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The Atlas of a Changing Climate
Climate change, shrinking wildlife habits, rising sea levels, and vanishing species. These are big ideas that deserve a proper exploration, and it’s just the type of revealing journey readers will experience in The Living Atlas. This design-forward book pairs lucid, engaging text with maps and infographics that make complex ecological information not only comprehensible but compelling. Driven by a variety of datasets, the graphics will illustrate multifaceted ecological change with clarity and aesthetic appeal in equal measure.
Nature itself charts the course, with chapters devoted to atmosphere, water, land, wildlife, and uban ecology. The Living Atlas tells a larger story about what drives environmental changes, outlining the historical developments behind each topic, while detailing their current state and possible future. This journey will empower readers with the knowledge and perspective necessary to act as environmental stewards in their everyday lives.
Nature itself charts the course, with chapters devoted to atmosphere, water, land, wildlife, and uban ecology. The Living Atlas tells a larger story about what drives environmental changes, outlining the historical developments behind each topic, while detailing their current state and possible future. This journey will empower readers with the knowledge and perspective necessary to act as environmental stewards in their everyday lives.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 18, 2021
2.5 ☆ rounded up
In The Atlas of a Changing Climate, Buma provided a broad-based overview of earth's systems in order to give proper context to the urgency of climate change.
This book is arranged in 5 chapters: Atmosphere, Water, Land, Cities, and Life. The first chapter especially pointed out the fallacy that the climate change issue should only be viewed from a localized stance. Because of thermal currents affected by the massive bodies of water on our planet, all of humanity is affected by earth's atmosphere, which is the closed system in which we inhabit. It is why everyone should be concerned about the massive surge, primarily propelled by human activity, in carbon dioxide levels -- from 313 ppm (parts per million) in March 1958 to 419 ppm in April 2021. (Scientists regard 350 ppm as the "safe level"). By the final chapter, Buma summarized the impact of climate change on life.
As the title indicated, this is a book rich in visual accompaniment. Both the narrative and the visuals more often than not depicted an American perspective; but the title had led me to expect a more global overview. When Buma highlighted an area, all but one or two were from the US. The author provided a history lesson in the earlier chapters and these decades-old graphics were hard to view in my digital arc. The older images had not been made with the highest resolution so they just looked blurry when I tried to enlarge them in examination. Given that the title also mentioned "changing," I expected more visuals to be presented at different points in time to document the alteration; that wasn't the case. Sometimes the placement of the graphics interrupted the narrative in the text and not always in a complementary fashion. Otherwise, the vast majority of graphics were interesting.
Buma is a professor in the Dept. of Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado at Denver. I was surprised by his academic focus because this book seemed more about earth sciences than about life. I've read a handful of books about climate change and the information here was educational, albeit very generalized. However, the tone of the writing didn't always work for me, and I suspect that it was so the book wouldn't read like a dry textbook. Nevertheless, the tone was sometimes a tad condescending or intrusive with personal interjection (from his time in that particular place). Alternatively, the author's tone was also occasionally filled with wonder at the reality of our earth.
Thank you to Timber Press and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 978-1-60469-994-4) and may differ from the published version (which looks like it might carry a different and more accurate title - The Living Atlas: A Visual Tour of North America’s Changing Nature—Through Maps, Charts, Infographics, and More). Publication date is November 9, 2021.
... averages mask the heterogenous reality of the natural world; thinking about averages is both wrong in scale and scope.
In The Atlas of a Changing Climate, Buma provided a broad-based overview of earth's systems in order to give proper context to the urgency of climate change.
You and I both have a fundamental challenge in understanding the natural world: scale.
We humans average a little less than 6 feet tall and can see about 3 miles on clear days from a level spot, which corresponds to seeing an area of about 30 square miles if you slowly pivot and look in all directions.
The world is 24,901 miles around the equator and about 197,000,000 square miles in area. That is a difference in scale of around 8,000 times in terms of circumference and 6.5 million times in terms of area.
It is hard to overstate the difficulties this scale mismatch causes in understanding the world and global climate change; it is a scale wholly disconnected from our individual lives.
This book is arranged in 5 chapters: Atmosphere, Water, Land, Cities, and Life. The first chapter especially pointed out the fallacy that the climate change issue should only be viewed from a localized stance. Because of thermal currents affected by the massive bodies of water on our planet, all of humanity is affected by earth's atmosphere, which is the closed system in which we inhabit. It is why everyone should be concerned about the massive surge, primarily propelled by human activity, in carbon dioxide levels -- from 313 ppm (parts per million) in March 1958 to 419 ppm in April 2021. (Scientists regard 350 ppm as the "safe level"). By the final chapter, Buma summarized the impact of climate change on life.
Life only has stark choices when it comes to a climate leaving them by the wayside: migrate, adapt, or die.
As the title indicated, this is a book rich in visual accompaniment. Both the narrative and the visuals more often than not depicted an American perspective; but the title had led me to expect a more global overview. When Buma highlighted an area, all but one or two were from the US. The author provided a history lesson in the earlier chapters and these decades-old graphics were hard to view in my digital arc. The older images had not been made with the highest resolution so they just looked blurry when I tried to enlarge them in examination. Given that the title also mentioned "changing," I expected more visuals to be presented at different points in time to document the alteration; that wasn't the case. Sometimes the placement of the graphics interrupted the narrative in the text and not always in a complementary fashion. Otherwise, the vast majority of graphics were interesting.
Buma is a professor in the Dept. of Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado at Denver. I was surprised by his academic focus because this book seemed more about earth sciences than about life. I've read a handful of books about climate change and the information here was educational, albeit very generalized. However, the tone of the writing didn't always work for me, and I suspect that it was so the book wouldn't read like a dry textbook. Nevertheless, the tone was sometimes a tad condescending or intrusive with personal interjection (from his time in that particular place). Alternatively, the author's tone was also occasionally filled with wonder at the reality of our earth.
Thank you to Timber Press and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 978-1-60469-994-4) and may differ from the published version (which looks like it might carry a different and more accurate title - The Living Atlas: A Visual Tour of North America’s Changing Nature—Through Maps, Charts, Infographics, and More). Publication date is November 9, 2021.
December 1, 2021
A simplistic writing and an educational tone, along with data charts, geographical maps, and engaging tales, creates an easy-to-understand and commendably comprehensible introduction to the changing climate. From the urban landscape to the historical outlines, this illustrated guide successfully puts across the concerning impact of climate tensions on the various facets of our biosphere.
A captivating and factual resource that easily comprise the various aspects and effects of a problem that should and does inevitably bring us together to save something we can all call 'home'. Though, one would quickly realise that the book is largely garnered towards a Western audience from the lack of enough focus on the Eastern or other overlooked regions of this planet.
A captivating and factual resource that easily comprise the various aspects and effects of a problem that should and does inevitably bring us together to save something we can all call 'home'. Though, one would quickly realise that the book is largely garnered towards a Western audience from the lack of enough focus on the Eastern or other overlooked regions of this planet.
↣ an early digital copy received via netgalley.
October 21, 2021
This is an excellent set of visualisations of the spread of climate change. Whether an ominous Hurricane Sandy approaching shore, or receding glacier in Alaska, there are plenty of large visual cues to turbulence and temperature rise. We also see riverbeds mapped with lidar or aerial photography, indicating the many meanders over the centuries. And a span of lights at night indicating cities, mainly along coastlines.
With packs of data behind each colourful map or graphic, from wind power to ocean currents, or beetle attack on trees, this will be a valuable resource for anyone wishing to understand these topics and the challenges we face. I believe the science material is too complex for primary school, but the graphs could be understood on their face by young readers. However, the ideal reader seems to be one with a grasp of the issues. Many of the locations relate to North America.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
With packs of data behind each colourful map or graphic, from wind power to ocean currents, or beetle attack on trees, this will be a valuable resource for anyone wishing to understand these topics and the challenges we face. I believe the science material is too complex for primary school, but the graphs could be understood on their face by young readers. However, the ideal reader seems to be one with a grasp of the issues. Many of the locations relate to North America.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
June 14, 2022
The many beautiful maps and images underpin this high-quality coffee table book. Most of them you will never seen before, and some of the older ones seem quite rare. I feel mini were picked for their uniqueness or aesthetic, and that the story was maybe developed afterwards.
Most of these stories are interesting, and many are relevant climate. However this is not a summary of the most significant stories of the climate crisis.. rather they are explanations of the impressive images.
the rainfall forecast change map on p172 was my single favorite.. It is terrifying how much specific local regional rainfall will change, both increasing and decreasing,… The impact of the variability on agriculture will be massive. Central india models a 50% increase, while Pakistan suffers a 50% decrease (and the highest temps).
The pg 199 map of urbanization by century is probably familiar to most, but still stunning in the speed of the change, especially the speed of asia urbanization within our own lifetime.
Most of these stories are interesting, and many are relevant climate. However this is not a summary of the most significant stories of the climate crisis.. rather they are explanations of the impressive images.
the rainfall forecast change map on p172 was my single favorite.. It is terrifying how much specific local regional rainfall will change, both increasing and decreasing,… The impact of the variability on agriculture will be massive. Central india models a 50% increase, while Pakistan suffers a 50% decrease (and the highest temps).
The pg 199 map of urbanization by century is probably familiar to most, but still stunning in the speed of the change, especially the speed of asia urbanization within our own lifetime.
March 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This read was definitely out of my usual areas of interest. I still found it to be an ok read and learned a bunch of things, but I definitely was not the target audience. Buma was very good at simplifying complex ecological mechanisms/phenomena in a few lines, but overall it still felt like a textbook...
Moreover, most of the author's data, maps, and examples provided were all about the United States, while the title suggested more of a global view/approach to climate change. Although I can understand that Buma's laboratory is located in the US and he probably collected most of his data on US environments, but I guess I was expecting something more given the title of the book.
One big selling point of this book was the hundreds of beautiful diagrams, infographics, maps, and illustrations it contained. However, the formatting was kind of bad. The illustrations were not complementary to the reading but rather disrupted the rhythm. Many times, a sentence was cut in the middle by a whole page of diagram that had no complementary use to the current paragraph. After reading the diagram, I have long forgotten what the first half of the sentence was.
This read was definitely out of my usual areas of interest. I still found it to be an ok read and learned a bunch of things, but I definitely was not the target audience. Buma was very good at simplifying complex ecological mechanisms/phenomena in a few lines, but overall it still felt like a textbook...
Moreover, most of the author's data, maps, and examples provided were all about the United States, while the title suggested more of a global view/approach to climate change. Although I can understand that Buma's laboratory is located in the US and he probably collected most of his data on US environments, but I guess I was expecting something more given the title of the book.
One big selling point of this book was the hundreds of beautiful diagrams, infographics, maps, and illustrations it contained. However, the formatting was kind of bad. The illustrations were not complementary to the reading but rather disrupted the rhythm. Many times, a sentence was cut in the middle by a whole page of diagram that had no complementary use to the current paragraph. After reading the diagram, I have long forgotten what the first half of the sentence was.
February 20, 2022
This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting judging by the cover and publisher (National Geographic). I expected a light overview of climate change information that would be delivered primarily via graphics. In actuality, it is a text-heavy lesson augmented with graphics and it is excellent.
The author tackles an extremely complex topic with writing that is accessible to the non-scientist and the graphics help support the text. It is not a light read and is best read in “sips” rather than “gulps” to fully absorb the material.
Don’t judge this one by the cover, the title and cover art do not prepare you for the content. My hope is that readers will pick it up expecting something light, but will be absorbed by the text and will find themselves better-educated for the experience.
4.5 stars Thank you to NetGalley and National Geographic and Timber Press for the eARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
The author tackles an extremely complex topic with writing that is accessible to the non-scientist and the graphics help support the text. It is not a light read and is best read in “sips” rather than “gulps” to fully absorb the material.
Don’t judge this one by the cover, the title and cover art do not prepare you for the content. My hope is that readers will pick it up expecting something light, but will be absorbed by the text and will find themselves better-educated for the experience.
4.5 stars Thank you to NetGalley and National Geographic and Timber Press for the eARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 30, 2022
Fascinating overview of the natural world which spans the globe. Pictures and charts emphasize the connectedness of nature and climate and living creatures, illustrating the numbers and measurements so we can understand in a more visual way. The author presents a global view along with examples of how specific areas have been affected by environmental changes, explaining how the different forces of nature work. I think it's amazing how scientists from over a hundred years ago were already studying the earth and environment, measuring and collecting data which we can now measure in even more detail with today's technology and compare. This shows the human impact on the world's environment in so many ways and how our actions have drastically affected the natural timeline, making it hard for many plants and animals to survive the dramatic climatic changes.
Atmosphere, water, land, cities, and life - this is your all-in-one look at the planet and it's changing climate.
Atmosphere, water, land, cities, and life - this is your all-in-one look at the planet and it's changing climate.
January 25, 2022
I received a free eARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a timely illustrated guide to climate change - its causes, its development, and its impact. It looks at changes in the hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and the urban environment, and why these are concerning.
There is quite a lot of information to absorb, so I had to read this in small bursts, but there are plenty of gorgeous illustrations and maps to peruse. This isn't a children's book, so that's something to be aware of when purchasing it (although older children with an interest might enjoy it.) It is written in a very straightforward and easy to understand manner, and all the information is presented beautifully.
Would recommend for people interested in climate change, earth science, and life sciences more broadly.
This is a timely illustrated guide to climate change - its causes, its development, and its impact. It looks at changes in the hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and the urban environment, and why these are concerning.
There is quite a lot of information to absorb, so I had to read this in small bursts, but there are plenty of gorgeous illustrations and maps to peruse. This isn't a children's book, so that's something to be aware of when purchasing it (although older children with an interest might enjoy it.) It is written in a very straightforward and easy to understand manner, and all the information is presented beautifully.
Would recommend for people interested in climate change, earth science, and life sciences more broadly.
November 25, 2021
This timely, illustrated guide to climate change highlights causes for concerns in changes that impact the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, urban environment, and biosphere. Author Brian Buma succinctly covers this global problem with case studies, historical data, and clear diagrams. A fantastic read and fabulous resource for a lay person to get a general understanding of climate change. I plan to add this to my classroom and school library.
January 23, 2022
Really interesting book packed full of information about the world, climate, and the incredible biodiversity of this planet. That being said, I wish there were more photos/charts/maps/inforgraphics and less words so it would feel more like a true atlas and coffee table book and less like a textbook.
March 25, 2023
Started reading this in conjunction with reading “The Great Warming” by Brian Fagin. Then it sat as other books took priority. Finally finished as it was so overdue that the library charged account for lost book.
The visual representation of climate change over time simplified the scientific explanations, which heavily relied on an strong understanding of weather phenomena.
The visual representation of climate change over time simplified the scientific explanations, which heavily relied on an strong understanding of weather phenomena.
August 30, 2023
Solid overview of what anthropogenic climate change is doing to the planet, at both planetary and smaller scales. Coupled with this is other information about how climate, and related sciences such as earth sciences, operate in general.
July 1, 2022
Wow, this is a joy to read. Every bit of statistics you could imagine in a map-filled extravaganza. Highly recommended!
December 28, 2022
Just an awesome book backed by research, maps, diagrams, plots and paths. A must read to understand truly our environmental crisis of the moment.
November 7, 2021
Beautiful illustrated explanation of climate change in our day — the basics, but with examples that feel fresh and tangible, not just abstract. I said more on Medium. I received a free advance copy from Netgalley.
October 5, 2021
For most people, climate change is an abstract concept. Hence, not many have a solid grasp of what climate change is and how it impacts our home planet. With its numerous maps and graphs, The Atlas of a Changing Climate by Brian Buma makes climate change easier to understand. In other words, this book presents the conceptual knowledge along with visuals so that the reader not only reads about the subject but also sees the associated changes.
The writing style is accessible, with a tone similar to what one finds in National Geographic articles. The author organized the book by Earth systems, such as atmosphere, water, land, etc. Each chapter is packed with clear and factual information and captivating images. This book would be a great addition to any library.
Thanks to Netgalley and Timber Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style is accessible, with a tone similar to what one finds in National Geographic articles. The author organized the book by Earth systems, such as atmosphere, water, land, etc. Each chapter is packed with clear and factual information and captivating images. This book would be a great addition to any library.
Thanks to Netgalley and Timber Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
A thoroughly approachable introduction to the changing climate on Earth.
Brian Buma breaks down the climate into sections (ex: Wetlands, Mountains, Grasslands, Cities), and expounds on each topic with maps, charts, and engaging stories. This is a hefty book but the fantastic images and historical data ensure that you don't get bored. The engaging text utilizes historical data from around the world. This book feels targeted towards a North American audience as many of the images and illustrations focus on that region.
It's difficult to approach the topic of climate change without feeling overwhelmed or filled with despair. This book succeeds by breaking down the topic into manageable chunks and by placing humans within the myriad of systems that support life on Earth.
This would be a great addition to adult or YA nonfiction shelves or a helpful if lengthy introduction to climate change for anyone interested in the subject.
I received a free review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Brian Buma breaks down the climate into sections (ex: Wetlands, Mountains, Grasslands, Cities), and expounds on each topic with maps, charts, and engaging stories. This is a hefty book but the fantastic images and historical data ensure that you don't get bored. The engaging text utilizes historical data from around the world. This book feels targeted towards a North American audience as many of the images and illustrations focus on that region.
It's difficult to approach the topic of climate change without feeling overwhelmed or filled with despair. This book succeeds by breaking down the topic into manageable chunks and by placing humans within the myriad of systems that support life on Earth.
This would be a great addition to adult or YA nonfiction shelves or a helpful if lengthy introduction to climate change for anyone interested in the subject.
I received a free review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2021
The Atlas of a Changing Climate is a much more accessible read on how the world is changing than I've seen so far. Brian Buma takes you through the changes in a few different settings: the atmosphere, water, land, cities, and basic life. Each section has plenty of charts, graphs, and maps that show the changes over the years. The whole book reads like an article in National Geographic, which I loved. It stays engaging and doesn't feel long and tedious, as some scientific readings can be. The book went by a lot faster than I expected. The images throughout the book helped give a little more clarity and perspective on the stories they went with-something that is super necessary when reading about things that are hard to understand at first! If you enjoy Nat Geo and/or want to learn more about climate change, this would be a great book to pick up.
Thanks to Netgalley and Timber Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley and Timber Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 28, 2022
This wasn’t quite what I was expecting. While it’s chock-full of great information about climate change, I was expecting something a little more child friendly because of the cover and this was very text heavy.
I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews