachable look at how our world will likely change as a result of our actions, including suggestions on what we can still do to slow down these unprecedented effects.
192 pages, Library Binding
Published November 2, 2021
5 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Fleischer
20 books10 followersJeff Fleischer is a non-fiction author, journalist, and short-fiction writer. Originally from Chicago, he has also worked in San Francisco, Australia and New Zealand, and his work has appeared in publications including the Sydney Morning Herald, Mother Jones, Chicago Magazine, Mental_Floss, and dozens of other print and online publications. He has a degree in journalism and history from Indiana University and a master's in journalism from Medill at Northwestern University.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 24, 2021
If I win the lottery, I’m going to use the money to ensure that every English-speaking young person in the world receives a copy of this nonfiction book.
Why? Because despite heaps of books on climate change out there, this is one of the best – and it just happens to be targeted to young adults. (That means many an adult will appreciate the simplicity and engagement, too – will finally “get it.”)
It’s Engaging with a capital E, Readable with a capital R.
What’s a perfect climate-change book? One that smoothly toes the line between dire and chirpy, alarmist and faux-reassuring. One that takes dry science and transforms it into fascinating, clarifying stories, sidebars, graphs and photos. One that is international in scope and – despite focusing on a disconcerting topic – outstandingly easy to understand.
That would be a five-star book, one seemingly delivered not by a droll scientist, but by a popular teacher explaining matters to a rapt class. This journalist-author understands that it’s stories, not stacks of facts, that sway people. A Hot Mess is rich in stories that drive points home in a memorable fashion. All in a non-intimidating, trim 175 pages not counting the source notes, bibliography, “for further information” and index.
There’s a good chance that the tipping point of when climate change can’t be stopped … will only become obvious after the fact. Like an economic recession or the fall of an empire, it’s usually a lot easier to diagnose the point of no return once things have fallen apart than it is beforehand. Even if we pass such a point and it becomes too late to stop a specific climate outcome, we can still stop other [outcomes] and limit the damage. When a fire destroys some houses, the fire department doesn’t just give up and let it burn the others nearby. There’s value in preventing a bad outcome from becoming a worse one, and the same is true for climate change.
There’s a chance here to rise to the occasion. If young people – like many of you reading this – get educated and active, they can literally save the world.
This review also appears at www.YAdudebooks.ca
Why? Because despite heaps of books on climate change out there, this is one of the best – and it just happens to be targeted to young adults. (That means many an adult will appreciate the simplicity and engagement, too – will finally “get it.”)
It’s Engaging with a capital E, Readable with a capital R.
What’s a perfect climate-change book? One that smoothly toes the line between dire and chirpy, alarmist and faux-reassuring. One that takes dry science and transforms it into fascinating, clarifying stories, sidebars, graphs and photos. One that is international in scope and – despite focusing on a disconcerting topic – outstandingly easy to understand.
That would be a five-star book, one seemingly delivered not by a droll scientist, but by a popular teacher explaining matters to a rapt class. This journalist-author understands that it’s stories, not stacks of facts, that sway people. A Hot Mess is rich in stories that drive points home in a memorable fashion. All in a non-intimidating, trim 175 pages not counting the source notes, bibliography, “for further information” and index.
There’s a good chance that the tipping point of when climate change can’t be stopped … will only become obvious after the fact. Like an economic recession or the fall of an empire, it’s usually a lot easier to diagnose the point of no return once things have fallen apart than it is beforehand. Even if we pass such a point and it becomes too late to stop a specific climate outcome, we can still stop other [outcomes] and limit the damage. When a fire destroys some houses, the fire department doesn’t just give up and let it burn the others nearby. There’s value in preventing a bad outcome from becoming a worse one, and the same is true for climate change.
There’s a chance here to rise to the occasion. If young people – like many of you reading this – get educated and active, they can literally save the world.
This review also appears at www.YAdudebooks.ca
October 17, 2022
SO VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING. And HEART BREAKING. Literally and figuratively. This is a critical read. Please read. It's the right amount of science and it an eye-popping examination of how intricately woven our earth's weather systems and creatures are. I know most of us know it. But science denying is big business that has gotten stronger over the past two decades. We are close to the tipping point in so many areas and we have the knowledge and resources to choose to do better. Are the costs of doing the right thing really not superior to destroying animals, plants, ecosystems, 2000 year old civilizations? Changes may not be in YOUR backyard today, but they are precariously closer than any of us want to believe.
- 20 hottest years occurred since 1998. 10 hottest years occurred since 2005. Top 7 hottest years have occurred since 2014."
-"Earth (soil, plants, ocean, animals) absorbs 70% of the heat it gets from the sun and reflects (clouds, snow and ice) 30% back to space, keeping it cool.
- Man-made changes began to exceed what the earth can absorb and reflect starting during the Industrial Revolution (changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation) and the increasing burning of coal, oil, and fossil fuels.
- Changes in the atmosphere are NOT new. Many countries have research going back to 1850's...."
- Chevron, BP, Shell and Koch industries pour money to block initiatives designed to tax polluters - and created groups like Global Clime Coalition and George C Marshall institute to put "uncertainty" to deny scientific predictions
- The majority of independents, republicans and democrats believe we need to do more
- every year heat waves, record rain falls, hurricane and intense weather increases - climate change does not create extreme storms, but increases the intensity and length of time
- two heat waves per summer in 1960's. Six waves since 2010 time fame plus expanded humidity by 47 days which makes it harder for humans to cool off heat and more exhaustion, hear stroke, death
- increased humidity = more rain, more floods, more erosion, wet areas getting wetter
- water covers 71% of earth, oceans are 97% of that. Water, snow, sleet hail storms are getting stronger - only 3% is fresh water
- current weather changes we are seeing would have a one in a million chance of happening without climate change
- pollution disproportionately affects hispanic (63% more) and black communities (56% more) whites (17% less
- Hurricane sandy 2012 battered east coast and flooded streets and beaches in chicago, 800 miles away
- if CA were a country, it would be the the fifth largest economic power - drought fire 800 times larger since 1972 fire in 2018 coast 2% of US GDP ($400 billion)
- Dust storms, desertification Gobi and Mongolian deserts are growing in size dust spreads pesticides fertilizers, dangerous chemicals killing plants, animals, humans
- lost 1/3 of arable land (suitable for farming) Water shortages in Capetown, Australia, Brazil Indonesia, California India
- Deforestation is adding to less water, less rain, more drought more fires
- Ocean levels rising: Many islands are already vulnerable in the pacific, person guy, Bahamas and and east coast of Africa high and low tides are taking huge swings Tuvalu Maldives
- Shrinking ice at both North and South Poles and glaciers in one day in Greenland, it lost 2 billion tons of ice Antarctica 3 trillion, 10 times faster than scientist predictions melting ice equals sea levels rising AND less ice to select sun back.Glacier on Mt Kilimanjaro is 1/5 it size in 1912. Rising seas causes tsunamis, earth quakes, underwater landslides and erupting volcanoes. less water for drinking and watering crops.
- Melting permafrost yields methane gasses-- coastal cities already at risk
- 6th extinction - first five were cycles, sixth is manmade
- habitat destruction extinction species, invasive species, half of all species have had changes in habitats, food supply and population air and water pollution: red tides, amphibians, large animals spoiled waters (Ph levels) coral reef bleaching
- Animals and people and crops are relocating to survive
- 600,000 people die from mosquito diseases and mosquitos tick are thriving and moving in warmer temps
- People are relocating for food and water. 40% of households do not have $400 set aside for emergencies. 1 out of 10 people live on $2/day coffee bean fungus refuges from Central America: guatamal, elsalvador, Hondurans, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, blaze increased North triangle most cancerous for women G and H 60%cantal America 30% below poervery
- By 2050, the World Bank estimates there will be 143 million climate refugees - 3 million will come from the Norther Triangle due to loss of corn, bean, and coffee crops
- Our food supply is affected by all of the climate change effects destructive to crops: extreme rain, storms, coastal flooding desertification and deforestation (Illinois and Indiana corn yields are don 8%)
- It is estimated that the US military alone would rank 47th in annual greenhouse emissions
- Banning CFC's reduced the ozone hole over Antarctica - still exposes New Zealand and Australia where skin cancer risk continues to be higher
350.org
https://ucsusa.org/resources/killer-h...
https://coast.noaa.gov
https://www.audubon.org/climate/survi...
Governments, companies and individuals need to work together to take care of Mother Earth.
- 20 hottest years occurred since 1998. 10 hottest years occurred since 2005. Top 7 hottest years have occurred since 2014."
-"Earth (soil, plants, ocean, animals) absorbs 70% of the heat it gets from the sun and reflects (clouds, snow and ice) 30% back to space, keeping it cool.
- Man-made changes began to exceed what the earth can absorb and reflect starting during the Industrial Revolution (changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation) and the increasing burning of coal, oil, and fossil fuels.
- Changes in the atmosphere are NOT new. Many countries have research going back to 1850's...."
- Chevron, BP, Shell and Koch industries pour money to block initiatives designed to tax polluters - and created groups like Global Clime Coalition and George C Marshall institute to put "uncertainty" to deny scientific predictions
- The majority of independents, republicans and democrats believe we need to do more
- every year heat waves, record rain falls, hurricane and intense weather increases - climate change does not create extreme storms, but increases the intensity and length of time
- two heat waves per summer in 1960's. Six waves since 2010 time fame plus expanded humidity by 47 days which makes it harder for humans to cool off heat and more exhaustion, hear stroke, death
- increased humidity = more rain, more floods, more erosion, wet areas getting wetter
- water covers 71% of earth, oceans are 97% of that. Water, snow, sleet hail storms are getting stronger - only 3% is fresh water
- current weather changes we are seeing would have a one in a million chance of happening without climate change
- pollution disproportionately affects hispanic (63% more) and black communities (56% more) whites (17% less
- Hurricane sandy 2012 battered east coast and flooded streets and beaches in chicago, 800 miles away
- if CA were a country, it would be the the fifth largest economic power - drought fire 800 times larger since 1972 fire in 2018 coast 2% of US GDP ($400 billion)
- Dust storms, desertification Gobi and Mongolian deserts are growing in size dust spreads pesticides fertilizers, dangerous chemicals killing plants, animals, humans
- lost 1/3 of arable land (suitable for farming) Water shortages in Capetown, Australia, Brazil Indonesia, California India
- Deforestation is adding to less water, less rain, more drought more fires
- Ocean levels rising: Many islands are already vulnerable in the pacific, person guy, Bahamas and and east coast of Africa high and low tides are taking huge swings Tuvalu Maldives
- Shrinking ice at both North and South Poles and glaciers in one day in Greenland, it lost 2 billion tons of ice Antarctica 3 trillion, 10 times faster than scientist predictions melting ice equals sea levels rising AND less ice to select sun back.Glacier on Mt Kilimanjaro is 1/5 it size in 1912. Rising seas causes tsunamis, earth quakes, underwater landslides and erupting volcanoes. less water for drinking and watering crops.
- Melting permafrost yields methane gasses-- coastal cities already at risk
- 6th extinction - first five were cycles, sixth is manmade
- habitat destruction extinction species, invasive species, half of all species have had changes in habitats, food supply and population air and water pollution: red tides, amphibians, large animals spoiled waters (Ph levels) coral reef bleaching
- Animals and people and crops are relocating to survive
- 600,000 people die from mosquito diseases and mosquitos tick are thriving and moving in warmer temps
- People are relocating for food and water. 40% of households do not have $400 set aside for emergencies. 1 out of 10 people live on $2/day coffee bean fungus refuges from Central America: guatamal, elsalvador, Hondurans, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, blaze increased North triangle most cancerous for women G and H 60%cantal America 30% below poervery
- By 2050, the World Bank estimates there will be 143 million climate refugees - 3 million will come from the Norther Triangle due to loss of corn, bean, and coffee crops
- Our food supply is affected by all of the climate change effects destructive to crops: extreme rain, storms, coastal flooding desertification and deforestation (Illinois and Indiana corn yields are don 8%)
- It is estimated that the US military alone would rank 47th in annual greenhouse emissions
- Banning CFC's reduced the ozone hole over Antarctica - still exposes New Zealand and Australia where skin cancer risk continues to be higher
350.org
https://ucsusa.org/resources/killer-h...
https://coast.noaa.gov
https://www.audubon.org/climate/survi...
Governments, companies and individuals need to work together to take care of Mother Earth.
November 10, 2021
We all have to come to terms with the way the world is changing.
Extremely easy to read and understand, A Hot Mess discusses the difference between weather and climate, the changes the earth is already experiencing, and how the changes affect everything in a domino effect.
This is one of the best books I've read concerning climate change because it is so clearly written and documented about the very things we have witnessed over the years, though some of it may have escaped our notice at the time. The extreme weather events--hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires--are unavoidable results of a changing climate that we can't ignore. Everything is connected. The loss of insect species and amphibians eventually disturb the food chain and those changes in the food chain reach, gradually, but inevitably, all the way up to humans.
Fleischer details how all of these events are connected and how the droughts, floods, and rising sea waters impact first one species and/or landscape, then another, and continue to move up the chain. Much of it is common sense, but for some reason, many would rather avoid looking to the future and the way these changes are going to alter the way we live and the effects it will have on our children and grandchildren. The scientists have known for years, have warned of the consequences, have been ignored.
A Hot Mess should be required reading for all politicians, from mayors to senators, and for all of the young people who will be most at risk. While the book also gives ways that anyone can make choices that are helpful, it is the responsibility of governments and big business to make the adjustments and adaptations that will make the biggest differences.
COP26 makes it clear that even the governments that realize the danger are still unable or unwilling to make the hard decisions that will be necessary.
If more people come to believe what science has been saying for decades, they can influence the outcome by making their opinions known. How many devastating hurricanes and fires and coasts lost to rising sea levels will we need to endure before that happens?
A Hot Mess is fascinating reading and written for for teens and young adults, but one of the most concise and readable books I've read on the topic.
Highly Recommended. If you are participating in Nonfiction November, give this one a try.
NetGalley/Lerner Pub. Group/Zest Books
Nonfiction/Climate. Aug. 1, 2021. Print length: 192 pages.
Extremely easy to read and understand, A Hot Mess discusses the difference between weather and climate, the changes the earth is already experiencing, and how the changes affect everything in a domino effect.
This is one of the best books I've read concerning climate change because it is so clearly written and documented about the very things we have witnessed over the years, though some of it may have escaped our notice at the time. The extreme weather events--hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires--are unavoidable results of a changing climate that we can't ignore. Everything is connected. The loss of insect species and amphibians eventually disturb the food chain and those changes in the food chain reach, gradually, but inevitably, all the way up to humans.
Fleischer details how all of these events are connected and how the droughts, floods, and rising sea waters impact first one species and/or landscape, then another, and continue to move up the chain. Much of it is common sense, but for some reason, many would rather avoid looking to the future and the way these changes are going to alter the way we live and the effects it will have on our children and grandchildren. The scientists have known for years, have warned of the consequences, have been ignored.
A Hot Mess should be required reading for all politicians, from mayors to senators, and for all of the young people who will be most at risk. While the book also gives ways that anyone can make choices that are helpful, it is the responsibility of governments and big business to make the adjustments and adaptations that will make the biggest differences.
COP26 makes it clear that even the governments that realize the danger are still unable or unwilling to make the hard decisions that will be necessary.
If more people come to believe what science has been saying for decades, they can influence the outcome by making their opinions known. How many devastating hurricanes and fires and coasts lost to rising sea levels will we need to endure before that happens?
A Hot Mess is fascinating reading and written for for teens and young adults, but one of the most concise and readable books I've read on the topic.
Highly Recommended. If you are participating in Nonfiction November, give this one a try.
NetGalley/Lerner Pub. Group/Zest Books
Nonfiction/Climate. Aug. 1, 2021. Print length: 192 pages.
July 9, 2022
Yes this book is great, super informative & well thought out. The way this book has its chapters broken down & explains things in a way that simply makes sense. I have been an environmentalist for decades & am still learning things such as what the author has written in this book. The author covers everything from the oceans to the atmosphere, plus flora & fauna. It's unfortunate to see the before & after pictures of various parts of the world that used to have snow or water but no longer do which is simply shameful. How this affects everything else on the planet is what most people don't understand. This has caused not just strife in certain countries, but actual wars, which has then created people to have to leave their homes & create a whole migration situation. The lack of food that this creates due to soil erosion, blistering heat killing crops & animals, etc. is awful. The fact there are more storms & natural disasters like floods, fires, earthquakes (due to fracking), etc. is catastrophic. There is probably so much more that could be written, like a whole other book cause he does a great job at going through the various issues in this world that we are all accountable for.
It's easy enough to understand & will hopefully get people to wake up & take action.
It's easy enough to understand & will hopefully get people to wake up & take action.
May 28, 2024
Jeff Fleischer's book "A Hot Mess" talks about the many sides of climate change, like its science, politics, and economics. The author explains basic ideas such as the greenhouse effect and how humans impact the environment, asking important questions about what we are doing to solve the problem. The book shows how land use changes due to environmental damage and changing needs, using real-life examples like international agreements and the shift to renewable energy. Fleischer discusses the need to balance development and preserving nature, highlighting sustainable practices and the long-term benefits of protecting natural landscapes. He looks at the political and economic sides of climate change, comparing the costs of doing nothing with the benefits of investing in sustainability. The author also responds to climate change skeptics with strong arguments and keeps a hopeful tone, encouraging collective action, activism, and policy support. "A Hot Mess" is a clear and informative book that makes climate change easy to understand. Fleischer's explanations and fair viewpoint help readers get involved in climate solutions, making it a must-read for anyone wanting to understand and tackle the crisis.
December 10, 2025
eff Fleischer delivers a clear, compelling, and deeply accessible exploration of how the climate crisis is reshaping life on Earth. Instead of re explaining what climate change is, the book focuses on the real, tangible consequences rising sea levels, intensifying extreme weather, drought, species extinction, and global migration patterns that will affect every one of us.
Fleischer blends journalistic storytelling with scientific clarity, using real life stories and grounded examples to help readers understand what our future may look like if current trends continue. The tone is informative but never overwhelming, making complex issues engaging and digestible for younger readers, educators, and adults seeking an approachable guide.
What sets A Hot Mess apart is its balance between alarming realities and constructive thinking. Fleischer doesn’t just describe the climate crisis he also highlights what can still be done, empowering readers with a sense of agency rather than despair. Insightful, timely, and essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the world we’re rapidly moving toward.
Fleischer blends journalistic storytelling with scientific clarity, using real life stories and grounded examples to help readers understand what our future may look like if current trends continue. The tone is informative but never overwhelming, making complex issues engaging and digestible for younger readers, educators, and adults seeking an approachable guide.
What sets A Hot Mess apart is its balance between alarming realities and constructive thinking. Fleischer doesn’t just describe the climate crisis he also highlights what can still be done, empowering readers with a sense of agency rather than despair. Insightful, timely, and essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the world we’re rapidly moving toward.
March 24, 2022
It's a trick of good journalism to explain how an issue directly affects the reader.
This author must draw generously from his journalistic background as he breaks down in an engaging and accessible way how climate change affects everyone. It elucidates the science so it's easy to understand, while explaining in depth and rich detail the ecological, economic and societal impacts. It delves deep into the nitty-gritty.
The depth of the scientific research is readily apparent. The author brings the receipts with stats, graphics, charts, maps and countless other supplementary materials. It's a substantial achievement that outlines the magnitude of the problem and lays out potential solutions. It's a powerful book and a call to action for anyone concerned about the future.
This author must draw generously from his journalistic background as he breaks down in an engaging and accessible way how climate change affects everyone. It elucidates the science so it's easy to understand, while explaining in depth and rich detail the ecological, economic and societal impacts. It delves deep into the nitty-gritty.
The depth of the scientific research is readily apparent. The author brings the receipts with stats, graphics, charts, maps and countless other supplementary materials. It's a substantial achievement that outlines the magnitude of the problem and lays out potential solutions. It's a powerful book and a call to action for anyone concerned about the future.
November 7, 2024
This ebook gets 5 stars for being short, clear, and comprehensive. It’s an easy read that covers every important topic, including the climate contributions of the meat and dairy industry which are often overlooked in other books. The simple language seems to be directed toward young people, perhaps as young as sixth grade, but it is also a good book for adults.
I’ve read many books on climate change but most are focused on certain topics such as sea rise. This book covers every topic succinctly, without any forays into personal stories.
There are some excellent reviews, including by Pam Withers and Debbie Sue.
Recommended!
I’ve read many books on climate change but most are focused on certain topics such as sea rise. This book covers every topic succinctly, without any forays into personal stories.
There are some excellent reviews, including by Pam Withers and Debbie Sue.
Recommended!
September 30, 2025
Really good book on the effects of climate change.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews