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Dr Karl's Little Book of Climate Change Science
Australia's favourite science guru explains the facts about climate change -- and how we can fix it
How do Greenhouse Gas molecules shimmy and shake to trap 400,000 Hiroshima atom bombs' worth of the Sun's heat each day?
Who did the early research into Climate Change and then spent billions trying to cover it up?
What's the Hockey Stick Graph and why is it so important?
How did Climate Change tip the Earth off its axis?
Why was Sydney the hottest place on Earth on 4 January 2020?
How can we move to zero and even negative emissions?
How can kelp help?
When it comes to long-haul transport, why is hydrogen the way to go?
And much more!
Now, in this never dull, easy-to-understand guide Dr Karl explains the science of climate change and how we can fix it. (We can!)
How do Greenhouse Gas molecules shimmy and shake to trap 400,000 Hiroshima atom bombs' worth of the Sun's heat each day?
Who did the early research into Climate Change and then spent billions trying to cover it up?
What's the Hockey Stick Graph and why is it so important?
How did Climate Change tip the Earth off its axis?
Why was Sydney the hottest place on Earth on 4 January 2020?
How can we move to zero and even negative emissions?
How can kelp help?
When it comes to long-haul transport, why is hydrogen the way to go?
And much more!
Now, in this never dull, easy-to-understand guide Dr Karl explains the science of climate change and how we can fix it. (We can!)
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2021
About the author
Karl Kruszelnicki
54 books178 followersKnown popularly as Dr Karl.
Karl has degrees in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-maker, car mechanic, labourer, and as a medical doctor at the Kids' Hospital in Sydney.
In 1995 he took up the position of the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, spreading the good word about science and its benefits.
His enthusiasm for science is totally infectious and no one is better able to convey the excitement and wonder of it all than Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is.
Dr Karl's Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) site:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/
http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/conten...
Karl has degrees in Physics and Maths, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Surgery and has worked as a physicist, tutor, film-maker, car mechanic, labourer, and as a medical doctor at the Kids' Hospital in Sydney.
In 1995 he took up the position of the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, spreading the good word about science and its benefits.
His enthusiasm for science is totally infectious and no one is better able to convey the excitement and wonder of it all than Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is.
Dr Karl's Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) site:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/
http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/conten...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 27, 2022
If only every single politician would read this book and heed its words. It’s a “little book” that has all the answers for big change!
August 18, 2021
Super informative and easy to understand. Dr Karl’s ‘voice’ as an author makes it very fun to read. I hope the world takes heed of all the knowledge available to us before it’s too late.
September 6, 2022
Very informative little book. Love Dr Karl 😁
March 22, 2021
This book is a must read for ... well, everyone. Even those who are sick of hearing about Climate Change, or those who feel utterly depressed by it. Even those who think its all a hoax need to read this, as surely Dr Karl's encouraging, enthusiastic tone will help them see the validity of the science and solutions he offers to fix it.
Even I, who has not learnt any science since year 8 (unless you count a rather enthusiastic ex-boyfriend who liked to watch sciency YouTube videos and discuss the mechanics of Quantum Microscopy while I slowly drifted to sleep) could understand the research and data Dr Karl uses in his arguments. And if I can, then surely the dunderheaded politicians who keep us in our current state of climate catastrophe can too- and maybe then we can fix this mess!
The overall message is clear- Climate Change is fixable, its not a train on fixed tracks rushing forward to disaster. Its a few industries, and the science and technology already exists to limit their carbon emissions. All that is lacking is the political will to change.
Even I, who has not learnt any science since year 8 (unless you count a rather enthusiastic ex-boyfriend who liked to watch sciency YouTube videos and discuss the mechanics of Quantum Microscopy while I slowly drifted to sleep) could understand the research and data Dr Karl uses in his arguments. And if I can, then surely the dunderheaded politicians who keep us in our current state of climate catastrophe can too- and maybe then we can fix this mess!
The overall message is clear- Climate Change is fixable, its not a train on fixed tracks rushing forward to disaster. Its a few industries, and the science and technology already exists to limit their carbon emissions. All that is lacking is the political will to change.
July 12, 2021
A quick read that should be compulsory for every politician and business leader in Australia and around the world. Individuals can install solar, have fewer kids, eat more plants, drive and fly less, and use less concrete. But research, systems and regulations are really needed to move to zero emissions in energy, construction and transport. These things could all be done pretty quickly if corporations would spend the time and money on development, and if governments would outlaw bad practices like they did with CFCs. Instead we have Scott Morrison bringing coal into parliament and singing its praises. Sigh.
December 12, 2024
If I want to learn something about a topic (e.g; Inuit peoples, a geographical area, outer space), I often turn to kids' books. Why? I find they have just the right amount of information to sate my curiosity without bamboozling me with facts.
Although this book isn't explicitly aimed at children, it too had just the right of information - along with large print and helpful illustrations - about climate change (or, let's not be euphemistic here, about global warming). It was informative, comprehensive and solution-focused. I came away with a sense of urgency and agency as opposed to overwhelm and gloom. Recommended!
Although this book isn't explicitly aimed at children, it too had just the right of information - along with large print and helpful illustrations - about climate change (or, let's not be euphemistic here, about global warming). It was informative, comprehensive and solution-focused. I came away with a sense of urgency and agency as opposed to overwhelm and gloom. Recommended!
March 24, 2021
This book was created and very informative. I just feel like the fishing industry could of been mentioned and how that affects the world and climate especially after watching seaspiracy after reading this.
April 25, 2021
Everyone should read this
This is an easy read packed with information which I think would be good for all senior students to read.
This is an easy read packed with information which I think would be good for all senior students to read.
August 3, 2021
Fantastic analysis of the facts, including some hope for the future
January 3, 2022
A fantastic, easy to understand explanation of the science behind climate change and the real problems that need to be overcome.
December 26, 2023
Dr Karl is one of my favourite human beings ever and i think i would love reading anything he wrote even like his grocery list that would actually be so interesting. I’m real glad his book was my 50th for the year that’s fun and I also learnt a lot while reading it and I haven’t read anything scientific too much really this year so was nice to get my brain thinking a bit.
January 2, 2024
3.5/5
- interesting and engaging ideas presented
- great cases used (e.g coral bleaching and nihilism of the media)
- would have appreciated more micro actions however reading about macro actions that can be done was really interesting
- kinda just ended
- great audiobook narration!
- interesting and engaging ideas presented
- great cases used (e.g coral bleaching and nihilism of the media)
- would have appreciated more micro actions however reading about macro actions that can be done was really interesting
- kinda just ended
- great audiobook narration!
October 8, 2023
accessible and not too despairing!
April 13, 2021
A very accessible primer to the key factors of climate science, including some of the basic physics and chemistry involved. It certainly won't make you an expert (and isn't intended to), but will enable you to have an idea of the key issues to look into if you'd like to delve further. Naturally everything is kept at a basic, simple level, but as someone who has some higher education in physics, chemistry and basics of atmospheric science, I found it to be reliable, and not so over-simplified that it will leave a reader with a false impression. I think my only real criticism would be of the final chapter where Dr Karl discusses the possible solutions. While the options he discusses are valid and worth considering, I found they come across as more of a silver bullet than they necessarily are. However, I can forgive this as I understand that he's trying to write a book which is optimistic and suggestive of a path forward, rather than attempting to be a detailed policy analysis.
For anyone who would like to go deeper into the science, I'd recommend checking out the edX course "Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact" presented by Professor Michael Mann (who Dr Karl refers to several times in this book). It's free to access all of the content.
For anyone who would like to go deeper into the science, I'd recommend checking out the edX course "Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact" presented by Professor Michael Mann (who Dr Karl refers to several times in this book). It's free to access all of the content.
May 11, 2022
This "Little Book" is packed full of information that is presented in an easy-to-read, fun style. It should be compulsory for every politician to read as it not only analyses the causes, but suggests remedies.
Australia's favourite science guru explains the facts about climate change - and how we can fix it How do Greenhouse Gas molecules shimmy and shake to trap 400,000 Hiroshima atom bombs' worth of the Sun's heat each day? Who did the early research into Climate Change and then spent billions trying to cover it up? What's the Hockey Stick Graph and why is it so important? How did Climate Change tip the Earth off its axis? Why was Sydney the hottest place on Earth on 4 January 2020? How can we move to zero and even negative emissions? How can kelp help? When it comes to long-haul transport, why is hydrogen the way to go? And much more! Now, in this never dull, easy-to-understand guide Dr Karl explains the science of climate change and how we can fix it. (We can!)
Australia's favourite science guru explains the facts about climate change - and how we can fix it How do Greenhouse Gas molecules shimmy and shake to trap 400,000 Hiroshima atom bombs' worth of the Sun's heat each day? Who did the early research into Climate Change and then spent billions trying to cover it up? What's the Hockey Stick Graph and why is it so important? How did Climate Change tip the Earth off its axis? Why was Sydney the hottest place on Earth on 4 January 2020? How can we move to zero and even negative emissions? How can kelp help? When it comes to long-haul transport, why is hydrogen the way to go? And much more! Now, in this never dull, easy-to-understand guide Dr Karl explains the science of climate change and how we can fix it. (We can!)
May 1, 2021
Fantastic book- excellent overview and research into our current climate crisis and most importantly what we can STILL do to turn it around. Facts like we release 9 Hiroshoma bombs worth of emissions into the atmosphere EVERY DAY stay with you. I am so sorry dear earth, that it has come to this. Sometimes, without realising it, my whole life has been lived in a dwindling natural environment. But as someone wise once said- find the helpers- and Dr Karl is definitely a warm and prophetic voice of reason.
April 13, 2022
After reading Greta Thunberg's speeches, I knew I wanted to learn more about climate change, and this book was perfect for that. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki's writing is accessible to a broader audience and had science but wasn't over academic.
I feel like I learned so much from this book, and I 100% recommend reading this if nothing more than getting a better grasp of climate change and climate science.
I feel like I learned so much from this book, and I 100% recommend reading this if nothing more than getting a better grasp of climate change and climate science.
April 29, 2022
An excellent quick read/listen that explains the science of climate change in easy to understand language, and outlines how climate change is affecting everything on the planet: we’re in a big mess! Most important, it tells us how we can fix it. Dr Karl gives solutions to reduce emissions in every sector to zero, if only our governments and major corporations would get on board. It’s a must-read, by EVERYONE, especially our politicians.
April 15, 2021
The book explain the history of climate change, the effects, the causes and the possible solutions.
Is dense of interesting information and written in a simple way, making in accessible to everyone. It also made me interested in Dr Karl and all his funny science.
Is really a good book and deserve more visibility.
Is dense of interesting information and written in a simple way, making in accessible to everyone. It also made me interested in Dr Karl and all his funny science.
Is really a good book and deserve more visibility.
January 17, 2022
Well who doesn’t just love Dr Karl.
A fabulous book for each and every and any level of knowledge around climate change. Even the most expert science nerd could benefit from a crash course in conveying facts clearly to the man on the street.
I would urge everyone to read/listen to this little book
A fabulous book for each and every and any level of knowledge around climate change. Even the most expert science nerd could benefit from a crash course in conveying facts clearly to the man on the street.
I would urge everyone to read/listen to this little book
September 13, 2021
An outstanding book on the science of climate change. Dr Karl explains in easy to understand language the complex nature of climate change science and why we need to address these issues now. Highly recommended book.
November 7, 2021
I'd been meaning to understand climate science better and didn't know where to start. This book was brilliant. Really simplifies everything. I would recommend it to anyone and I'll be loaning to friends and family if they're interested.
June 29, 2022
I liked that Dr Karl skipped over the basic information that other climate books insist on including and goes straight to covering the next level of what to do rather than what caused it. Highly recommend.
June 29, 2021
Very powerful, simple and straightforward. I have been quoting this book to everyone I meet.
December 26, 2021
Arguably the best and most convincing book on climate change written in layperson's language. Should be compulsory reading among our politicians.
January 6, 2022
A short and sweet book on climate change. Equally entertaining and informative. Love Dr. Karl!
January 16, 2022
Good good.
April 9, 2024
Dr Karl presents an engaging, informative and somewhat insightful introductory read to the history and science of climate change. From looking at how the fossil fuel industry has persistently spread misinformation, to what climate change is, along with its impacts and some ways that it could be mitigated and/or adapted to, this book provides a bit of information that everyone could take away.
Unfortunately, I cannot give this book 5 stars though as I am disappointed that Karl did not include his reference list at the end of the book to allow readers to check out some of the sources that were used. Yes, I understand he has referred the reader to his website to observe this ‘full’ set of references. However, to my surprise the complete set of references on the website is still not complete. In fact, Karl acknowledges in a note that it is possible that not all sources may be able to be successfully provided.
Regardless, I recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy to understand introduction to climate change. It’s now more important than ever that people, particularly those involved in politics and business become/stay informed about this topic.
Unfortunately, I cannot give this book 5 stars though as I am disappointed that Karl did not include his reference list at the end of the book to allow readers to check out some of the sources that were used. Yes, I understand he has referred the reader to his website to observe this ‘full’ set of references. However, to my surprise the complete set of references on the website is still not complete. In fact, Karl acknowledges in a note that it is possible that not all sources may be able to be successfully provided.
Regardless, I recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy to understand introduction to climate change. It’s now more important than ever that people, particularly those involved in politics and business become/stay informed about this topic.
June 21, 2021
Better than most Climate Change accounts
A good "little book" that could be better.
This is a short read by a popular science presenter. It does better than some accounts in the climate change paradigm, offering extensive data examples to support the arguments. This book will readily convince those already convinced about the issue of global-warming with its language of "carbon emissions", "greenhouse", "deniers", etc. Dr. Karl might consider that intelligent, educated and well-read people should be given some respect even if they disagree with the Climate narrative. Missing from the book's details is the subsidies paid to alternative energy technologies and the environmental impact these have. The wind and sunshine do not come free and this book needs a less sanguine promotion of the technologies that collect these energies. An open discussion of the down side might be a "tipping point", not for deniers perhaps, but rather, "unconvinced-ers".
A good "little book" that could be better.
This is a short read by a popular science presenter. It does better than some accounts in the climate change paradigm, offering extensive data examples to support the arguments. This book will readily convince those already convinced about the issue of global-warming with its language of "carbon emissions", "greenhouse", "deniers", etc. Dr. Karl might consider that intelligent, educated and well-read people should be given some respect even if they disagree with the Climate narrative. Missing from the book's details is the subsidies paid to alternative energy technologies and the environmental impact these have. The wind and sunshine do not come free and this book needs a less sanguine promotion of the technologies that collect these energies. An open discussion of the down side might be a "tipping point", not for deniers perhaps, but rather, "unconvinced-ers".
November 29, 2024
Entertainment & Engagement:
The book is enjoyable to read, filled with fascinating facts and engaging anecdotes that make it both entertaining and informative.
Educational Value:
Highly informative, the book offers a wealth of knowledge about climate change, complemented by intriguing science facts that broaden its appeal.
Effort, Accessibility & Aesthetic Impact:
An easy and accessible read overall, with only small sections of technical information that might be challenging to digest.
Practical Application:
Limited for individuals. While the book highlights important actions needed at societal, governmental, and corporate levels, it offers little direct advice for individual readers beyond supporting recommended policies.
Value for Writers:
Minimal. While the book contains interesting information that could inspire brainstorming, it offers little to directly benefit fiction writers.
The book is enjoyable to read, filled with fascinating facts and engaging anecdotes that make it both entertaining and informative.
Educational Value:
Highly informative, the book offers a wealth of knowledge about climate change, complemented by intriguing science facts that broaden its appeal.
Effort, Accessibility & Aesthetic Impact:
An easy and accessible read overall, with only small sections of technical information that might be challenging to digest.
Practical Application:
Limited for individuals. While the book highlights important actions needed at societal, governmental, and corporate levels, it offers little direct advice for individual readers beyond supporting recommended policies.
Value for Writers:
Minimal. While the book contains interesting information that could inspire brainstorming, it offers little to directly benefit fiction writers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews